Infectious disease and cleaning measures

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 A disease (as  influenza, covid-19,malaria, meningitis) caused by the entrance into the body of pathogenic agents or microorganisms (as  bacteria, viruses, protozoans, or fungi) which grow and multiply there  

According to the CDC,  Cleaning removes germs, dirt, and impurities from surfaces or objects. Cleaning works by using soap (or detergent) and water to physically remove germs from surfaces.  This process does not necessarily kill germs, but by removing them, it  lowers their numbers and the risk of spreading infection.  Disinfecting kills germs on surfaces or objects 

 According to the CDC, specifically in regards to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (Covid-19) surfaces should be cleaned and disinfected regularly, by disinfecting products an alcohol-based wipe or spray that with at least 70% alcohol by concentration. 

Different methods are available for different Surfaces and care should be excerisied at all given times. 

Dry each surface thoroughly to  prevent pooling and possible damage to them. For things like electronic  touch screens, look for specialized electronic wipes that are designed  for these sensitive electronics. However, make sure they are  anti-bacterial, as those that are not do not help you in the battle  against sickness. 

• Prior to commencing insure the proper PPE (Personal Protection Equipment, See Suggested Gear Tab), such as disposable gloves, eye protection, face mask.
• Select a dedicated disposal location to be used after cleaning. This location should be easily accessible.
• If surfaces are dirty, clean with a detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection as stated with the CDC. 
• Upon cleaning, use a disinfectant, most common types are available on the EPA.gov website but there are many other there. Regardless of the brand or manufacture, always follow manufacturer's instructions for uses and applications
• After cleaning, and disinfecting, dispose of all trash, wash hands with soap, and clothing should be placed immediately in a laundry cycle.  
•  In addition to the above, it is highly suggested to hire a disinfection company to treat those hard to reach your home or business 

            ***Caution***   Never apply disinfectants to yourself or someone else!!!

• Sanitizing refers to lowering the number of germs to a safe level.
• Disinfecting refers to eliminating almost 100% of germs on surfaces or objects, according to the CDC.
• Sanitizing is generally a lessor form of disinfecting, while disinfecting requires a stronger solution (usually available to only decontamination companies) to destroy germs rather than simply reduce them.
• Examples:

                                -Cleaning: Removes dirt and other impurities

                                -Sanitizing: Step above cleaning that reduces the number of microbes to a safe

                                  level, such as when you wash dishes, utensils, etc.

                                -Disinfecting: Further step above, which is meant to destroy or irreversibly 

                                  inactivate specified infectious fungi, bacteria, infectious diseases, to almost

                                  100%, after its suggested dwell time. 

Per the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Dwell time is the contact time a sanitizer or disinfectant is required to remain on the target surface area and remain wet, in order to effectively achieve the product's advertised kill rate of bacteria, germs, infectious diseases,etc. The most commonly used disinfectants have a 10-minute contact time, but some manufacturers range higher or lower. It is highly suggested to follow all manufactures guidelines as we do. 

No five second rule here!