Since the start of the pandemic, we’ve all been taking extra care in keeping ourselves and the people around us protected. In addition to a hodgepodge of safety and hygiene measures, it’s clear that disinfecting is an essential step to banish germs in our households that could make us sick. However, it’s not just the germs that you have to worry about.
Even though it has become second nature to us to frequently disinfect our surroundings, it’s often easy to overlook the dangers when it comes to these powerful chemicals. While disinfectants can be a trusty weapon against disease-causing pathogens, it’s important to know how to use these products safely in order to reduce the risks of potentially hazardous effects.
Here are some dos and don’ts to keep in mind to keep yourself (and just about everything else) safe, hygienic and germ-free at all times.
Do: Follow the label instructions to ensure safe and effective use
When choosing an appropriate disinfectant, you should make sure that the product comes with a clear set of instructions to ensure safe and proper application. Incorrect usage can lead to potentially harmful effects, so it’s crucial to follow the recommended directions by the manufacturer in order to prevent safety hazards.
One major red flag? Pay close attention to the product label, which may contain warning symbols that indicate the presence of toxic substances. Products with signal words such as caution, warning or danger could pose a significant threat to one’s health, and should always be handled with extreme caution.
Don’t: Use toxic disinfectants around young children
Always keep children out of the room when applying a toxic disinfectant product. Kids can easily come into contact with treated surfaces that are laden with harsh chemicals, which may lead to accidental poisoning if unsupervised. Ensure that the area is well-ventilated by keeping windows open, and allow for ample time for any strong odours or fumes to dissipate prior to them returning. Extra care should be also taken to prevent accidental inhalation or ingestion by keeping disinfectants stored out of sight and reach after every use.
An alternative solution is to use a non-toxic product like BioCair. Unlike other traditional disinfectants in the market, our specialised range of kid-friendly disinfectants do not contain any toxic or harmful chemicals which makes it safe for inhalation and ingestion, even around children of any age. Now you can focus on the task at hand without the added worry of another health crisis!
Do: Conduct research prior to purchasing the product
Just like any other product, it’s important to do thorough research beforehand to make sure that your chosen disinfectant meets your specific needs and considerations. A quick background check will provide valuable insight into the product specifications, helping you to make a more well-informed purchasing decision.
To ensure legitimacy and brand credibility, look for evidence of proper certifications and extensive testing to verify performance claims. For instance, BioCair takes pride in our strong track record in providing high-level disinfectant solutions for our consumers, backed up by recognition from internationally-accredited sources. All our products have undergone stringent testing via independent third-party laboratories to ensure the highest standards of safety, quality and efficacy.
Don’t: Focus only on common surfaces
Most of us tend to jump straight into disinfecting high-touch contact areas in the home, such as the countertops, doorknobs, remote controls etc. However, it’s also important to bear in mind that germs and bacteria don’t just exist on surfaces, but also in the air that we breathe in. These infectious particles can stay suspended in the air for extended periods of time, leading to a higher risk of airborne transmission.
For a long-lasting defense against everyday germs, get into the habit of disinfecting both the air and surfaces with BioCair. Thanks to our unique BC-65 technology, BioCair’s Dry-Mist Disinfection Machines are not just effective in getting rid of bacteria in the air, but also capable of wiping out any lingering germs on nearby surfaces within a room. Find out more about our aerial disinfection machines here.
Do: Allow ample dwell time for optimal disinfecting
One common mistake that people make is to wipe away the disinfectant residue on a surface before it even gets to work, therefore requiring reapplication. To achieve maximum results, most disinfectants need to remain in contact with the surface for a specified length of time – usually 3 to 10 minutes – in order to effectively kill germs.
Hence, we recommend looking for products with a short contact time for more efficient disinfecting action. BioCair is fast-acting and provides immediate protection in just 60 seconds of contact, effectively killing 99.999% of bacteria, viruses, fungus and spores without leaving behind any sticky residue. While other disinfectant solutions need to remain wet on a surface, BioCair utilises a form of dry mist that rapidly disinfects the air and surrounding surfaces in one sitting. No more lengthy dwell times!
Don’t: Skip out on your regular cleaning routine
Cleaning plays an important role in ensuring daily hygiene levels, so be sure to clean surfaces to remove dirt and debris before disinfection. Germs tend to hide in dirt and dust particles, so the process of cleaning actually helps to reduce the amount of pathogens. Then, follow up with your disinfection regime to eliminate any lingering traces of germs and bacteria; high-touch surfaces and objects should be disinfected after every use, while indoor air should be disinfected at least an hour a day.
Remember, cleaning and disinfecting goes hand-in-hand. Adding these steps to your everyday routine can help lower the risk of infection for you and your loved ones, keeping your family safe and protected.
