Over the last two years, due to the global COVID-19 pandemic, cleaning and disinfection processes have taken on a leading role, and are one of the main prevention measures recommended by international health organizations to avoid contagion. These cleaning and disinfection actions are of vital importance in public places and in sectors such as hospitality, tourism and healthcare.
Cleaning professionals must know the differences between cleaning and disinfection, as well as the products used, their dangers and incompatibilities in order to correctly apply the protocols and ensure that cleaning and disinfection actions guarantee maximum effectiveness as prevention methods.
Read on to learn about the differences and characteristics of these cleaning and disinfection processes.
The cleaning process
Cleaning is the removal of dirt deposited on inert surfaces, which constitutes a nutritive and physical support for microorganisms. To remove dirt we combine different factors: mechanical action, temperature, time and the chemical action provided by products such as detergents.
In general, for the cleaning process we use kenya phone data water and soap or detergent and we wash or brush. Cleaning leaves surfaces free of dirt, but a clean surface can contain microorganisms that are harmful to health.
What chemicals do we use for cleaning?
Cleaning products are soaps and detergents, which are surfactant substances that act by decreasing the surface tension of water, allowing the suspension of fats and oils in water. Depending on the pH of detergents, they can be classified as alkaline, neutral or acidic.
Alkaline detergents are the most suitable for emulsifying and removing organic matter such as grease, blood, fecal remains, etc.
Neutral products are those that are usually used in personal hygiene , such as hand soaps, shampoos, etc.
Acids are more suitable for removing lime or rust residue .
Other substances (adjuvants) can be added to soaps and detergents to improve their cleaning and sanitizing properties:
Alkaline substances (such as ammonia and soda): They are used to remove oils and greases because they help surfactant activity.
Basic substances (such as phosphates): useful for washing in mineral-rich (hard) water, as they “soften” the water.
Corrosion inhibitors (such as aluminium silicates): form a protective layer against rust on aluminium materials.
Biocides (such as sodium hypochlorite (“bleach”) or hydrogen peroxide): can kill microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses and fungi.
Enzymes : are protein molecules, each with a specific function . Example: lipases remove fats.
Neutralizers (such as citric acid and phosphoric acid): used with alkaline detergents to prevent residues on materials.
Important aspects for good cleaning and sanitation
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