Cleaning and disinfection

Cleaning and disinfection are two different jobs. Cleaning removes dirt, grease and food waste. Disinfection reduces bacteria to a safe level. A surface can look clean and still carry harmful bacteria.

Food-contact surfaces and things that hands touch often, such as handles, taps and switches, need a two-stage process. Stage one is to clean. Use hot water and detergent to remove dirt and grease, then rinse. Stage two is to disinfect. Apply the disinfectant and leave it for the contact time on the label. Rinse if the label says to, and let the surface dry.

Here is an example. You have just prepared raw chicken on a steel bench. Scrape off any loose food. Wash the bench with hot water and detergent, then rinse it. Spray on the disinfectant and leave it for the contact time. Rinse it if the label says to. Let it air dry or use a single-use paper towel.

The order matters, because dirt and grease stop disinfectant working. If you use a sanitiser, which is a product that cleans and disinfects, you must still use it for both stages.

Contact time is the time a disinfectant must stay on a surface to work. The most common mistake is to spray and wipe straight away. Always use the right dilution as well. If a product is too weak, it will not work.

Not all products kill bacteria. Disinfectants must meet BS EN 1276 or BS EN 13697, so check that one of these codes is on the label.

Clean as you go, and follow your cleaning schedule. The schedule sets out what must be cleaned or disinfected, how often and with which products. Sign it only when the job has been done.

Dirty cloths spread bacteria. Use single-use cloths where you can, especially after raw food. Dish cloths, sponges and tea towels must be cleaned regularly. Keep separate cloths for raw and ready-to-eat areas.

Store chemicals away from food, in labelled containers. Never mix chemicals, and follow the safety instructions, including any advice on gloves or eye protection. Keep mops, buckets and other cleaning equipment clean too, and do not use the toilet mop in a kitchen. Turn off and unplug machines before you clean them.