What should you do if a tool is visibly dirty?

The best course of action when a tool is visibly dirty is to wash it with soap and water before disinfecting. This step is essential because disinfectants are designed to work most effectively on surfaces that are clean. If a tool is visibly dirty, such as having debris, blood, or other organic matter on it, the disinfectant may not be able to penetrate and eliminate pathogens effectively.

Washing the tool removes physical contaminants and reduces the bio-burden, which is important for ensuring that the subsequent disinfection process is effective. After the tool is thoroughly cleaned with soap and water, it can then be properly disinfected to eliminate any remaining pathogens. This two-step process ensures that the tool is safe for use and meets health and safety standards.

Using alcohol wipes or disinfecting immediately without cleaning may leave some contaminants present, reducing the overall effectiveness of disinfection. Replacing it with a new tool may not always be a practical or necessary option, especially if the tool can be effectively cleaned and sanitized.