Wipe or spray

The question of whether to wipe or spray is one that hygiene and quality officers ask themselves when drawing up disinfection plans.

We have the answers.

Basically, one should have the goal in mind: a completely wetted surface. What factors need to be considered in order to choose the appropriate application technique?

Which of the two application methods is safer for the employee? Spray or wipe? Spraying may produce aerosols which the user inhales. Therefore, on large surfaces such as floors, ceilings and walls, wiping is preferable to spraying in most cases. For small areas, however, both applications can be useful.

Consider how reproducible the prescribed application technique is. Would different employees achieve the same result? Wipe the surface reproducibly and produce the same spray pattern? Pre-impregnated non-woven cloths offer the advantage of a reproducible impregnation quantity. But: The range must also be considered. Write in the work instructions with the standardized application methods for which surface size the cloth is suitable.

In convoluted areas, it can often be more efficient to use a spray disinfectant to ensure that even hard-to-reach areas are wetted.

Even though safety and product protection are top priorities, do you also consider the environment and costs? Is too much disinfectant used when spraying?

Keep in mind that some disinfectants can attack sensitive materials. Puddles can form from too much disinfectant sprayed on. This is a danger for metals and it can lead to material damage.

Even wiping has to be learned. Prescribe proper wiping techniques to your employees. Attention must be paid to the re-contamination of already disinfected surfaces. The specific application of the folding and turning techniques make it reproducible and safe.