What is Contact Time and How Do I Disinfect Properly?

What is disinfectant “contact time”?

Contact time—also known as wet time, dwell time, or kill time—is the amount of time a surface must remain visibly wet after the application of a disinfectant in order to achieve the claimed disinfection activity.

For heavily soiled surfaces, clean before following the disinfecting instructions to ensure the disinfectant solution can reach and target the pathogens with maximum efficacy.

What should I do if the surface dries before the optimum contact time is reached?

If the surface air dries before the stated contact time, simply use a second wipe to wet the surface again in order to ensure maximum effectiveness.

Do all disinfectants have the same contact time?

Not all disinfectants contain the same ingredients, nor do they have the same “kill time.” Refer to product specifications to discover the contact time for the wipes you have chosen.

How long do disinfectant wipes take to kill bacteria and viruses?

The effectiveness of disinfectant wipes in killing bacteria and viruses depends on various factors, including the specific product, the type of microorganisms targeted, and the surface being treated. Different disinfectant wipes contain different active ingredients, and each ingredient may have a different contact time required to achieve effective disinfection.

Certainty ®  Disinfectant Wipes are designed to kill bacteria and viruses within a relatively short period, ranging from 30 seconds to a few minutes. It’s important to follow the directions on the package to ensure you are following the correct contact times.

Visit the following site to help determine which disinfectant wipes will best suit your facility’s needs: https://certaintybrands.com/wipes-refills/

What are the advantages of disinfectant wipes with a short contact time?

Disinfectant wipes with a short contact time make short work of killing bacteria and viruses. This is especially helpful in high-touch settings, such as on retail countertops and grocery store conveyor
belts.

How can I effectively disinfect the surfaces in my workplace?

  • Make certain the surface is free of visible dirt and contaminants.
  • Choose the best disinfectant wipe for the job.
  • Wipe the surface thoroughly.
  • Allow the surface to air dry.
  • Ensure that the surface remains wet for the stated contact time.
  • If it dries before the optimum contact time, use a second wipe.
  • Disinfectant high-touch surfaces frequently.

How can I discover the contact time and other information about the different varieties of Certainty®  disinfectant wipes?

Contact times can be found on the labels of Certainty ®  products. If you are unable to locate the information, feel free to email us at info@certaintybrands.com and we will be glad to answer your
questions.

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