CLEANING AND DISINFECTING WHY'S AND HOW'S
Keeping surfaces really clean is a major challenge in any setting -- and particularly when young children are present.
Picture this: A child coughs, covers her mouth with her hand, and picks up a toy. Another uses the bathroom and
forgets
to wash his hands, touching the doorknob on the way out. Still another blows his nose and leaves the tissue on the
kitchen table.
If you've witnessed situations like these, and what parent or
teacher hasn't, you've seen an ideal environment for the
spreading of germs. And since some germs can live on dry surfaces for several hours and moist surfaces for up
to three
days, any child or adult who touches these infected surfaces is now at risk of getting sick!
Which Product for Which Job?
To help combat these germs, frequent cleaning is the key. And in a bustling home or other settings where active
children are around, it's particularly important to develop a regular cleaning routine -- and choose the proper
cleaning
products -- to help reduce the spread of infectious diseases. There are a variety of products that help keep
your home --
or your classroom -- clean and healthy. Each of these different products has been designed with specific
cleaning tasks in
mind. Sometimes it's a challenge to choose the right product for the right job! The label will tell you what
type of
product it is -- so let's take a look at what each of these products can do.
Bathroom Cleaners _
developed as sink, tile and tub cleaners. Many of these
products disinfect as well as clean -- check the label!
Cleansers _
abrasive cleaners that loosen soil. Some cleaners contain
bleach and some also disinfect -- check the label!
Disinfectants _
the only cleaning products that kill virtually all the
indicated germs. "Disinfectant" on the label means that the product
has met government specifications. Look for an EPA Registration Number on the label to be sure it has met all
government requirements for effectiveness. You must follow the product label instructions exactly for the
disinfectant
to actually kill germs.
- Chlorine Bleach _
disinfects when mixed and used properly. Read the
label for instructions.
- Disinfectant Cleaners _
contain ingredients that help remove soil as well as
kill germs.
- Disinfectants _
kill germs if surfaces are free from visible soil.
Glass Cleaners _
developed to loosen and dissolve soils found on glass.
Multi-purpose Cleaners _
remove visible soil. Use for everyday spills and soil.
Toilet Bowl Cleaners _
for cleaning the inside of the toilet only. Many of these
products disinfect as well as clean -- again, check the label!
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