Final answer:
To clean housekeeping surfaces, use a detergent with water or a hospital-grade disinfectant. All-purpose cleansers are suitable for most surfaces, and disinfectants should be fast-acting and stable but may not achieve sterilization. Safety measures and using the right cleaning agents are important.
Step-by-step explanation:
Clean all housekeeping surfaces (e.g. floors, walls, sinks) with a detergent and water or a Cal/EPA registered hospi Detergents containing phosphates like Finish, or those with quaternary ammonium compounds, are effective against many types of dirt. For surfaces, an all-purpose cleanser can be safely used due to their neutral or weakly alkaline nature and compatibility with most surfaces.
In terms of disinfectants, sterile blank filter paper disks can test the efficacy of various antiseptics and disinfectants. Hospital-grade disinfectants will generally contain compounds such as quaternary ammonium, phenol derivatives, or terpene alcohols which are all fast-acting and stable. Vinegar, an example of a natural disinfectant, is known for its acidic properties that kill most microbes, but it does not achieve sterilization.
Special purpose cleaners are used for particular types of dirt and stains, while green cleaners focus on biodegradability and environmental friendliness. It's also crucial to combine cleaning with proper safety measures, such as using protective clothing and handling contaminated material appropriately to avoid infection.