Cleaning and sanitation have played an increased role in our everyday lives during the pandemic. Regular disinfection of high-touch surfaces is a simple and proactive way to help prevent the transmission of pathogens on surfaces to hands. However, the dramatic increase in the use of sanitation products, including cleaners, sanitizers, and disinfectants, also leads to an increased risk of misuse, potentially resulting in serious injury or even death. In fact, according to the National Poison Data System, there has been a 30 percent increase in disinfectant exposure cases reported to the 55 U.S. Poison Control Centers through May 2, 2021, compared to the same time period in 2019. 1
Whether using cleaning and sanitation products in schools, offices, restaurants, or at home, everyone should understand the proper way to use them. Here are several cleaning and sanitation product “Do’s and Don’ts” to help create a culture of safety in your workplace or home.
DO select an effective product with low toxicity
A product’s label provides a wealth of information (more on that below). A little research ahead of time can help you find the right product to fit your specific use, especially if an effective and worry-free clean is the most important thing to you. If you’re buying a cleaning and disinfecting product either for your workplace or home, start by reading the label or visiting the product information on the manufacturer’s website for details. Then ask yourself the following questions:
- Does it kill the bacteria and viruses I’m concerned about, and if so, how quickly?
- Does the product have any concerning signal phrases? (For example, “highly toxic.”)
- Will this product be compatible with the surfaces I want to clean and disinfect?
Review the points we discuss further below to make sure the product meets all your needs.
DO visit the EPA’s website
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates surface disinfectants to ensure they are effective and safe for use by consumers. In today’s environment, it’s important to use a disinfectant that is effective against coronavirus.
- The EPA categorizes products from I (highly toxic) to IV (very low toxicity.) If possible, select products rated as category IV to reduce your risk of harm.
- Refer to EPA’s List N for EPA-approved disinfectant products appropriate for use against SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.
Did you know? PURELL® Surface Sanitizers, Disinfectants, and Wipes earned the EPA’s lowest allowable toxicity rating (Category IV) and kill many organisms in 30 seconds, including human coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2).
DO read the product label
The most important best practice is to review and understand a product’s label before use. Some things you should expect to see on a product label are:
- Safety precautions – Product labels will highlight required personal protective equipment (PPE), first aid procedures in case of a spill or other exposure, and disposal precautions (if necessary).
- Directions for use – This information includes what viruses/bacteria the product kills – and the required contact time to kill them, what surfaces the product can be used on, and dilution instructions (if needed). It’s always important to follow these directions closely, particularly how long the surface needs to remain visibly wet to disinfect; there is a big difference between the surface needing to remain wet for 30 seconds versus 10 minutes to kill a virus (the contact time for many of the EPA’s List N disinfectants).
- Manufacturer contact information – Contact information for the manufacturer will appear on a label in case the user has any questions or concerns.
Did you know? PURELL® Surface Sanitizers, Disinfectants, and Wipes do not contain harsh chemicals, so don’t require gloves, handwashing, or rinsing after use – even on food-contact surfaces.
DO only use it for its intended use
Cleaning and sanitation products are designed for specific uses. For example, not all products are designed for use on food contact surfaces. Or, hard surface products, such as cleaners, sanitizers, and disinfectants, are intended for use on non-porous surfaces only. Never use cleaning and sanitation products on the skin or directly on food. Finally, to avoid accidental exposure, take care if using the product around other people.
DO use personal protective equipment, if required
PPE is designed to protect an individual from chemical exposures and can include: gloves or eye shields that reduce eye damage resulting from splashing; chemical resistant gloves; long-sleeved garments, such as lab coats worn with closed-toe shoes; and respirators to prevent accidental inhalation. Not all products require the same level of PPE, so always refer to the product label to understand what PPE is required during use. If you‘re cleaning at home, this may mean whether you need to wash your hands after use or not, or whether frequent skin contact can result in an allergic reaction.
Did you know? PURELL® surface sprays are certified for the EPA’s Design for the Environment (DfE) as part of the EPA’s Safer Choice program. DfE products are not only effective but also protect human health and the environment with mild ingredients.
DON’T mix sanitation products
Under no circumstances should multiple products be mixed. Not only will this negatively impact performance, but it’s dangerous and could result in serious injury or even death. For example, mixing bleach-based solutions with vinegar or ammonia can generate chlorine and chloramine gases, which could result in severe lung tissue damage if inhaled.
DON’T store cleaning and sanitation products in an unsafe manner
It’s important to follow chemical storage best practices to minimize risks.
- Store products by chemical type and hazard class code (if applicable).
- Do not store products together that could cause reactions if mixed.
- Never store products on the floor and do not store higher than eye level – storing products on top shelves is a dangerous practice and increases risk of a chemical spill.
- Only store products in their original packaging – never reuse empty containers to store other products or chemicals.
- In homes, always store cleaning and sanitation products out of the reach of children.
Create a culture of safety
Safely using cleaning and sanitation products doesn’t have to be complicated. Adopting safety best practices, implementing a plan for maintaining these practices, and being diligent to uphold that plan will help keep yourself and others safe. At a workplace, training your employees to follow these safety best practices will ensure the health of employees and guests in your establishment. These cleaning safety tips are also important at home.
Get more information on PURELL® surface disinfectant and sanitizer sprays and wipes ›
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