What is the first step in the disinfection process?

Author: Jennie Cassin  |  Last update: Tuesday, December 9, 2025

To disinfect, use an EPA-registered disinfecting product or a stronger bleach solution. Clean the surface with soap and water first. Always read the label of disinfecting products to make sure the products can be used on the type of surface you are disinfecting (such as a hard or soft surface).

What is the first step in disinfection?

Cleaning. Cleaning is an important first step in removing disease-causing microorganisms. Cleaning means physical removing visible dirt and organic matter from objects using some type of soap, warm water and friction (scrubbing/rubbing action).

What is the first stage of disinfection?

Sanitisers can be used to both clean and disinfect as part of a two-stage approach. First use the sanitiser to clean the surface, removing any dirt, food, and grease. Re-apply to the visibly clean surface and leave for the required time to disinfect the surface.

What is the first step in the sterilization process?

Step 1- PRE-CLEANING (post procedure)

Place soiled medical device in transport container, spray evenly with an instrument transport gel over the medical device to prevent drying of secretions or other potential infectious material. Assess device for defects or conditions that may hinder the full sterilization process.

What is the process of disinfection?

Disinfection describes a process that eliminates many or all pathogenic microorganisms, except bacterial spores, on inanimate objects (Tables 1 and 2). In health-care settings, objects usually are disinfected by liquid chemicals or wet pasteurization.

The 7 Steps of Cleaning of Disinfection

What is the 3-step disinfection process?

Soap Solution for Cleaning

Follow a 3- step Cleaning/ Rinsing/Sanitizing or Disinfecting process. All surfaces must be cleaned of visible soil with a soap solution and rinsed with clean water before sanitizing/disinfecting. Soil will block the effectiveness of the sanitizing/disinfecting solution.

What is the process referred to as disinfection?

Disinfection describes the use of a chemical or physical process to inactivate or eliminate microbial organisms on inanimate objects or surfaces. These processes destroy or irreversibly inactive most pathogens, but are generally less effective against bacterial endospores.

What is the first stage of sterilization?

Steam sterilization cycles generally have three phases including conditioning, exposure and exhaust. Conditioning occurs at the beginning of the cycle. Air is removed from the chamber by Gravity displacement or Dynamic Air Removal methods and the load is heated to the recommended sterilization temperature.

What is the first step in decontamination?

The first step in decontamination is to establish Standard Operating Procedures that minimize contact with waste and thus the potential for contamination.

What was the first method of sterilization?

Dry. Dry heat was the first method of sterilization and is a longer process than moist heat sterilization.

What is basic disinfection?

Basic Disinfection is an on-demand virtual training introducing the essential elements of disinfection for laboratory and research environments. Basic Disinfection is comprised of four modules: Chemical Disinfection, Physical Disinfection, Hand Hygiene, and Volume Disinfection.

What is the first step in the cleaning process?

1. Pre-Clean. The first stage of cleaning is to remove loose debris and substances from the contaminated surface you're cleaning. You can do this by wiping with a disposable towel, sweeping, or rinsing.

Is disinfection the first stage of decontamination?

The three stages of decontamination include cleaning, disinfection, and drying. Cleaning involves physically removing dirt and contaminants from surfaces. Disinfection utilises chemical agents or physical methods to kill or inactivate pathogens.

What was the first disinfectant?

Phenol is probably the oldest known disinfectant as it was first used by Lister, when it was called carbolic acid. It is rather corrosive to the skin and sometimes toxic to sensitive people.

What is the first step of effective clean and sanitize?

Step One: Remove Debris

The very first thing to do in order to clean effectively is to clear and remove debris from the surface.

What are the 3 methods of disinfection?

There are multiple types of disinfectants, including but not limited to air disinfectants, alcohols, and oxidizing agents.

What is the first step before disinfection?

Clean first and clean regularly

Surfaces should be cleaned before they are sanitized or disinfected because impurities like dirt may make it harder for chemicals to get to and kill germs. Sanitizing reduces the remaining germs on surfaces after cleaning.

What is the 3-step decontamination process?

Decontamination is a term used to describe a combination and hierarchy of processes i.e. cleaning, disinfection, sterilization.

What is the first step in self-decontamination?

This first step of self-decontamination involves the removal of contaminated clothing. Therefore, Such an initial action shall lessen additional exposure to hazardous material and limit the spreading of the contaminant over the body.

What is the first step in sterile processing?

Decontamination. Once the instruments are successfully transported to the sterile processing unit, the first step is to decontaminate them. This starts with workers manually scrubbing instruments with nylon brushes.

What are the steps before sterilization?

All items to be sterilized should be arranged so all surfaces will be directly exposed to the sterilizing agent. Thus, loading procedures must allow for free circulation of steam (or another sterilant) around each item.

What is second to sterilization?

Disinfection is generally a less lethal process of microbial inactivation (compared with sterilization) that eliminates virtually all recognized pathogenic microorganisms but not necessarily all microbial forms (e.g., bacterial spores).

What are the steps of disinfection?

  • Step 1: Check that your product. is EPA-approved. ...
  • Step 2: Read the directions. Follow the product's directions. ...
  • Step 3: Pre-clean the surface. ...
  • Step 4: Follow the contact time. ...
  • Step 5: Wear gloves and wash your hands. ...
  • Step 6: Lock it up. ...
  • 6 Steps for Safe & Effective.

What is the first step that should be taken after exposure to contaminated waste?

If you are exposed, take the following steps immediately: Clean the contaminated area thoroughly with soap and water. Wash needlestick injuries, cuts, and exposed skin with soap and water. Flush out any splashes of blood and OPIM to the mouth and nose with water.

What is the first level in the decontamination process for medical equipment?

Cleaning is the first step which implies the removal of contagious biological material, dust and soil from a surface that needs to be disinfected. This is accomplished manually or mechanically using water with detergents or enzymatic products. After removal of physical material, the second step is disinfection.

Previous article
How do I make sure I hit a stud?
Next article
How do you tell if your house has been marked?