In the U.S. and around the world, MRSA cases are on the rise. If you don't have a strategy for cleaning and disinfecting environmental surf aces so that the proliferation of life-threatening bacteria and viruses is mitigated, you need to develop one.
For starters, you need to understand the difference between cleaners, sanitizers and disinfectants
- Cleaners or detergents are products that are used to remove soil, dirt, dust, organic matter and germs (bacteria, viruses and fungi). Cleaners or detergents work by washing the surface to lift dirt and germs off surfaces so they can be rinsed away with water. The same thing happens when you wash your hands with soap and water or when you wash dishes. Rinsing is an important part of the cleaning process. Use these products for routine cleaning.
- Sanitizers are used to reduce germs from surfaces but not totally get rid of them. Sanitizers reduce the germs from surfaces to levels that many consider safe.
- Disinfectants are chemical products that destroy or inactivate germs and prevent them from growing. Disinfectants have no effect on dirt, soil or dust. Disinfectants are regulated in Ireland by the Pesticide Control Service . You can use a disinfectant after cleaning for surfaces that have visible blood or drainage from infected skin.
