Combining detergent/disinfectant with microfibre material provides a better control of microbial contaminants on surfaces than the use of water alone

Abstract

The use of microfibre cloths with either water, detergent or disinfectant is currently recommended for hospital cleaning. This study explored the efficacy of a microfibre cloth with either water or detergent/disinfectant or sporicidal products using the ASTM2967-15 standard against Staphylococcus aureus, Acinetobacter baumannii and Clostridium difficile spores. The use of detergent/disinfectant or sporicidal products had a significantly (analysis of variance (ANOVA), P<0.001) better activity than water alone in reducing bacteria and spores' viability, and in reducing the transfer microorganisms between surfaces. The use of water alone with a microfibre cloth is less effective and should not replace the use of biocidal products.

Keywords: Acinetobacter baumannii; Clostridium difficile spores; Detergent; Disinfection; Microfibre; Staphylococcus aureus.