Methods of cleaning and disinfection
The cleaning can be carried out using separate or joint physical methods, such as brushing or turbulence flow, and chemical methods using detergents, alkaline or acidic, or enzymatic.
The use of sponges, foam scrapers, reusable cloths, mops is to be avoided. When necessary (cleaning of worktables, walls, floors, etc.) the professional can use disposable cloths wish are easier to clean,such as rubber scrapers and possibly brushes, etc. Reusable cleaning and disinfecting materials are frequently cleaned and disinfected (after each use, for example) and renewed.
Example of cleaning method - disinfection
1. Cleaning - separate disinfection: the operations take place successively:
- Pre-washing: tidy up, possibly dismantle, scrape and sweep equipment or premises to remove surface visible debris: it is made at low pressure to avoid projections: the pressure used can be a little stronger in the case of equipment difficult to clean (slicer for example).
- Cleaning: apply for a certain time a detergent solution (hot water with detergent, at a temperature adapted to the detergent used) and perform a mechanical action (brushing for example) to detach the bacterial film and keep it in solution or in suspension.
- Intermediate rinsing: rinse with potable water, to remove loose dirt and detergent residues, (especially if recommended by the disinfectant manufacturer): the use of medium-pressure appliances may favor this rinsing.
- Disinfection: apply a disinfectant aqueous solution and let it act in the required time.
- The final rinse: rinse with potable water, to remove residues of disinfectants.
2. Cleaning - combined disinfection (not as effective as the first method).
- Use of mixed products (mixture of detergent and disinfectant).
- Operations: prewash, cleaning / disinfection and rinsing.