Combining detergent/disinfectant with microfibre material provides a better control of microbial contaminants on surfaces than the use of water alone. Issue 1 (September 2019) - Robertson, A.
Summary: The use of microfibre cloths with either water, detergent or disinfectant is currently recommended for hospital cleaning. This study explored the efficacy of a microfibre cloth with either water or detergent/disinfectant or sporicidal products using the ASTM2967-15 standard against Staphylococcus aureus, Acinetobacter baumannii and Clostridium difficile spores. The use of detergent/disinfectant or sporicidal products had a significantly (analysis of variance (ANOVA), P <0.001) better activity than water alone in reducing bacteria and spores' viability, and in reducing the transfer microorganisms between surfaces. The use of water alone with a microfibre cloth is less effective and should not replace the use of biocidal products.