High-Level Disinfectants vs. Low-Level Disinfectants: Which One Is Best?
Just by looking at the title, we can already hear the majority of you saying “well of course high-level disinfectant is better than low-level disinfectant. I want my property as clean as possible.” Little do you know that each of these disinfectants have a purpose and using the wrong one for the wrong job could make it worse.
Maintaining a clean office environment goes beyond dusting desks and vacuuming floors. The choice of cleaning and disinfecting agents plays a pivotal role in creating a safe and sanitary workspace. For businesses, understanding the difference between high-level disinfectants and low-level disinfectants is essential.
Whether you’re looking to protect your employees from germs or adhere to health standards in specialized settings, knowing which type of disinfectant to use can make all the difference.
In this blog, we will go over
Understanding Disinfectant Levels
How They Differ From Cleaners
The Difference between High and Low Level Disinfectants
So let’s dive in!
Understanding Disinfectant and Levels
Before we learn the difference between the highs and the lows, it is best for us to look into the different disinfectants and the levels of clean they achieve.
What Are Disinfectants?
Disinfectants are chemicals or natural agents formulated to destroy microorganisms that can cause harm to your health. They work on surfaces to reduce the number of pathogens, effectively curbing the spread of bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
Definition of Disinfectants Disinfectants fall into various categories, depending on their chemical composition and effectiveness. Unlike general cleaning agents that remove visible dirt and grime, disinfectants tackle invisible threats, ensuring surfaces are hygienic and safe for use.
Purpose of Disinfection in Healthcare and Commercial Settings In healthcare facilities, disinfectants are regulated and critical for infection prevention. Tools, equipment, and surfaces must be cleaned with high-level disinfectants to maintain sterile environments.In commercial spaces such as offices, schools, and retail stores, disinfectants focus on reducing the spread of illness through commonly touched surfaces. Keyboards, elevator buttons, and doorknobs can harbor germs that infect multiple individuals if left untreated.
How Disinfection Differs From Cleaning and Sanitization
Cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting are often used interchangeably but serve different purposes:
Cleaning removes dirt, dust, and debris but does not kill germs.
Sanitizing reduces germs to a safe level as determined by public health standards.
Disinfecting destroys harmful microorganisms on surfaces.
High-Level vs. Low-Level Disinfection
Now that you have a better understanding of what disinfectant is used for, now we can look into the distinction between the high-level and low-level disinfectants.
Basic Differences Between High-Level and Low-Level Disinfectants
The primary difference between high-level and low-level disinfectants is their strength and range of effectiveness:
High-Level Disinfectants: Capable of eliminating all microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and bacterial spores.
Low-Level Disinfectants: Effective against most bacteria, some viruses, and fungi, but not bacterial spores.
While using the wrong one may not hurt you or those around it at the time, it can if the object or surface it was used upon has specific standards like in medical practices.
Examples of Use Cases
High-level disinfectants are typically used in medical or laboratory environments where sterility is paramount, while low-level disinfectants are ideal for daily cleaning tasks in low-risk environments.
High-Level Disinfection:
Sterilizing surgical instruments
Cleaning endoscopes or other invasive medical devices
Disinfecting laboratories
Low-Level Disinfection:
Cleaning office desks, countertops, and shared workstations
Sanitizing light switches, phones, and computer accessories
Types of Disinfectants and Their Applications
High-Level Disinfectants
High-level disinfectants are powerful and should be handled carefully. These agents are often used in environments requiring strict hygiene standards.
Common High-Level Disinfectants:
Glutaraldehyde: A potent chemical disinfectant used for sterilizing heat-sensitive medical instruments.
Hydrogen Peroxide: Its oxidizing properties make it effective against bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
Peracetic Acid: Known for its rapid action against spores, bacteria, and viruses, it is frequently used in the sterilization of surgical instruments.
High-level disinfectants are indispensable in healthcare. For example, hydrogen peroxide is often used to sterilize operating rooms, while glutaraldehyde is applied to endoscopes to prevent cross-contamination between patients.
Low-Level Disinfectants
Low-level disinfectants are easier to use and safer for routine cleaning tasks. They provide sufficient protection for areas with minimal contamination risks.
Common Low-Level Disinfectants:
Quaternary Ammonium Compounds (Quats): Found in many household disinfectant sprays, quats are versatile and effective.
Phenolics: Ideal for cleaning non-critical surfaces in offices and homes.
Low-level disinfectants are commonly used in cleaning service contracts for offices, where they are applied to shared surfaces like breakroom tables and restroom counters.
Choosing the Right Disinfectant for the Job
Factors to Consider
Determining whether to use a high-level or low-level disinfectant depends on several variables:
Level of Contamination High-risk areas with a high microbial load, such as bathrooms or medical facilities, require stronger disinfectants.
Type of Surface Being Cleaned Porous and non-porous surfaces react differently to disinfectants. For instance, certain chemicals can damage wood or fabric.
Frequency of Use Surfaces that are touched frequently (like elevator buttons or handrails) should be disinfected often with low-level disinfectants.
Required Contact Time Each disinfectant requires a specific amount of time to kill pathogens effectively. High-level disinfectants often need longer contact times, while low-level options work more quickly.
Safety and Environmental Considerations
While disinfectants are essential for public health, their improper use can have consequences:
Personal Safety Workers should wear protective gloves and masks when handling disinfectants to avoid skin irritation or respiratory issues.
Environmental Impact Certain disinfectants, such as chlorine-based agents, can harm aquatic ecosystems if not disposed of properly. Many businesses now prioritize eco-friendly products to minimize their carbon footprint.
Why Partner with Citi Cleaning Services
Choosing the right disinfectant is just the first step in maintaining a clean and healthy workspace. For businesses, outsourcing cleaning tasks to professionals like Citi Cleaning Services ensures that the job is done thoroughly and in compliance with industry standards.
Expert Knowledge Our team understands the difference between high-level and low-level disinfectants and applies them appropriately for maximum effectiveness.
Customized Solutions We tailor our cleaning services to meet the unique needs of your office. From routine cleaning to deep sanitization, we’ve got you covered.
Eco-Friendly Practices Citi Cleaning Services is committed to using environmentally safe products wherever possible, reducing harm to both people and the planet.
Contact Citi Cleaning for Your Disinfection Needs
Don’t leave your office cleaning to chance. Let the experts at Citi Cleaning Services help you create a healthier, more productive workspace. Whether you need low-level disinfectants for routine cleaning or high-level solutions for specialized areas, we’re here to meet your needs.ay for a free quote and discover how we can help keep your office space pristine and safe.
