There is much to know and learn about novel Coronavirus and its remedies but the proper knowledge of difference between cleaning and disinfecting can do more to help you combat this virus and stay safe and healthy. Cleaning only removes dirt, germs and impurities of surface while disinfecting refers to using disinfectants to kill germs on surfaces. Disinfecting process clean dirty surfaces and remove germs by killing them on the surface and lowers the risk of spreading infection. Here youI will discuss all the disinfecting options, required cleaning supplies and everything you need to know about disinfectants to survive in covid-19.
Use of disinfectant in non-health care setting
Disinfection practices are important to reduce the potential for COVID-19 virus contamination is as important in non-healthcare settings, such as in the home, office, schools, gyms, publicly accessible buildings, faith-based community centers, markets, transportation and business settings or restaurants as they are in health care facilities such as clinics and hospitals. High-touch surfaces in these settings should be identified for priority disinfection such as door and window handles, kitchen and food preparation areas, counter tops, bathroom surfaces, toilets and taps, touch-screen personal devices, personal computer keyboards, and work surfaces.
Disinfectant which are effective on surfaces
Generally, we find a range of disinfectant liquids which claims to be used in any place but there are certain subtle differences in the composition which makes them suitable for residential or commercial cleaning purposes. Hospital grade disinfectant is usually more concentrated than that of household disinfectants. Bleach disinfectant is also a commonly used natural disinfectant in homes and offices. In non-health care settings, sodium hypochlorite (bleach / chlorine) may be used at a recommended concentration of 0.1% or 1,000ppm (1 part of 5% strength household bleach to 49 parts of water). Alcohol at 70-90% can also be used for surface disinfection. Surfaces must be cleaned with water and soap or a detergent first to remove dirt, followed by disinfection. Cleaning should always start from the least soiled (cleanest) area to the most soiled (dirtiest) area in order to not spread the dirt to areas that are less soiled.
In indoor spaces, routine application of disinfectants to surfaces via alcohol disinfectant spraying is not recommended for COVID-19. If alcohol disinfectants are to be applied, these should be via a cloth or wipe which is soaked in the disinfectant. Disinfectant wipes are quite easily available in Australia, convenient to use and safe to hands.
Precautionary measures while using disinfectant
- The disinfectant and its concentration should be carefully selected to avoid damage to the surfaces and to avoid or minimize toxic effects on household members or users of public spaces.
- Avoid combining disinfectants, such as bleach and ammonia, since these mixtures can cause respiratory irritation and release potentially fatal gases.
- Keep children, pets and other people away during the application of the product until it is dry and there is no odor.
- Open windows and use fans to ventilate. Step away from odors if they become too strong.
- Alcohol Disinfectant solutions should always be prepared in well-ventilated areas.
- Wash your hands after using any disinfectant, including surface wipes.
- Make sure not to use alcohol disinfectant wipes to clean hands or as baby wipes.
- The minimum recommended personal protective equipment when disinfecting is rubber gloves, waterproof aprons and closed shoes. Eye protection and medical masks may also be needed to protect against chemicals in use or if there is a risk of splashing.
Following the directions is necessary
Disinfectants require very specific conditions in order to be effective against germs and viruses. Curing times as well as dilution ratio are two things to consider when using bleach as a cleaner. Every disinfectant container has a label on it. Read the label carefully. Also, never pour straight bleach on any surface – not only can it damage the surface, but it will actually be ineffective without proper dilution. All disinfectant solutions should be stored in opaque containers, in a well-ventilated, covered area that is not exposed to direct sunlight and ideally should be freshly prepared every day. Proper adherence to the directional use of disinfectants will surely result in a safer environment against covid-19.