Pan American Health Organization · 2020
Technical note on safe handling of disinfecting agents and cleaning products for healthcare and public health settings.
- Issuer
- Pan American Health Organization
- Edition
- 2020
- Reviewed
- 20 Oct 2026 · GMJ
What this guideline says
GMJ summary
This technical note addresses the main safety recommendations for handling disinfecting agents and cleaning products, which are chemical substances requiring careful use. It emphasises that most cleaning products are chemical-based and that mixing different chemicals can place people at risk.
The document clarifies the distinction between cleaning (removing dirt) and disinfection (killing microorganisms). Soaps remove dirt and can also kill microorganisms by breaking down external viral membranes, whilst disinfectants are specifically designed to kill microorganisms. Critical safety messages include the prohibition on mixing soaps and bleach, which are made for different purposes and must be used separately. Solutions made by mixing bleach with water require careful measurement, and bleach is dangerous if used without dilution.
Key points
For clinicians — doses and thresholds as stated in the guideline
- Most cleaning products are made from chemicals that must be handled with due caution
- Mixing different chemicals can place people at risk; specific combinations of cleaning elements should not be mixed
- Cleaning means removing dirt; disinfection means killing microorganisms—these are distinct processes
- Soaps remove dirt and can kill microorganisms by breaking down and destroying the external membranes of viruses
- Soaps and bleach are made for different purposes and should not be combined; they must be used separately
- Solutions made by mixing bleach with water need careful measurement to ensure safety and efficacy
- Bleach is dangerous if used without dilution
From the guideline
Verbatim
“Soaps and bleach are made for different purposes and should not be combined. They should be used separately.”
Editor’s perspective
Why this matters for Georgia and the region
Prof. Giorgi Pkhakadze, MD, MPH, PhD
Editor-in-Chief, Georgian Medical Journal · Chair, Public Health Institute of Georgia · WHO consultant, health and migration
As Chair of the Public Health Institute of Georgia, I recognise that chemical safety in cleaning and disinfection is often overlooked in our healthcare facilities and communities, yet misuse of these products can lead to occupational injuries and reduced infection control effectiveness. During the COVID-19 pandemic response in 2020, we observed widespread confusion about proper disinfection practices, making this guidance particularly timely for Georgian healthcare workers and public health professionals. The specific recommendation I would stress is the absolute prohibition on mixing soaps and bleach, a common dangerous practice in our region. The main implementation challenge is ensuring this guidance reaches not only hospital staff but also community health workers, school personnel and residential care facilities where chemical safety training may be limited and procurement of appropriate measuring equipment for dilution may require additional resources.
ORCID 0000-0001-7609-4515 · Perspective written for the GMJ Guidelines Library, 20 Oct 2026
Applicability
Georgia and the South Caucasus
For Georgia and the South Caucasus, this guidance is particularly relevant for healthcare facilities, public health institutions and community settings where infection prevention and control protocols require safe use of cleaning and disinfection products. National programmes should consider translation of these recommendations into local languages, integration into occupational health and safety protocols for healthcare workers, and development of clear pictorial guidance for settings with varying literacy levels. The distinction between cleaning and disinfection, and the hazards of mixing chemical products, are universal principles applicable across all healthcare and community settings in the region.
Questions this guideline answers
Quick answers
What is the difference between cleaning and disinfection?
Cleaning means removing dirt, whilst disinfection means killing microorganisms. Both processes are distinct and serve different purposes in infection control.
Can I mix soap and bleach for better cleaning?
No. Soaps and bleach are made for different purposes and should never be combined. They must be used separately to avoid dangerous chemical reactions.
How do soaps kill viruses?
Soaps break down and destroy the external membranes of viruses, effectively killing microorganisms whilst also removing dirt.
Can bleach be used directly without dilution?
No. Bleach is dangerous if used without dilution. Solutions made by mixing bleach with water need careful measurement to ensure safety and effectiveness.
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- The Immunization Program in the Context of the COVID-19 Pandemic
- Recommendations for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning in Health Care Facilities
- Considerations on Social Distancing and Travel-Related Measures in the Context of the Response to COVID-19 Pandemic
- Care for health workers exposed to the new coronavirus (COVID-19) in health facilities
- Breastfeeding and COVID-19
- Issuer
- Pan American Health Organization
- Type
- Procedures, manuals, guidelines
- Status
- Current
- Published
- 2020-01-01
- Licence
- CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 IGO
- Record history
- Created 20 Oct 2026 · updated 20 Oct 2026 · next check Apr 2027
Pan American Health Organization. Recommendations on Chemical Safety for Cleaning and Disinfection Supplies, 11 May 2020. Washington, D.C.: PAHO; 2020. IRIS 10665.2/52190.GMJ Guidelines Library records are original summaries written by the GMJ editorial team from the issuer’s published document and reviewed by a physician. They do not replace the full guideline. The document is the copyright of its issuer and is linked, not hosted. Spotted an error or a newer edition? Tell the Guidelines Desk.
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