Cleaning & Disinfection Supplies | Ocon Chemicals Ireland

Cleaning & Disinfection Supplies Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between cleaning, disinfection and sterilisation?

Cleaning physically removes dirt, grease and organic soil. It's usually done with a detergent. But it doesn't necessarily kill microbes. Disinfection reduces harmful microorganisms to a safe level. But it doesn't always remove spores. Sterilisation destroys all microorganisms. This includes spores. It's typically done by autoclaving. You should always clean before you disinfect because organic soil inactivates many disinfectants. Ocon Chemicals has all the detergents, disinfectants and sterilising consumables for each stage of the process.

Which laboratory disinfectant should I choose?

It depends on the target organisms and the surface. Chlorine (sodium hypochlorite) is broad-spectrum and economical. But it’s corrosive and weakened by organic matter. 70% IPA (alcohol) is fast and really ideal for surfaces and equipment. QAC (quaternary ammonium) products are low-odour for routine surfaces. Sporicidal or virucidal agents such as Virkon are used where spores or viruses really have to be killed. Ocon Chemicals supplies all products, take a look at our stock.

What concentration of sodium hypochlorite (bleach) do I need?

Most routine disinfectants don't kill bacterial spores. Sporicidal products are based on active chlorine, peracetic acid or hydrogen peroxide. They are needed where spore-forming organisms must be controlled. For instance in GMP cleanrooms, pharmaceutical manufacturing and some clinical settings. They're usually rotated with a routine disinfectant. Ocon Chemicals supplies sporicidal disinfectants and wipes. This includes the Klercide cleanroom range. Sterile and non-sterile.

Why is 70% alcohol (IPA) more effective than higher concentrations?

70% isopropyl alcohol disinfects much better than near-pure alcohol. This is because the water content helps to denature microbial proteins. And it lets the alcohol penetrate cell walls before it evaporates. Pure alcohol basically evaporates too quickly. It can seal surface proteins without killing the cell. That's why 70/30 IPA is the gold standard for surface and equipment disinfection. Ocon Chemicals has in stock isopropyl alcohol and 70/30 IPA sprays, wipes and alcohol wipes. And we deliver them across Ireland.

What are sporicidal disinfectants? And when do I need one?

What's the difference between alkaline, neutral, acidic and enzymatic lab detergents?

Alkaline detergents such as Decon 90 and Deterlabo are powerful for removing organic residues from glassware. Also removing grease and labels. Neutral detergents are more gentler for routine and manual washing. Acidic detergents remove scale, metal oxides and mineral deposits, including from membranes. Enzymatic detergents like Tergazyme break down proteins and blood. This is ideal for medical-device cleaning. Ocon Chemicals supplies all of these 4 types. Get in touch today.

What is contact time? Why does it matter for disinfectants?

Contact time is how long a surface must stay visibly wet with a disinfectant for it to work properly. Wiping it off too soon will usually mean it hasn't had time to kill the target organisms. Efficacy is proven against European standards. Standards like EN 1276 (bactericidal), EN 14476 (virucidal) and EN 13704 (sporicidal). Ocon Chemicals supplies only the best disinfectants with validated contact times and efficacy data.

Why buy cleaning and disinfection products from Ocon Chemicals?

Ocon Chemicals is an Irish, family-run supplier since 1981. We always equip laboratories, cleanrooms, pharmaceutical and medical facilities with the very best disinfectants, sporicides, lab detergents, isopropyl alcohol, surface sanitisers and hand hygiene. We work with the best and most trusted brands. Order online for fast nationwide delivery or request a quote for bulk supply. You can rely on a ISO 9001-accredited, REACH-compliant service. We are the very best at what we do and we know how local industries work.

Cleaning & Disinfection

Tergazyme® enzyme detergent

CABLE, 1m Ø 3mm S7/ BNC PLUG, Hamilton

Alcohol Wipes (Pk200)

PH Probe Liq Glass Hamilton 238000 12mm

Cleaning & Disinfection Supplies Frequently Asked Questions

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