Clean surfaces, reduced risk of spreading infection
A surface may look completely clean but still contain viruses, bacteria, and fungi. Microorganisms are invisible to the naked eye and can be spread through hands, objects, and contact surfaces.
Good hygiene is therefore not just about removing visible dirt, but also about understanding when disinfection is needed.
Here we have gathered knowledge and practical advice on surface disinfection, how infections spread via surfaces, and what you can do to create a safer environment at home, at work, and in public spaces.
Cleaning and disinfection, what is the difference?
The fact that a surface looks clean does not mean that it is free from microorganisms. Therefore, it is important to understand the difference between cleaning and disinfection.
Cleaning removes dirt
Cleaning removes dust, grease, dirt and some microorganisms through mechanical action, usually with water and cleaning agents.
Disinfection inactivates microorganisms
Disinfection means that bacteria, viruses and fungi are killed or inactivated using, for example, chemical disinfectants.
Two methods that complement each other
In most everyday situations, regular cleaning is sufficient. In cases of increased risk of infection, disease outbreaks or special hygiene requirements, disinfection may be needed as a complement.
For the best effect, visible dirt should normally be removed before the surface is disinfected.
Germs can spread via surfaces we touch every day
Door handles, mobile phones, taps, light switches and shared equipment are examples of contact surfaces touched by many people.
When a contaminated surface is touched, microorganisms can be transferred to the hands and then on to other objects or to the mouth, nose and eyes.
How long microorganisms survive on a surface varies depending on the type of organism, the surface material and the surrounding conditions.
Extra attention to shared contact surfaces
In environments where many people are present, regular cleaning of contact surfaces is an important part of preventive hygiene work. During periods of increased risk of infection, targeted disinfection can reduce the risk of indirect contact transmission.
Winter vomiting bug, a virus that requires extra attention
Norovirus is the main cause of winter vomiting disease, a highly contagious virus that can spread through direct contact, contaminated food and water, and via surfaces and objects.
Norovirus belongs to the group of non-enveloped viruses, which means it lacks the outer lipid envelope found in many other viruses.
This makes the virus more resistant to certain common disinfection methods.
Is alcohol-based disinfection sufficient?
Alcohol is effective against many microorganisms, but its effectiveness against norovirus varies between different products and formulations.
Therefore, it is important to choose a disinfectant with documented effectiveness against the type of virus you want to combat.
In cases of suspected winter vomiting disease, thorough handwashing with soap and water is particularly important. Surfaces that may have been contaminated need to be cleaned and disinfected using a method suitable for norovirus.
Keep in mind: Hand sanitizer does not replace handwashing in cases of winter vomiting disease.
When do surfaces need to be disinfected?
Regular cleaning is the foundation of good hygiene, but in some situations there is a greater need for disinfection.
When someone is ill at home
When someone is ill, especially with a stomach bug, high-touch surfaces such as toilets, handles and taps may need to be disinfected to reduce the risk of spreading infection.
In workplaces and public environments
In environments where many people share equipment and spaces, targeted disinfection can be an important complement to regular cleaning routines.
In healthcare and social care
Special requirements are placed on hygiene, cleaning and disinfection here. Methods and products should be selected based on the organization's hygiene routines and applicable requirements.
After a confirmed infection or outbreak
For example, in the case of winter vomiting disease, extra cleaning and disinfection of affected surfaces may be needed to limit further spread of infection.
How to properly disinfect surfaces
1. Start with cleaning
Remove visible dirt, grease, and organic material with a suitable cleaning agent.
2. Choose the right disinfectant
Use a product intended for the surface in question that has a documented effect against the microorganisms that need to be controlled.
3. Apply according to the instructions
Distribute the disinfectant so that the surface is properly treated. Follow the product's instructions regarding dosage, application, and safety.
4. Respect the contact time
The disinfectant needs sufficient time to work. Always follow the product's specified contact time and instructions for any necessary follow-up treatment.
Surface disinfection with FreeBact®
FreeBact® Surface is based on chlorine dioxide (ClO₂), a powerful oxidant with a documented effect against bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
Independent tests show that FreeBact® Surface is effective against even hard-to-combat, non-enveloped viruses. In comparative tests, the product has shown up to three times higher effectiveness than alcohol under the conditions examined.
FreeBact® Surface, for direct treatment of surfaces
A practical solution for the disinfection of various types of surfaces, from personal use to professional environments.
FreeBact® Fogging, for entire spaces
For larger or hard-to-reach surfaces, there is FreeBact® Fogging, a portable system solution that distributes the disinfectant as a very fine mist in enclosed spaces.
FAQ - Questions & answers about outdoor exercise
What is the difference between cleaning and disinfection?
Cleaning removes dirt and some microorganisms from the surface. Disinfection involves killing or inactivating microorganisms using, for example, chemical disinfectants.
When necessary, the methods are used together for best results.
Do all surfaces need to be disinfected every day?
No. In typical home environments, regular cleaning is usually sufficient.
Disinfection is primarily a supplement in cases of increased risk of infection, disease outbreaks, or in environments with special hygiene requirements.
How long do viruses and bacteria survive on surfaces?
Add the content to appear when the content is expanded
How long do viruses and bacteria survive on surfaces?
It varies depending on the microorganism, surface material, temperature, and humidity.
Some microorganisms only survive for a short time outside the body, while others can remain for significantly longer.
Therefore, good hand hygiene and regular cleaning of contact surfaces are important.
Does alcohol work against winter vomiting disease?
Alcohol-based disinfectants are effective against many viruses and bacteria, but their effectiveness against norovirus may be limited and varies between products.
In the case of winter vomiting disease, handwashing with soap and water is particularly important. For surface disinfection, a product with documented effectiveness against norovirus should be chosen.
What are non-enveloped viruses?
Viruses can be divided into enveloped and non-enveloped viruses.
Enveloped viruses have an outer lipid envelope that is sensitive to many disinfectants, such as alcohol.
Non-enveloped viruses lack this envelope and can therefore be more resistant to certain disinfection methods.
Norovirus is an example of a non-enveloped virus.
Do you have to clean before disinfecting?
Yes, normally visible dirt and organic material should be removed before disinfection.
Dirt can reduce the effectiveness of the disinfectant. Some products are intended for combined cleaning and disinfection; always follow the product instructions.
What does contact time mean in disinfection?
Contact time is the time required for the disinfectant to act to achieve a documented effect.
The time varies depending on the product, microorganisms, and conditions of use. Always follow the instructions for use of the relevant product.
What is the difference between standard surface disinfection and fogging?
For standard surface disinfection, the disinfectant is applied directly to selected surfaces, for example by spraying or wiping.
Fogging involves distributing the disinfectant as a very fine mist in an enclosed space.
It can be an alternative when large or hard-to-reach surfaces need to be treated. The method requires specialized equipment and must be carried out according to established instructions.
