Disinfectants & Sanitizers
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is the difference between a standard disinfectant and a hospital grade disinfectant?
According to the EPA, a hard surface cleaner is a product that does not make any antimicrobial or pesticide claims. These disinfectants are typically used in household cleaning and effectively kill common bacteria. Salon disinfectant wipes and cleaners that do not specifically claim to be EPA-approved would fall into this classification.
Hospital disinfectants are EPA registered and approved for use in hospitals, clinics, dental offices, and other medical facilities, and have been proven effective in eliminating microorganisms often found in healthcare settings. Massage Warehouse offers a variety of hospital grade disinfectants for salons and spas.
Where should cleaning solutions be stored?
Each manufacturer will provide direction regarding the proper storage and disposal of their individual salon cleaning products. In general, however, cleaning solutions should be stored in original containers and kept away from children and pets. To avoid cross-contamination, take care to store away from food, water, feed, or any products used on or near clients.
Please refer to the manufacturer’s label for specific directions and more detailed information.
Do hand sanitizers work?
Alcohol-based hand sanitizers can reduce the number of microbes on hands, but do not eliminate all types of germs, according to the CDC. Using the correct amount of alcohol-based hand sanitizers is imperative to inactivate many types of microbes effectively.
The CDC recommends washing hands with soap and water whenever possible. In the event that soap and water are unavailable, using a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol can be effective.
Do disinfectants and sanitizers expire?
Yes. Disinfectants and sanitizers product labeling will include an expiration date. Although using them after expiration is not dangerous, the product's effectiveness can be reduced dramatically. Best practice would include replacing expired disinfectants, cleaners, and sanitizers.
What is the difference between Germicides and Disinfectants?
‘Disinfectant’ is defined as a substance which kills germs and/or viruses. ‘Germicide’ is defined as an agent that kills pathogenic organisms; a disinfectant.
According to the CDC, the term germicide includes both antiseptics and disinfectants. Antiseptics are germicides applied to living tissue and skin; disinfectants are antimicrobials applied only to inanimate objects. In general, antiseptics are used only on the skin and not for surface disinfection, and disinfectants are not used for skin antisepsis because they can injure skin and other tissues.
How does a UV Sterilizer work?
UV Sterilizers use the germicidal qualities of ultraviolet light to effectively kill bacteria. According to industry experts, ‘advancements in technology, and specifically in the UV bulbs themselves, its reliable long lifespan and smaller size has broadened the field for where it can be used.’ Ultraviolet devices are used to ‘disinfect water, air, fruits, vegetables, surgical utensils, tablet computers, toys and a variety of surfaces.'
As time requirements to eradicate specific viruses and bacteria can vary, please follow the manufacturer’s detailed instructions to ensure results.
*Scientific claims sourced from the experts at Advanced Biotechnologies, Inc.
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