What Is Contact Time and Why Does It Matter?

Have you ever wondered why some cleaning efforts seem to fall short, leaving you with surfaces that aren't quite as spotless as you'd hoped? The secret might be hiding in plain sight (or rather, in the seconds ticking away on your clock). 

Enter the world of "contact time," the unsung hero of effective disinfection. Contact time orchestrates the magic behind truly sanitized surfaces.

At Granite Gold®, we're pulling back the curtain on this often-overlooked star of the disinfecting show. Let's uncover the power of patience in your disinfection routine and discover why sometimes, the wait is all it takes to achieve sparkling perfection.

What is Contact Time?

Contact time, also known as dwell time or kill time, is the amount of time a disinfecting product needs to remain wet on a surface to be effective. It's the duration required for the product to do its job properly, whether that's cleaning away dirt and grime or killing harmful germs and bacteria.

Think of it like brewing a cup of tea. You wouldn't dip the tea bag in hot water for just a second and expect a full-flavored cup. Similarly, cleaning products need time to work their magic on your surfaces.

Why Does Contact Time Matter?

Understanding and respecting contact time is crucial for several reasons:

• Effectiveness: Proper contact time ensures that the disinfecting product works as intended. Wiping away the product too soon can significantly reduce its effectiveness.

• Safety: Adhering to the recommended contact time is essential for killing harmful microorganisms. This is particularly important in healthcare settings and during times of increased health concerns.

• Protection: For various household surfaces, using the right products with the correct contact time helps maintain both cleanliness and safety.

• Cost-Efficiency: Using products correctly, including respecting contact time, means you're getting the most out of each application, potentially saving money in the long run.

Proper Disinfection and Surface Care

When it comes to disinfecting various surfaces in your home, contact time plays a vital role. Our MicroGold® Multi-Action Disinfectant Antimicrobial Spray is specifically formulated for safe and effective disinfection on hard, non-porous surfaces. 

For thorough disinfection and deodorizing, allow the surface to remain visibly wet for the specified contact time on the product label. The Multi-Action Disinfectant Antimicrobial Spray effectively eliminates harmful pathogens when used as directed, making your surfaces not just clean, but truly sanitized.

To harness its full disinfecting power, pay attention to contact time. For thorough disinfection and deodorizing, allow the surface to remain visibly wet for 3 minutes. This product kills 99.9% of viruses and bacteria, including SARS-CoV-2, SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV, Influenza A Virus (H1N1), and Human Rotavirus when used as directed. This attention to contact time ensures your surfaces aren't just clean, but truly sanitized and protected against harmful pathogens.

The Science Behind Contact Time

Disinfectants kill microorganisms through various chemical processes. The contact time ensures that the active ingredients have sufficient time to interact with and neutralize the harmful microbes. Different types of germs and bacteria require different contact times to be effectively eliminated. This is why you'll often see varying contact times listed on disinfectant products.

Common Myths About Contact Time

There are several misconceptions about contact time that can lead to ineffective disinfection:

1. "The longer, the better": While it's important to respect the recommended contact time, leaving a product on for longer than necessary isn't always beneficial and can potentially damage some surfaces.

2. "Scrubbing compensates for shorter contact time": Scrubbing harder or more vigorously doesn't make up for insufficient contact time. In fact, this can reduce effectiveness by removing the product too soon.

3. "Contact time doesn't matter for everyday disinfecting": Even for routine disinfection, allowing the product to sit on the surface for the specified time is crucial for proper sanitization.

How to Ensure Proper Contact Time

Here are some tips to help you make the most of contact time in your disinfecting routine:

• Read the Label: Always check the product label for recommended contact times. Different products may have different requirements.

• Use Enough Product: Ensure the surface remains visibly wet for the entire contact time. If it dries too quickly, reapply.

• Be Patient: Resist the urge to wipe away the product immediately. Set a timer if needed.

• Plan Your Approach: Start with one area and move to another while waiting for the contact time to elapse.

• Consider Environmental Factors: Humidity, temperature, and airflow can affect drying time. You may need to adjust your approach accordingly.

Contact Time and MicroGold®

Our MicroGold® Multi-Action Disinfectant Antimicrobial Spray is formulated to provide optimal results while being safe for various hard, non-porous surfaces. It's important to note that this is our recommended product for disinfection needs.

The Multi-Action Disinfectant Antimicrobial Spray is designed for thorough disinfection throughout your home. While effective, it's also gentle, containing no bleach or harsh chemicals that could damage your surfaces. Always follow the product label instructions for proper contact time and usage guidelines.

The Role of Contact Time in Public Health

In light of recent global health concerns, understanding contact time has become more important than ever. In healthcare settings and public spaces, adhering to proper contact times for disinfectants is crucial for controlling the spread of infectious diseases. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) emphasizes the importance of following manufacturer instructions for contact time when using disinfectants. This ensures that surfaces are truly disinfected and safe for use.

Balancing Contact Time and Practicality

While respecting contact time is important, we understand that not everyone has the time to wait around while disinfecting. For best results, try to incorporate proper contact time into your regular cleaning routine. For thorough disinfecting tasks where longer contact times are necessary, plan these during less rushed cleaning sessions.

Contact Time Makes All the Difference

Contact time may seem like a small detail, but it can make a big difference in the effectiveness of your disinfecting efforts. By understanding and respecting contact time, you're ensuring that you're getting the most out of your disinfecting products. 

At Granite Gold®, we're committed to helping you maintain clean and sanitized surfaces throughout your home. Our MicroGold® Multi-Action Disinfectant Antimicrobial Spray is designed with optimal contact times in mind, striking a balance between effectiveness and convenience. 

When it comes to proper disinfection, a little patience can go a long way. By taking the time to disinfect properly and allowing your products to work as intended, you're ensuring a healthier home environment for you and your family.

Sources:

CDC - When and How to Clean and Disinfect a Facility