If it's come in contact with blood, mucous or skin, disinfect it.
Studies show that only 37 percent of public restrooms on cruise ships and 46 percent of public restrooms in hospitals were cleaned on a daily basis, leading to viral infections. Researchers report a surprising result -- cleaning can spread germs. Wiping mops and cloths over contaminated surfaces contaminate the mops, cloths and detergents. Technically, cleaning is the act of removing dirt, a necessary first step. The next step, disinfection, uses chemicals to kill microscopic bacteria and viruses.
First, Clean
Cleaning means clearing away visible junk. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services notes that, "Most disinfectants are not effective in the presence of dirt and organic matter, therefore cleaning must occur first before disinfection. Wet a cloth with the disinfectant, wipe away dirt and organic material."
Select a Dsinfectant
Make it appropriate to the likely pathogens. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), "These include alcohols, chlorine and chlorine compounds, formaldehyde, glutaraldehyde, ortho-phthalaldehyde, hydrogen peroxide, iodophors, peracetic acid, phenolics, and quaternary ammonium compounds." Commercial disinfectants contain these varying formulations.
Select the most likely areas of contamination
The CDC ranks floor and wall surfaces low in disinfection priority. Visible blood should be cleaned and the surface disinfected. Next, surfaces likely in contact with mucous -- anywhere someone spit on or handled after coughing or sneezing on a hand -- should be disinfected. Lastly, surfaces in contact with skin -- toilet seats, rails, handles -- should be at least cleaned with detergent if not disinfected.
Disinfect
With a clean cloth apply the disinfectant to the item. Allow to air dry for the time specified by the product manufacturer.
When in Doubt, Bleach It
Some pathogens, such as norovirus and Clostridium difficileare, unaffected by disinfectants. The CDC recommends using are 1:10 solution of bleach in this instances.
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