How to disinfect and sterilize a room

Dec 21, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Yang Ziqi

Introduction

Common methods for disinfecting and sterilizing a room typically include ventilation, ultraviolet disinfection, wiping disinfection, fumigation, and spray disinfection. When using any disinfection method, it is essential to ensure safety and avoid causing harm to the human body. Additionally, regular disinfection should be performed to maintain cleanliness and reduce opportunities for bacterial and viral growth.

Common methods for disinfecting and sterilizing a room typically include ventilation, ultraviolet disinfection, wipe disinfection, fumigation, and spray disinfection. A detailed explanation is as follows:

1. Ventilation: Regularly opening windows for ventilation is the simplest and most effective method for air disinfection. By promoting indoor air circulation, it can reduce or eliminate indoor pathogens and maintain fresh air. It is recommended to open windows 2–3 times daily, each time for 20 minutes to 1 hour, adjusting appropriately according to the season and weather conditions.

2. Ultraviolet Disinfection: Ultraviolet light has strong bactericidal properties. UV lamps can be used to irradiate the room, or items needing disinfection can be directly exposed to sunlight. When using UV lamps, doors and windows should be closed, and people should stay away from the room to avoid harm from UV exposure. When sun-drying items, they should be turned periodically to ensure all surfaces are directly exposed to sunlight for better disinfection.

3. Wipe Disinfection: Wiping contaminated surfaces such as floors, furniture, and appliances with chemical disinfectants is also an effective method. Commonly used disinfectants include peracetic acid, 84 disinfectant solution, and 75% medical alcohol. When wiping, ensure even coverage of the disinfectant on the surface and allow it to remain for a certain period before wiping clean with water.

4. Fumigation Disinfection: This involves using gases produced by disinfectants to sterilize, commonly used for rooms previously occupied by infectious patients and for disinfecting indoor surfaces. Solutions such as vinegar or peracetic acid can be used for fumigation, with the room kept sealed for a period before ventilating by opening windows.

5. Spray Disinfection: Spraying disinfectants using a sprayer is another commonly used disinfection method. Medical-grade diluted solutions such as bleach (sodium hypochlorite) or 84 disinfectant can be sprayed in the room. After spraying, doors and windows should be closed for a period, and people should temporarily leave the area. Ensure even distribution of the disinfectant and wipe off any residual chemicals with clean water after spraying.

When using any disinfection method, safety must be ensured to avoid harm to the human body. Additionally, regular disinfection should be conducted to maintain cleanliness and reduce opportunities for bacterial and viral growth.

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What are the commonly used disinfection and sterilization methods?

The main method for disinfecting the home environment involves using different approaches for various items. Utensils and tableware can be disinfected by boiling at high temperatures, while nursing supplies and cotton textiles can be sterilized using high-pressure steam. Toilets, other rooms, and surfaces of exposed items should be sprayed with alcohol or disinfectant solution. After completing home disinfection, hands should also be carefully disinfected.

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How to disinfect and sterilize shoes previously worn before recovering from athlete’s foot

After athlete’s foot has healed, previously worn shoes should be cleaned, scalded with hot water, and then exposed to direct sunlight for approximately 4 hours. Shoes that cannot be washed should also be regularly sun-exposed, as drying and ultraviolet radiation are effective methods for killing fungi. Athlete’s foot is a superficial, inflammatory, fungal skin infection; patients should wear well-ventilated footwear.