7 Ways You’re Using Disinfectants Wrong

cropped image of a woman disinfecting a door knob

7 Ways You’re Using Disinfectants Wrong

By : angila
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, more and more people have become aware of the need of the hour, which is constant sanitation. Taking adequate measures to inhibit the transmission of the virus has become important for everyone. Therefore, knowing how to disinfect is crucial if you are moving during the outbreak and need to sanitise your rented property to move out successfully. According to expert cleaners, disinfectants are used for killing a variety of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other pathogens and can eliminate up to 99.9% of germs. However, their efficacy can be affected by the incorrect application. To avoid making mistakes while purging your rented property for end of lease cleaning in Melbourne, here is a complete guide by experts outlining ways you may be using disinfects wrong. Have a look!

Spraying Disinfectant on Unclean Surface

Professionals who perform end of lease cleaning in Melbourne avoid applying disinfectants on surfaces which are unclean. They follow a two-step cleaning process that requires cleaning to remove contaminants from surfaces/objects and then disinfect to prevent the contaminants from shielding the bacteria or viruses. It is a common misconception that cleaning and disinfecting are the same, but these are two separate activities which should be performed in the correct order for optimum sanitation.

Not Giving the Product Enough Time

Another mistake you may be making while disinfecting is not giving the solution enough time to kill microbes present on the surface or object. Like cleaners, disinfectants also need time to kill pathogens which is why you should read the label to know how much time you should let the solution saturate the surface or object. Even the end of lease cleaning experts in Melbourne allow cleaners and disinfectants required time after application to ensure they work properly.

Wiping the Disinfectant

Most disinfectants should be left on the surface to air dry and wiping them would reduce their efficacy because hardly any product will be left on the surface. Thus, after applying the disinfecting solution on a surface, don’t wipe it. In case you are using wipes saturated in the solution then swipe them over a surface and let the solution dry on its own. Don’t keep wiping to dry the product.

Not Reading the Label

Reading the label of a disinfectant before purchasing it is essential to know what are its ingredients, how long the product takes to work, and what are its directions for use? Knowing these things is important to learn how the product will work and will it be useful for the purpose you are purchasing it. There are disinfectants that only kill bacteria while others may be effective at killing a variety of germs, including viruses and fungi besides bacteria. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, it is imperative to know if the disinfectant you are investing in can kill the coronavirus among other strains of microbes.

Use Adequate Amount

It is common for disinfectants to fail or not work properly because the right amount is not used. The reason why most professional cleaners who perform end of lease cleaning in Melbourne use disinfectants generously is because they know how much to use for effectively killing pathogens on a variety of surfaces. Therefore, if you are using the product scarcely, it is time to revise your methods of application.

Not Reapplying the Product

Especially when using disinfecting wipes, most people don’t wipe the surface repeatedly and while sweeping the surface with the cloth press too hard to make the product dry almost instantly. Not reapplying the disinfecting solution while using other methods is common as well. Therefore, if you are using a disinfectant after cleaning make sure the surface remains wet with the solution for at least a few minutes. In case the solution dries before the time it needs to work appropriately, reapply it instantly. You can wipe the excessive products (if left) from the surface after letting it do it work for the required amount of time.

Not Using the Right Tools

To effectively and efficiently apply disinfectant on a surface, it is important to use the correct tools for application. For example, you can use a spray bottle to have easy access to the solution and apply it anywhere. You can also use microfiber cloths, sponges, rags, and other items to generously and evenly apply the product on a variety of surfaces. If the right tools are not used, then it can cause issues with application and hinder with the workability of the product.

Endnote

Disinfecting the various surfaces, objects, and high-touch areas in your home is necessary to curb the transmission of illness-causing pathogens. Therefore, if you are making the above-mentioned mistake, then it is time to revise your ways and ensure the products you use for killing germs are applied correctly to get optimum results.