How and What to Clean, Sanitize and Disinfect

When you picture a "germ-free" space, do you still think of pungent, bleachy fumes? The good news is, you no longer have to choose between a powerful disinfectant - and a clean, healthy home.

While most germicidal products remain highly toxic, there are better, smarter choices today. Not sure if what you’re using falls into the “toxic category?” Just look at the label. If you see the words: “Hazards to Humans and Domestic Animals,” it’s because that product poses Hazards to Humans and Domestic Animals. In addition to people, pets … and our planet … they can also damage surfaces and finishes. And to make matters worse, their narrow range of use can force you to buy a different product for almost every sanitation task.

PermaSafe CLEAN is an all-in-one, multi-purpose, multi-surface solution for just about every type of surface hygiene need. It’s an Advanced-Level, EPA registered Disinfectant Cleaner that Cleans, Disinfects, and Deodorizes all in one time-saving, “Spray and Walk Away” step, with no need to rinse or wipe surfaces after it’s applied. CLEAN is also a Hard, Soft and Food Contact Surface Sanitizer that eliminates up to 99.999% of harmful bacteria on virtually every type of surface and material found in a home or office, in as few as 60 seconds. And it does it all without the use of any harsh chemicals. It's a unique and powerful combination which, according to the CDC, makes CLEAN an “Ideal Disinfectant Cleaner,” and the ideal solution for your every cleaning need.

Cleaning, Sanitizing and Disinfecting … What’s the Difference, and What’s Right for Me?

When it comes to surface hygiene, not all surfaces and materials are treated equally. The level of “clean” each requires to maintain both appearance and a healthy microbial load, are largely based upon their purpose, the environments in which they exist, the amount of human contact they typically endure, and related factors. The three basic levels of cleanliness are Clean, Sanitized, and Disinfected, with each achieved as follows:

A. Cleaning is the process of physically removing visible soils, grime and other contamination from a surface. To clean hard surfaces with PermaSafe CLEAN, simply spray it on the soiled area and wipe it clean with a cloth, sponge or microfiber. While cleaning alone usually won’t kill bacteria, viruses or other microorganisms, it will often remove a portion of them.

B. Sanitizing is the act of reducing the number of germs on surfaces to levels considered safe by public health codes. Sanitizing, or “sanitized,” is also an EPA Antimicrobial Standard that stipulates the elimination of at least 99.9% of harmful bacteria, but does not include the elimination of viruses. CLEAN can be used to sanitize hard, soft (such as fabrics), and food contact surfaces by diluting 1 part CLEAN with 9 parts Tap Water.

C. Disinfecting or disinfected is an EPA Antimicrobial Standard that stipulates the elimination of at least 99.9% of both bacteria and viruses. To disinfect with CLEAN, first remove any visible debris that may prevent it from contacting the target surface, then spray the area with CLEAN until wet, and allow to air dry.

How to Use CLEAN Around Your Home

As we hope you’re beginning to see, multi-purpose, multi-surface PermaSafe CLEAN can probably replace many of the more specialized cleaning products in your cabinet. Here’s how cleaning professionals use CLEAN for some of the most common home cleaning tasks.

1. Kitchen Counters & Food Prep Surfaces (Sanitization)
The importance of food safety cannot be overstated, and FDA approved, NSF certified, PermaSafe CLEAN eliminates 99.999% of bacteria on food contact surfaces in under 60 seconds, with no rinsing or wiping required after it’s applied. To enjoy this level of clean, dilute 1 part CLEAN with 9 parts Tap Water. Wash and rinse the food contact surfaces or items (cutting boards, utensils, glassware, dishes, food prep counters, etc.) as usual, then wet them with the diluted CLEAN solution, and allow them to air dry.

2. Bathrooms & High-Touch Areas (Disinfection)
Bathroom fixtures (sinks, faucets, toilets, etc.) and other high-touch bathroom surfaces (doorknobs, light switches, medicine and other cabinet and drawer handles, etc.) generally harbor the highest concentration of pathogens in most homes and require the highest level of germ reduction: Disinfection. To disinfect these surfaces, apply CLEAN, undiluted until the surfaces are visibly wet, then allow to air dry. No rinsing or wiping is required.

3. General Hard Surface Clean-Up (Cleaning)
From kitchen spills and muddy footprints to filthy windows, CLEAN’s all surface safe, streak-free formula is perfect for cleaning and clearing up them all. Just spray and wipe! Dirty floors? CLEAN’s got that covered too, just mix 1 cup of CLEAN per gallon of water in a bucket, then mop as usual. Easy and economical!

4. Soft Surfaces: Fabrics and Carpets (Cleaning and Sanitization)

• For Spot Cleaning Fabrics: To spot clean, or remove stains from fabrics (furniture, vehicle upholstery, blankets, other bedding, backpacks, stuffed animals, etc.) saturate the soiled area or stain with CLEAN. Allow to sit for 5 minutes. Gently blot area with a clean, damp, color-safe cloth. Repeat as needed for stubborn stains. Allow to air dry.
• To Sanitize Soft Surfaces: For 99.9% sanitization of soft surfaces (furniture, vehicle upholstery, blankets, other bedding, backpacks, stuffed animals, etc.), mix 1 part CLEAN with 9 parts tap water. Remove any visible soils and debris from surface. Spray area with diluted solution until wet, but without saturating. Allow to air dry.
• For Spot Cleaning Carpets: To spot clean carpets, spray CLEAN on soiled area until thoroughly wet. Allow to sit for 5 minutes. Gently blot area with a clean, damp, color-safe cloth. Repeat as needed for stubborn stains. Allow to air dry.
• For Carpet Pet Stain Removal: To remove pet stains from carpets (urine, feces, vomit, drool), blot up as much pet matter as possible, then saturate stain with CLEAN, through to the carpet pad. Allow to air dry.
• To Sanitize Carpets: For 99.9% sanitization of carpets, vacuum or clean away any excessive soil and debris before applying. Mix 1 part CLEAN with 5 parts Tap Water. Spray carpet at a rate of 2.5 oz of solution per square foot. Allow to air dry.

5. Deodorization
General Deodorization: CLEAN eliminates even the toughest, deep-set odors, including those from fire smoke, tobacco smoke, ammonia, sulfur, pet urine, commercial and residential kitchens, bathrooms, animal kennels, barn stalls, and 100’s more. CLEAN doesn’t mask odors, it destroys them through the process of oxidation, and must come onto contact with the cause of the odor to be effective. To deodorize, simply spray undiluted CLEAN on the source of the odor and allow to air dry.

• To Deodorize Fabrics: Spray fabric with CLEAN until lightly damp, allow to air dry. Repeat application if necessary for stubborn odors.
• To Deodorize or Freshen Carpets: Spray carpet with CLEAN until lightly damp and allow to air dry.
• To Deodorize or Refresh Air: Spray CLEAN into the air in a sweeping motion throughout the entire room.

PermaSafe’s Everyday Tips for a Cleaner, Healthier Home

You don’t have to compromise safety for a clean, germ-free home. With people, pet, planet and all surface-safe PermaSafe CLEAN, you can clean, sanitize, disinfect and deodorize just about every surface on and in your home without harsh chemicals, or the worry that comes with them.

• Follow the Instructions to Achieve the Right Level of Clean: Whether your goal is Clean, Sanitized or Disinfected, PermaSafe CLEAN can get you there, safely and efficiently.
• Stay Consistent: Keeping every surface in your home clean and germ-free can be time-consuming. Think about breaking your routine up into smaller “bites,” over a few days, as opposed to taking it all on at once.
• Test Fabrics First: Before using CLEAN on fabrics or carpets, first test for color fastness on a small, hidden area.

Learn more about the versatility of PermaSafe CLEAN, and how it can simplify your cleaning routine at www.PermaSafe.com.

*Fabric and Carpet Advisory: Before using CLEAN on fabrics or carpets, first test for color fastness on a small, hidden area.