Final answer:
The best way to check the strength of a sanitizing solution is by using test strips or a sanitizer concentration test kit. These provide a quantifiable measure of the efficacy of the sanitizing agent.
Step-by-step explanation:
The best way to check the strength of the sanitizing solution is to use test strips. Test strips are specifically designed for measuring the concentration of sanitizer present in a solution. They work by changing color to indicate the concentration level. Then this color change can be compared against a color chart that accompanies the test strips. This method is far more reliable and accurate than smelling the solution or using pH strips, as it provides a quantifiable measure of the sanitizing agent's efficacy.
Another method that is used to determine the effectiveness of disinfectants, particularly in clinical settings, is the use-dilution test. This assesses a disinfectant's capability to kill microorganisms on surfaces. Unlike pH strips that only measure the acidity or alkalinity of a solution, a use-dilution test quantifies the ability of the disinfectant to perform its intended function.
Therefore, for the immediate measurement of sanitizing solution strength, sanitizer concentration test kits, which often include test strips, should be used.