Which factor is most essential in the effectiveness of cleaning and disinfection?

The effectiveness of cleaning and disinfection is heavily reliant on contact time with the surface. This is because most disinfectants require a specific amount of time to effectively kill pathogens on surfaces. During this contact time, the disinfectant has the opportunity to penetrate and inactivate bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms present.

If the disinfectant is wiped off too quickly, it may not have sufficient time to act, which can lead to suboptimal disinfection and allow for the potential spread of infection. Therefore, adhering to the recommended contact time as specified by the manufacturer is crucial for ensuring that the disinfection process is thorough and effective.

While factors such as the temperature of the cleaning solution, type of disinfectant used, and frequency of cleaning are important, they are secondary to the necessity of allowing an adequate amount of contact time with the surface to ensure pathogen eradication.