One of the most important considerations when it comes to disinfecting surfaces is choosing the most appropriate product. There are numerous solutions available on the market, each formulated for specific needs and types of surfaces. Alcohol, sodium hypochlorite (bleach), and hydrogen peroxide are among the most common disinfectants, however, they are not always the best choices.
Added to this is the fact that disinfecting is not always necessary, sometimes it can be enough to use a sanitizer to make surfaces safe and free from germs. In this article we want to dispel some myths related to disinfection: let's see how many of them you also knew.
When is surface disinfection essential?
In all those environments that require a high level of hygiene - such as hospitals, medical clinics and laboratories - it is mandatory to use disinfectants capable of preventing the spread of infectious diseases. In fact, surface disinfection allows to kill or inactivate pathogenic microorganisms (including viruses, bacteria and fungi) ensuring a higher degree of protection than "simple" sanitization.
About the difference between sanitizers and disinfectants, read also this article.
However, it is important to remember that the correct procedure for disinfecting surfaces requires several steps:
- First, you need to clean the surface to remove visible dirt and debris with a neutral detergent and water. This is a crucial step, because the presence of dirt can reduce the effectiveness of the disinfectant.
- Subsequently, you can proceed with the application of the disinfectant, following the instructions on the label by the manufacturer.
- In some cases it may be necessary to rinse or dry the treated surface to remove excess product.
It is also important to consider the safety precautions to take when using surface disinfectants.
Many commercial chemicals can be irritating or harmful if inhaled or if they come into contact with the skin and eyes. Wearing protective gloves and, in some cases, masks can help reduce the risk of exposure to these substances. Providing adequate ventilation in the area you are disinfecting can also help, especially when using products with strong vapors.
But while these are things that "we all know," there are some that are perhaps not so clear. Here are 7 false myths about surface disinfection that are good to know.
Myth 1: The more disinfectant the better
Fact: Using excessive amounts of disinfectant does not necessarily increase the effectiveness of disinfection. In fact, improper use can leave harmful chemical residues and contribute to microbial resistance . For effective disinfection, it is always recommended to follow the instructions on the label, regarding the amount of product to use.
Myth 2: All disinfectants are the same
Fact: Disinfectants vary significantly in terms of active ingredients and spectrum of effectiveness against viruses, bacteria and fungi. It is important to choose the right disinfectant, based on the specific type of pathogens you want to eliminate.
Myth 3: Natural disinfectants are not effective
Fact: While some natural disinfectants may be less potent than chemical-based ones, many – such as hypochlorous acid – are highly effective and can be considered valid substitutes for their chemical equivalents.
Myth 4: Sanitizing and disinfecting are the same thing
Fact: Sanitizing reduces the number of germs on surfaces or objects to a safe level, as judged by public health standards, while disinfecting kills nearly 100% of germs on surfaces or objects. These processes have different purposes and often require different products.
Myth 5: Bleach disinfects
Fact: It is partly true, bleach - or sodium hypochlorite - is a substance with whitening properties, often used as a disinfectant because it is capable of killing bacteria and viruses on non-porous surfaces. However, its use is not without risks. We have dedicated a specific in-depth study to this topic.
Myth 6: Alcohol can be used on any surface to disinfect
Fact: Although alcohol is an effective disinfectant, it can damage some surfaces such as wood and some plastics. It is important to check the compatibility of the substance with the specific surface before use.
Myth 7: Once disinfected, the surface remains protected
Fact: Disinfection kills germs present at the time of application, but does not provide long-lasting protection. Surfaces can be quickly re-conquered by germs from human contact or through droplets in the air. Therefore, disinfection must be repeated periodically.
We hope that with this article we have shed some light or at least made you reflect on what are common beliefs that are often not supported by scientific data.
Our aim, in this blog, is precisely to provide you with the knowledge and tools necessary to adopt a more conscious and responsible approach, first and foremost when it comes to household cleaning and daily hygiene.
