How long should I let disinfectant spray sit? Let's find out.

When using disinfectant spray, the most easily overlooked aspect is the "waiting time." Many people are accustomed to spraying and wiping immediately, but this only cleans the surface and doesn't achieve true disinfection.

Here's a detailed explanation of the spray's dwell time:

1. Why let it "sit for a while"?

Killing germs takes time: The active ingredients in disinfectant spray don't instantly kill germs upon contact. Just like brewing tea requires time for the flavor to develop, the disinfectant needs time to penetrate and destroy the structure of microorganisms.
Maintaining "wetness" is key: Disinfection only occurs when the surface remains wet. If the spray dries too quickly, or you wipe it dry prematurely, the disinfection process will be interrupted.

2. How long should you wait?

While different brands of disinfectant spray have varying requirements, consider these general scenarios:
Quick disinfection: For some powerful sprays, the surface usually needs to remain wet for 30 seconds to 1 minute. This is suitable for everyday simple surface contact.
Thorough disinfection: If you're dealing with more stubborn germs, or if someone in the household is sick, it's recommended to let the spray remain on the surface for 4 to 10 minutes.
Air drying: The safest method is to spray and let it air dry naturally without wiping. This is usually the best way to use many "no-wipe" disinfectant sprays.

3. Correct operating steps

Clean first, then disinfect: If there's a thick layer of dust or grease on the surface, the disinfectant spray will be blocked by the dirt. You should first wipe away the dirt with a regular cloth before spraying the disinfectant.
Use enough spray: Don't be stingy when spraying; ensure the entire surface is covered with an even layer of droplets, appearing shiny and wet.
Observe dryness: If the room temperature is high and the spray dries too quickly (before the recommended time), you may need to reapply to ensure sufficient contact time.

4. Special Precautions

Kitchen Countertops: After using disinfectant spray on food preparation surfaces, even after waiting the recommended time, it is advisable to wipe the surface again with clean water before preparing food to avoid residual chemicals coming into contact with food.
Appliance Surfaces: Be careful when spraying appliances; do not spray directly into crevices.  Instead, spray the disinfectant onto a clean cloth first, then apply the cloth to the surface of the appliance, ensuring it remains "wet" for the required time.