Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/797481
Unfortunately, there is not one specific way to determine the cause in the scenario above. Typically, when working with disinfectants, the problem will be one of the following: • Diluting the disinfectant improperly. • Using the wrong disinfectant. • Applying the disinfectant improperly. • Losing disinfectant effectiveness (now referred to as "quat binding"). Selecting the Right Disinfectant and Diluting It Properly An earlier reference was made to an "EPA- registered" disinfectant, or as referred to in the professional cleaning industry, an antimicrobial product. It has been tested and proven to be effective against specific germs and bacteria while also meeting certain environmental standards. If these criteria are met, the disinfectant is registered by the EPA and it will bear a registration number on the product label. The key words here are "effective against specific germs and bacteria." Not all disinfectants are designed to kill all pathogens. Most are effective against specific types of germs. While one disinfectant may prove effective at helping to stop the spread of MRSA, or kill salmonella, E. coli, or other bacteria and viruses found on surfaces, the same product may not be effective when used to kill norovirus, or the germs and viruses that cause influenza, hepatitis A and B, measles, etc. For this reason, administrators must always check the labels of the selected disinfectants. A janitorial distributor can be helpful in this endeavor. But what happens if there is some question as to what pathogens are present? Fortunately, "broad spectrum" disinfectants are designed to kill some of the most common pathogens in a facility. As to the second issue—proper dilution—a wise and inexpensive investment that park managers should consider is an auto-dilution system. This properly dilutes the cleaning solutions per the manufacturer's recommendations. Primarily, this helps avoid wasting the product, but it also ensures that the correct amount of disinfectant is used when cleaning. By the way, more is not better when it comes to disinfectants and most cleaning solutions. The use of more chemicals means that more chemical residue will be left on the surface, which can actually attract soils and pathogens. Applying the Disinfectant Improperly A common reason disinfectants fail to work effectively is that many cleaning professionals do not realize that working with disinfectants is always a two-step process. First, the surface must be cleaned using an all-purpose cleaner or something similar. This first task removes the source—pathogens, soils and bacteria— that might be present. USICERINKS.COM MARCH.APRIL.2017 / 21 By the way, more is not better when it comes to disinfectants and most cleaning solutions. The use of more chemicals means that more chemical residue will be left on the surface, which can actually attract soils and pathogens.