Lessons / Cleanliness & Disinfection / Disinfection done properly
🧴 Cleanliness & Disinfection · 6 min
Disinfection done properly
Why this matters
Most disinfectants fail for one of two reasons: the surface was dirty, or the contact time was too short. Both are free to fix.
By the end of this lesson you will be able to
- Define the vocabulary of disinfection precisely
- Carry out a disinfection protocol with correct contact time
- Describe the properties of an ideal disinfectant
The vocabulary
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Antiseptic | Chemical agent applied to living tissue (such as wounds) to prevent growth of microorganisms |
| Disinfectant | Chemical agent applied to inanimate objects or surfaces to kill disease-causing microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi and at least some viruses |
| Bactericide | Kills bacteria (bacteriostatic only stops them multiplying) |
| Fungicide | Kills fungi |
| Virucide | Kills viruses |
| Germicide | Broad term for agents that kill microorganisms |
| Sterilization | Complete destruction of all forms of microbial life |
The protocol
1. Remove the animalsDisinfectants can harm animals directly.
2. Scrub firstMost disinfectants will not work if organic material is present. Scrubbing clean before disinfecting is required, not optional.
3. Dilute per the labelRead the label. Correct dilution matters for both effectiveness and animal safety. Many products work better in hot water.
4. Leave it on 10 to 20 minutesContact time is what kills. Wiping it straight off does nothing.
5. Rinse thoroughlySeveral rinses of fresh water. Many disinfectants harm animals if not fully rinsed away.
An ideal disinfectant
- Broad spectrum activity (kills a wide range of organisms)
- Non-toxic and non-irritating to animals and humans
- Non-corrosive to surfaces
- Inexpensive and easily available
- Not readily inactivated after application
No single disinfectant has all five properties, so different agents suit different situations. The broad categories are phenolics, halogens (chlorine and iodine based), quaternary ammonium compounds, and biguanides. Ask your veterinarian what they use and recommend.
Everyday rules
- Remove feces and urine daily.
- Disinfect substrate and furnishings between different animals, every time.
- Wear gloves; wash hands between animals and between cages.
- Control insects and rodents in the facility.
- If you cannot disinfect it, throw it away.
- Keep RVS equipment separate even after cleaning, and use it only for RVS.
This lesson is part of the NY Wildlife Rehabilitator Exam course. Open it in the course to answer the retrieval checks that go with it, track what you have read, and quiz the whole unit. Lessons, quizzes and the glossary are free.