Hygiene – surfaces
Disinfection and cleaning of surfaces of all kinds
Wipe out germs
Surface cleaning and surface disinfection are two of the core elements of the hygiene system range from DÜRR DENTAL. When rotating instruments are used during treatments in dental practices, it is inevitable that aerosols will form. In turn, this means that the surfaces of objects, equipment or practice furnishings will potentially be contaminated. Thorough yet gentle cleaning and disinfection of surfaces eliminates the risk of infection while helping to ensure that practice equipment retains its value.
Cleaning, disinfection and care products – for gleaming surfaces and maximum safety
DÜRR DENTAL offers a whole host of concentrates and ready-to-use solutions to assist you with this, along with an extensive range of wipes. Here, one of the key advantages of DÜRR DENTAL products is that they provide the perfect balance between uncompromising effectiveness and gentle cleaning for a wide range of surfaces in dental practices. As the manufacturer of these products we invest a lot of time in lengthy development processes, which involve extensive testing procedures. This is because we want to offer you the best products for your dental practice.
The right products for your dental practice
To help meet the demands of the wide range of applications and surface materials encountered in the day-to-day working environment of a dental practice, we offer a particularly broad range of products in the field of surface hygiene. In order to simplify your search for the right products for your dental practice, you can use our handy product finder to select your desired criteria. Of course, we are still very happy to advise you in person.
Frequently asked questions
FAQ: Areas
The choice of a suitable surface disinfectant depends on the material, the level of use and the manufacturer’s instructions for the treatment unit.
Plastics, acrylic, imitation leather or upholstery
Low-alcohol and material-friendly products such as FD 366 sensitive may be suitable for preventing stress cracks, cloudiness or material fatigue.
Metal surfaces and stainless steel
Alcohol-based disinfectants, such as FD 322/FD 333, can be used as they act quickly and generally dry without leaving any residue.
Guideline: Always check material compatibility before use and observe the exposure times specified by the manufacturer. The surface must remain fully wetted throughout the entire exposure time.
Alcohol-based surface disinfectants
They are generally effective against bacteria, viruses and fungi.
Evaporates almost completely without leaving any residue.
Particularly suitable for quick disinfection between patients.
Alcohol-free surface disinfectants
They are often gentler on materials and suitable for delicate surfaces.
Some require longer application and drying times.
These may be useful for final disinfection or for delicate materials.
Rule of thumb: Alcohol-based = fast-acting; alcohol-free = gentler on surfaces. The choice should be based on the material, intended use and the manufacturer’s instructions.Alcohol-based surface disinfectants
They are generally effective against bacteria, viruses and fungi.
Evaporates almost completely without leaving any residue.
Particularly suitable for quick disinfection between patients.
Alcohol-free surface disinfectants
They are often gentler on materials and suitable for delicate surfaces.
Some require longer application and drying times.
These may be useful for final disinfection or for delicate materials.
Rule of thumb: Alcohol-based = fast-acting; alcohol-free = gentler on materials. Your choice should be based on the material, the intended use and the manufacturer’s instructions.
Wipe disinfection combines mechanical cleaning with chemical disinfection.
Advantages of wipe disinfection
Mechanical removal of dirt and biofilm.
Ensure that the surface is completely wet during the contact time.
Reduction in aerosol formation.
Spray disinfection
May produce aerosols which, if inhaled, may irritate the respiratory tract.
It is therefore primarily intended as a supplementary measure for hard-to-reach areas that cannot be accessed with a cloth.
Conclusion: In areas where patients are present, surface disinfection is generally the preferred method, as it is effective and safe for users.
- Place the dispenser box in a dry, clean place.
- Remove FD 366 sensitive wipes one at a time and close the box immediately after each use.
- Thoroughly wet the surfaces to be disinfected and clean them using a scrubbing and wiping method.
- Clean visibly contaminated surfaces first, then disinfect them again.
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding the application time; the surface must remain visibly damp during this period.
- Before refilling, clean the dispenser box, including the lid, either by hand or using a machine.
Note: Replace any dispenser boxes that are faulty or visibly contaminated after reprocessing.
A sticky surface after disinfection can be caused by a number of factors:
Possible causes
Overdosing or underdosing of disinfectant solutions.
Incompatible combination of cleaning agents and disinfectants.
The so-called ‘soap error’: cationic disinfectants (e.g. quaternary ammonium compounds) react with anionic surfactants found in cleaning products, partially neutralising each other.
Preventive measures
Follow the manufacturer’s dosage instructions exactly.
Keep cleaning and disinfection strictly separate: clean first, rinse with clean water, then disinfect.
Do not mix cleaning products and disinfectants together in the same bucket.
Correct use promotes hygiene and prevents unwanted residues.
Procedure between two patients:
- Practise hand hygiene and put on personal protective equipment (PPE).
- Remove any visible dirt.
- Treat surfaces with suitable disinfectant wipes (e.g. FD 366 sensitive) using a scrubbing and wiping method.
- Systematically disinfect patient-facing surfaces from top to bottom:
First the monitors and light handles, then the shelves, controls, instrument trays and hoses, the dental chair with headrest and armrests, the assistant’s unit with spittoon, the outer surfaces of the suction handpieces and hoses, and the mouthwash basin.
Finally, the work surfaces and contact surfaces of the cabinet unit. - Follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding the application time. The surface must not be used again until it has dried completely.
- Dispose of wipes properly.
- Remove PPE and carry out final hand hygiene.
Number of towels
This depends on the size, number of surfaces and size of the wipes. As a rule, 2–3 wipes are required per treatment session. It is essential that all relevant contact surfaces are completely and visibly covered throughout the entire application time.
If you’re unsure which cleaning or disinfectant product is right for your practice, you can contact the DÜRR DENTAL product specialists at any time. You can easily find your personal contact for practice hygiene using our contact search by postcode. Book an appointment at your practice now and receive personalised advice free of charge. We look forward to hearing from you!