Table of contents:
- What are disinfectants and how do they work?
- How to use a disinfectant that is safe for general use
- What are the things that should not be done when using a disinfectant?
- What should you pay attention to if you want to buy or make your own disinfectant at home?
Disinfectant fluids or solutions may not have been well known to many people before the coronavirus or COVID-19 pandemic. Some people have also started using disinfectants as a preventative measure to prevent the spread of the virus. Unfortunately, the knowledge of the disinfectant itself and how to use it safely is not well understood by everyone. For that, consider the following explanation!
What are disinfectants and how do they work?
Before discussing how to use a safe disinfectant, you should first know what a disinfectant actually is.
Disinfectants are usually chemicals designed to inactivate or destroy microorganisms on the surface of inanimate objects. Disinfectants do not always kill all microorganisms, because there are some organisms that are usually resistant to disinfectants.
Disinfectant products can be divided into two main types, namely disinfectants for hospitals and general use.
Hospital-type disinfectants are of the utmost importance to prevent and control the spread of infection. This fluid can be used on medical equipment, floors, walls, sheets, and other surfaces. While general disinfectants are the main source of products used in households, swimming pools, and solutions to purify water.
How to use a disinfectant that is safe for general use
One thing to remember is that the role of disinfectants is indeed important in preventing the spread of viruses or bacteria, for example, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the effect should not be overstated so as to provide "false-sense-of-security"Or unnecessary anxiety.
The most important thing is knowing how to safely and effectively use a disinfectant to properly clean a surface.
In order not to be mistaken, you can follow the following guidelines for how to use a disinfectant:
- Wear disposable gloves before cleaning and using liquid disinfectants. These gloves are useful for preventing skin irritation.
- Clean the surface with soap and water first, then use a disinfectant.
- Cleaning with soap and water helps reduce the amount of germs and dirt (such as dust and mud) on the surface. Using a disinfectant afterwards can be more effective at killing germs on the surface.
- Perform regular cleaning of frequently touched surfaces or objects in the family environment. For example: tables, door handles, remote TV, light switch, kitchen table, telephone, keyboard, toilets, taps, washbasins and more.
- Follow the instructions on the disinfectant label to ensure safe and effective use of the product.
- After completing the disinfection process, remove your gloves and wash your hands properly first using soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- Try to reduce the direct contact with the surface of the disinfectant.
What are the things that should not be done when using a disinfectant?
With its function that can help fight the spread of viruses, it does not mean that you can freely use it. Disinfectants include chemicals that should not be used carelessly.
Keep these things in mind before and after using a disinfectant:
- Do not let disinfectant liquid get on exposed skin surfaces such as the mouth, nose and eyes.
- Keep disinfectants away from food or drink and reach of children.
- Store the disinfectant in a place with room temperature around 20-22 ° C (room temperature)
- Never put disinfectant liquid into the body through the mouth and / or nose.
There is also an assumption that disinfectants can 100% kill bad germs. In fact, there are some germs that are resistant to disinfectants.
Therefore, even though the surface of an inanimate object has been cleaned using a disinfectant, it does not mean you can feel completely safe.
Especially now during the COVID-19 pandemic, if a place has been cleaned with disinfectant, it doesn't mean you can be there without wearing a mask and forgetting the habit of washing your hands.
What should you pay attention to if you want to buy or make your own disinfectant at home?
When going to buy disinfectants, pay attention to active substances that can kill germs such as
- Benzoalkunium chloride,
- Ethanol alcohol (60% -90%),
- Hydrogen peroxide,
- Isopropyl alcohol (60% -90%),
- Quaternary Ammonium,
- Sodium hypochlorite.
Until now, there are no specific ingredients or those that are considered more effective against COVID-19. However, it is good to make sure that the substance in the disinfectant you are about to buy has an active substance with antimicrobial properties.
If you are interested in making your own disinfectant, the US CDC (Centers of Control and Diseases Prevention) states, diluted household bleach can be used as a disinfectant solution if it is suitable for the surface being targeted.
Beforehand, also make sure to:
- Check the label to see if the bleach you have is designed to be disinfectant, and make sure the product is not past its expiration date.
- Household bleach that does not expire will be effective against the corona virus when diluted properly.
- Follow the instructions on the label for use. Never mix household bleach with ammonia or other cleaners as these can produce harmful chemicals.
- Leave the solution on the surface for at least 1 minute.
The manufacturing process is quite simple, mixing 4 teaspoons of bleach per liter of water (or according to the label).
Bleach will be effective for disinfection for up to 24 hours. Meanwhile, for other mixtures, you can also add 70% alcohol to it.
The use of disinfectants is no less important than other precautions such as using masks, washing hands, and so on social / physical distancing which is an absolute priority to break the chain of transmission of COVID-19. However, first understand the function or how the disinfectant works. Then, use it carefully so that unwanted things do not happen.
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