What is cleaning? Highlights These three terms have similar features but each has distinct and important differences Cleaning is usually restricted in meaning to the physical removal of surface contaminants, usually with detergents or soap and water, ultrasound or other methods. While cleaning does remove soils and bacteria, cleaning does not include any component of virus or bacteria killing or inactivation though it does have the effect of dis-infection by mechanical means (physical removal). Even the most thorough cleaning leaves microorganisms on the surface of the item. The use of an ultrasonic cleaner with detergents is able to dislodge fine particles from surfaces that may be inaccessible by physical scrubbing or brushing. It is more difficult but not impossible to sterilize a surface that has not been properly cleaned first. BOCK Disinfection is the killing or inactivation of some of the microorganisms on the surface of an object without the claim for killing or inactivating all microorganisms. For tools and small objects this generally refers to the effect of immersion in a liquid "germicidal". BLOCK For items that can’t be immersed in a liquid germicidal, the area or object must first be washed and then the surface coated, usually by spraying, and then allowed to air dry. A liquid germicidal's effectiveness is dependent on contact of the germicidal liquid to the virus or bacteria to be killed but other factors such as pH, temperature and microbial load (concentration) also play a part which can defeat an intended level of disinfection.
Effective cleaning is the most important step because
bacteria and viruses may survive beneath a layer of dirt, beneath grease, dried
blood, or in crevices or places that
are difficult
to reach by cleaning
that
shield the organism from
direct contact
with the
disinfectant.
Disinfecting
solutions require the object be effectively pre-cleaned
before liquid disinfection. Needles used in piercing may never be reused. Liquid disinfectants require specific solution strengths and contact time so it is mandatory to be familiar with the product by reading and following the label instructions and warnings. All disinfectants do not destroy all types of microorganisms and some may leave harmful chemical residues which must be removed prior to sterilization or use. They are almost all harmful to humans and animals. While disinfectants used as soaking agents seem to add a margin of safety to the cleaning process, the use of disinfectants themselves present other dangers. Application of alcohol, clorox (ine) or boiling is considered disinfection not sterilization. Most HDs require biological testing to verify a sterilization process. These methods cannot be routinely tested for effectiveness. We have urged
for more than 20 years that the only safe procedure which should be adopted for all body art
use is the sterilization of all reusable tools
prior to cleaning. |