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Sanitizing versus Disinfecting

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All blood or bodily fluid spills should be considered potentially infectious whether the person has a formal diagnosis or not. Aligning procedures with standard or universal precautions allows you to address the spill while remaining safe and healthy and cutting down your risk of exposure. Bodily fluids such as urine, feces, and vomitus are not considered OPIM unless visibly contaminated by blood, though precautions should still be taken. Universal procedures include protocol that is designed to keep the environment clean at all times and especially in the event of a bodily fluid spill or similar situation. Toys, bedding, linens, eating utensils, and surfaces all carry and spread germs and should be disinfected routinely.

Bleach manufacturers include two kinds of instructions for bleach use: sanitizing and disinfecting. Although these terms are sometimes used interchangeably, they mean different things. Before you mix up a bleach solution, be sure you are using the correct instructions. Sanitizing solutions use less bleach than disinfecting solutions. The manufacturer's instructions will tell you the appropriate amount to use.

Sanitizing

Sanitizing reduces germs to levels considered safe, but does not eliminate them.
Sanitizing is safe for food contact surfaces (such as silverware and high chair trays) and for toys and pacifiers that children may place in their mouths.

Sanitizing Solution **
For a less concentrated solution: mix three-quarters teaspoon of chlorine bleach to one quart of cool water for use submerging dishware that has been cleaned, table tops, classroom counters, doorknobs, and toys that are often put in a child’s mouth.

Disinfecting

Disinfecting eliminates or inactivates germs. Disinfecting requires a stronger concentration of bleach to kill the germs. Surfaces that should be disinfected include diaper changing tables, potty chairs, toilets, countertops, sinks, floors, drinking fountains, cabinet handles, and doorknobs.

Disinfecting Solution **
For a more concentrated solution: mix one tablespoon of chlorine bleach to one quart of cool water for diapering areas, bathrooms, handwashing sinks, floors, kitchens, and other surfaces contaminated by body fluids.

**These formulas are considered standard practice, but you must follow your state licensing or health department’s guidelines. Different bleach manufacturers provide different formulas for making a solution, and measurements may change. Always follow your state licensing guidelines.

Best Practice: Disinfecting information is included in most states’ child care licensing regulations. Different states have different rules about the use of dishwashers or washing machines, water temperatures, and disinfecting solutions. Always follow your state’s regulations.

Bloodborne Pathogens and HIV/AIDS Training for Child Care Professionals

Sanitizing versus Disinfecting

Page 18

Sanitizing

Disinfecting

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