In high-touch, fast-paced environments like clinics, labs, med spas, and multi-site facilities, cleaning protocols matter more than ever. But here’s the surprising part: even seasoned teams continue to make avoidable mistakes — mistakes that lead to equipment damage, wasted labor, and incomplete infection control.
As new standards of cleanliness evolve in 2025, now is the time to tighten up the basics. Below, we break down the cleaning errors we still see every week — and how to correct them for good.
1. Misunderstanding Dwell Time (Still the #1 Mistake in 2025)
Dwell time — the amount of time a disinfectant must remain visibly wet on a surface to achieve its EPA-registered kill claims — remains the most commonly misunderstood (or ignored) part of cleaning.
A few critical truths:
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If the surface dries too quickly, full disinfection does not occur, even if the product was applied correctly.
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Many products require 2–10 minutes of wet contact, depending on pathogen.
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Wiping immediately after spraying is not disinfecting — it’s just spreading the chemical around.
2. Using the Wrong Chemical — and Slowly Damaging Surfaces
Surface damage rarely happens overnight. It builds with every shift:
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The wrong pH erodes coatings.
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Harsh actives break down plastics and touch-screens.
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Ingredients not compatible with medical equipment leave micro-abrasions.
Even well-trained teams often default to whatever product is nearby rather than the one appropriate for the surface. Over time, this leads to:
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Cloudy acrylic shields
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Peeling upholstery
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Corroded exam tables
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Malfunctioning electronics
This is also why so many facilities are shifting toward disposable disinfecting wipes — the chemistry is controlled and consistent.
3. Ignoring the “One Wipe Per Surface” Rule
This rule is simple — but still violated constantly.
A disinfecting wipe becomes contaminated the moment it touches a dirty surface. Reusing it on another surface introduces cross-contamination instead of removing it.
One wipe. One surface. Then discard.
This rule is especially crucial in:
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Patient rooms
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Labs with shared equipment
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Med spas and aesthetic treatment areas
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Dental and imaging spaces
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High-risk or immune-sensitive environments
Using multiple wipes isn’t wasteful — it’s the only way to ensure proper disinfection.
4. Overusing “Multipurpose” Sprays (And Increasing Costs Without Realizing It)
Multipurpose sprays seem convenient… until you look at:
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The extra labor time (spray → wait → wipe)
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The inconsistent chemical coverage
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The increased risk of using them on incompatible surfaces
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The cost of repeated application to achieve dwell time
In many cases, “multipurpose” translates to more steps, more time, and more opportunity for error — which quietly increases your total cost per clean.
Facilities that switch to the right disinfecting wipe often see immediate improvements in:
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Staff compliance
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Time per room
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Surface safety
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Supply costs
5. Not Re-Training Frequently Enough
Even the best teams need refresher training — especially when:
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New staff are onboarded
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New equipment is introduced
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Products or protocols change
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A facility expands or adds new services
Short, quarterly refreshers can dramatically improve compliance and prevent costly mistakes.
Final Thoughts: 2025 Is the Year to Tighten Up the Fundamentals
These mistakes happen everywhere — from long-established clinics to brand-new labs. The good news? They’re all fixable with small, consistent improvements to daily processes.
Whether you’re managing a single department or overseeing dozens of sites, prioritizing proper chemistry, dwell time, and wipe usage pays off in:
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Longer-lasting equipment
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Lower cleaning costs
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Better compliance
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Safer environments for patients and staff
If you want help building a streamlined, standardized cleaning protocol for your facility, just say the word — I can generate a fully customized SOP based on your equipment list and layout.