Cleaning & disinfection

Identifying cleaning and disinfection functions

Cleaning removes soiling through an appropriate product and action. Disinfection is a stated microbiological function under specified conditions. A product may combine both functions where its documentation provides for this. INRS recommends considering cleaning needs in relation to the activity and surfaces concerned. Trade name, smell and colour therefore provide limited information about an actual maintenance function. The stated purpose and conditions of application offer a more useful starting point.

Solutions: dilution, application and contact

Liquids come in ready-to-use and concentrated presentations. For concentrates, dilution directions are an integral part of use. Contact time, any rinsing requirement and application method are specific to the reference and its stated purpose. Activity claims remain connected to those conditions. Trigger sprays, pouring bottles and larger containers add handling and quantity differences without defining the function on their own. Comparing pack volume therefore requires attention to whether preparation is needed before application.

Wipes: formulation and substrate together

An impregnated wipe combines a textile or nonwoven substrate with a formulation. Dimensions, sheet count, impregnation and closure are important criteria. The substrate contributes to wiping and distributing liquid over the surface. Dispenser tubs, resealable pouches and individual wrappers offer different practical arrangements. Surface suitability and contact directions apply to the complete wipe rather than being inferred from one ingredient in its liquid. The resealing mechanism also belongs within a useful product description.

Equipment compatibility and specific instructions

Plastics, metals, seals, coatings and electronic components can have different maintenance requirements. Equipment-manufacturer instructions are considered alongside those of the preparation. Wiping, immersion and spraying are distinct methods; some devices exclude particular methods. Medical devices may require dedicated procedures and preparations. Documented compatibility prevents a general surface product from being treated as a universal equipment solution. Replacement covers or washable parts also need to follow the care instructions for their own materials and construction.

Professional information and storage

Labelling and, where relevant, the safety data sheet describe handling, storage and precautions. Caps, handles and refill connections affect practical use. A small ready-to-use quantity is compared differently from a larger concentrate: container volume and the usable quantity after preparation are separate figures. Professional maintenance information becomes more precise when formulation, substrate, method and packaging are described together. This also helps distinguish a cleaning accessory from a chemical preparation supplied for a particular surface or process.

Frequently asked questions