Professional Cleaning Guide

In the professional cleaning world, one of the most common—and most overlooked—mistakes is not allowing disinfectants to sit on a surface long enough to work properly. Many people spray, wipe, and walk away, assuming the surface is instantly disinfected.
But that’s not how real disinfection works.

Why “Dwell Time” Matters

Every disinfectant, whether commercial-grade or household, requires a specific amount of time to kill bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms. This is called dwell time or contact time.

If the product is wiped off too quickly, the disinfectant doesn’t have enough time to destroy pathogens, leaving behind microorganisms that continue to spread illness.

In other words:
A quick wipe only cleans the surface— it does NOT disinfect it.

What Happens When You Don’t Wait Long Enough

Failing to follow dwell time leads to several real problems:

• Germs survive, even if the surface looks clean.

• Cross-contamination increases, especially in kitchens, bathrooms, and office spaces.

• Cleaning staff waste time and product, without achieving proper sanitation.

• Illnesses spread more easily, especially in high-touch areas.

• Your facility doesn’t meet professional or regulatory standards.

For businesses—schools, offices, restaurants, clinics—this becomes a liability issue.

Every Disinfectant Has Its Own Required Time

Dwell time is not universal.
Some products need 30 seconds.
Others need 10 minutes.
EPA-registered disinfectants always list dwell time on the label, and ignoring it means the product won’t perform as intended.

Professional cleaners always:
✔ Read the label
✔ Apply enough product to keep the surface visibly wet
✔ Wait the full required time before wiping or leaving it to air dry

Real-World Example

A common mistake is spraying a disinfectant on a doorknob or light switch and wiping it immediately.
Even if the disinfectant is strong, wiping it off instantly reduces its germ-killing ability by up to 90%.

That’s why professional cleaning companies—like JC House Cleaning Service—train their teams to apply, wait, then wipe.
This small difference creates a massive impact on hygiene and safety.

How to Do It the Professional Way

Here’s the correct process:

1. Spray the disinfectant generously until the surface is fully wet.

2. Do not wipe immediately.

3. Wait the listed dwell time—usually between 1–10 minutes.

4. Let it air dry or wipe it after the correct time has passed.

If the surface dries before the dwell time is complete, apply more product.

Final Thought

Disinfecting correctly is not about speed—it’s about science.
If the disinfectant doesn’t stay on the surface long enough, the job simply isn’t done.

Professionals know that true cleanliness requires technique, not just effort.
By respecting dwell time, you protect people, reduce contamination, and ensure every cleaned space is genuinely safe.

Not Allowing Disinfectants to Sit Long Enough: The Hidden Mistake That Makes Cleaning Ineffective