Caution with disinfectants

Cleaning, hygiene measures and subsequent disinfection of surfaces are currently a sensitive topic. But how do the terms differ and what do you need to bear in mind when cleaning ceramic and sensitive natural stone surfaces? Construction chemicals manufacturer Fila provides tips for effective yet gentle cleaning.

In a press release, the construction chemicals manufacturer Fila refers to a circular from the Italian Ministry of Health dated 22.02.2020 for effective cleaning and hygiene measures. It contains instructions on how to carry out disinfection in three phases:

1. first, the surface must be cleaned of coatings – a crucial phase. This removes the superficial, visible dirt – such as dust, organic dirt, stains, etc. This provides the ideal habitat for the spread of germs and bacteria.

2) Secondly, hygiene measures should be taken to remove the germs and bacteria present on a surface.

3. finally, disinfection must be carried out with a certified disinfectant. “Disinfection” is a term that is often used as a synonym for hygiene measures, although it has a different meaning. A disinfectant removes 99.9 percent of any bacteria, fungi or viruses present. The Robert Koch Institute recommends the appropriate disinfectants for Germany.

It is crucial that the surfaces are first brought into a primarily “clean” condition before disinfection by completely removing the existing dirt. If the dirt is not thoroughly removed, it becomes a breeding ground for germs and bacteria, which multiply again shortly after disinfection. It is therefore pointless to disinfect a dirty surface.

The Italian Ministry of Health states that thorough cleaning of surfaces with water and a suitable cleaning agent is an effective and sufficient measure in homes, rooms and public offices. The Fila range of biodegradable cleaners such as the neutral cleaner Cleaner Pro and the alkaline basic cleaner PS87 Pro are suitable for this purpose. The use of 1% sodium hypochlorite is recommended for decontamination after cleaning. For surfaces that can be damaged by disinfectants containing sodium hypochlorite or 70 percent ethanol or more, neutral cleaning agents such as the Fila cleaners Cleaner Pro and Brio are suitable. Walls, doors and windows, toilets and sanitary facilities should be cleaned with particular care. Fila recommends the ready-to-use spray cleaners Brio (universal cleaner, also for sensitive surfaces) and the slightly acidic limescale remover Viabagno (not suitable for acid-sensitive natural stone) from its range. If necessary, you can then proceed with disinfection.

To remove layers of dirt from porcelain stoneware and other ceramic surfaces, Fila recommends the use of cleaners such as its PS87 Pro against organic dirt and Deterdek Pro against inorganic dirt.

Cleaning marble, other natural stone and parquet

For sensitive surfaces such as marble, natural stone, terrazzo, engineered stone, parquet, waxed flooring, etc., the construction chemicals manufacturer recommends using a cleaner with a neutral pH value that is gentle on the surfaces and leaves no residue, such as its Cleaner Pro and Brio.

Caution with disinfectants

Disinfectants based on sodium hypochlorite (bleach) or ethanol (ethyl alcohol) can discolor and irreparably damage sensitive surfaces. Therefore, before using a disinfectant, carefully check whether it is suitable for the flooring in question.

After cleaning, the flooring should be treated with a stain protection agent. It is essential that an absorbent surface is treated with a water and oil-repellent stain protector. This prevents dirt from penetrating the material.