Final answer:
Thorough cleaning of all visible debris from implements and surfaces is critical before disinfection to ensure the disinfectant's effectiveness. All-purpose cleansers can be used to remove common dirt, but full sterilization requires more intensive treatments.
Step-by-step explanation:
It is essential that implements and surfaces are thoroughly cleaned of all visible debris prior to disinfection. This is because the presence of organic matter can significantly reduce the effectiveness of a disinfectant on a surface. Debris can shield microbes from contact with the disinfectant, meaning potentially harmful bacteria or viruses may not be inactivated, which presents a health risk.
All-purpose cleansers may be effective in removing common kinds of dirt, and they typically produce dilute solutions that are neutral or weakly alkaline, which are safe for use on most surfaces. However, for surfaces to be disinfected, this preliminary cleaning step is crucial. This process does not achieve sterilization, which involves eliminating all forms of microbial life, including resistant spores, but does significantly reduce the microbial load. Properly preparing a surface for disinfection involves removing all physical contaminants to ensure that the disinfectant can readily access and interact with any microbial life present on the surface.