In Detail:
You want to spend your money wisely. You want to be sure that the product you purchase will do the job properly.
When choosing the right disinfectant for your facility, you should always answer these four questions first:
1. What pathogens am I trying to control?
In many settings, the most important question is the kind of germs and pathogens that you need to protect people from.
In a hospital, this may include Norovirus, MRSA, VRE, and many other viruses and infections. DDC One Step and Turbo Kill are just a few of the disinfectants that can handle these challenging environments.
In a facility with animals, you may need a disinfectant that can protect from Rabies and Feline Leukemia. NDC 128 is a hospital-grade disinfectant that is perfect for a wide range of environments, including veterinary practices, zoos, kennels, and other animal care facilities.
Some disinfectants have a wide spectrum of kill claims, while others kill a smaller range of disease causing organisms, but are preferred for other properties. For example, they may be non-corrosive, non-toxic, or have shorter dwell times.
Be sure to check the product claims to ensure that your disinfectant will effectively eliminate the specific germs and pathogens that are present in your work environment.
2. What kind of application do I need?
Maintex sells a range of disinfecting products including:
- Concentrated liquids
- Ready to use liquids
- Sprays
- Wipes
- Aerosols
Wipes are perfect for cleaning environments with fast turnover. For example, a fitness facility that needs to rid gym equipment of sweat and bacteria between workouts. Or schools and health care settings that need to rapidly clean work surfaces between patient or student use.
Sprays and aerosols are convenient for frequent use and some are formulated to be gentler on skin.
3. What is my budget?
Disinfectants are often sold in a concentrated form so dilution affects cost. If you’re purchasing a concentrate, note the dilution rate. Items that cost more per gallon upfront may actually cost less per gallon, once they have been diluted for use.
Concentrated liquids are economical, effective, and versatile, especially when paired with the Maintex Dilution Solution.
However, Ready-to-Use products like liquids, wipes, sprays, and aerosols are simple and labor saving, which can also help your bottom line.
4. How long can I wait?
Check the label for the required dwell time, which may range from about 30 seconds to 10 minutes.
Most healthcare settings may require a faster dwell time, if there is rapid turnover between patient visits. However, for an overnight or post-discharge clean, a longer dwell time may be appropriate and can sometimes provide more disinfecting power.
The Clean Up:
When selecting the right disinfectant for your needs, always consider these four factors: pathogens, application type, budget, and dwell time.
We're always here to answer your questions. If you'd like additional guidance, please fill out our contact form, call Maintex Customer Service at 626-961-1988, or call your Maintex Sales Representative. We will help you find the perfect disinfectant solution for your facility.
