Cleaning and disinfection
Cleaning removes soil and germs. Disinfection uses a chemical or process to inactivate many remaining germs.
Cleaning and disinfection are different
Cleaning uses detergent and water to physically remove dirt, organic matter and most germs. Disinfection uses a chemical or process to kill or inactivate many of the germs that remain.
Disinfectants don't work properly on dirty surfaces, so clean first and then disinfect — unless you are using a combined detergent-disinfectant product designed to do both in one step.
Read the label
Every product has instructions for dilution, compatible surfaces, PPE and contact time — how long the surface must stay wet to work. Wiping a disinfectant off after a few seconds often means it hasn't done its job.
Never mix chemicals. Some combinations, such as bleach with ammonia-based or acidic products, release toxic gases. Keep products in labelled containers and check the safety data sheet if you are unsure.
Work methodically
Work from clean areas to dirty areas and from high surfaces to low, so you don't spread contamination back onto what you've just cleaned. Change or fold cloths regularly, and change mop water when it looks dirty.
High-touch surfaces — door handles, light switches, bed rails, taps, remote controls, tables and toys — need more frequent attention than low-touch areas such as walls.
Colour coding
Many workplaces use colour-coded cloths, mops and buckets so equipment used in bathrooms never ends up in kitchens or care areas. Learn your workplace's system and stick to it.
Key points
Always clean before disinfecting unless the product is designed for both.
Follow the label for dilution, surface compatibility and contact time.
Use workplace colour coding to prevent equipment moving between risk areas.
Read the product label
Work clean-to-dirty and high-to-low
Allow the full contact time
In beauty and personal services
Beauty and personal services
Clean, then disinfect or sterilise reusable tools as your procedures require, and give disinfectants their full contact time.
Common mistakes
- Spraying disinfectant on a dirty surface and wiping straight away.
- Using the same cloth for the toilet and the sink.
- Topping up dirty mop water instead of replacing it.
On the job
Follow your workplace procedures, product instructions and supervisor guidance. If you are unsure, stop and ask before continuing the task.
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Beauty & Personal Services
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