How must disinfectants be maintained to ensure their effectiveness?

Disinfectants must be maintained at adequate strengths and kept free of foreign material to ensure their effectiveness in killing harmful microorganisms. This ensures that the disinfectant can perform its intended function without being compromised by dilution or contamination from dirt, residues, or other substances.

Maintaining the correct concentration is crucial because if a disinfectant is too diluted, it may not effectively kill bacteria, viruses, or fungi, defeating its purpose. Additionally, if a disinfectant becomes contaminated, its efficacy can be significantly reduced, which could pose a risk of spreading infections.

While storing disinfectants at room temperature is generally acceptable, and separating them from other cleaning agents can help prevent cross-contamination or chemical reactions, these practices do not directly address the need for maintaining appropriate strength and cleanliness, which are essential for effective disinfection. Keeping disinfectants in a closed container will further protect them from evaporation or contamination, but the primary consideration is ensuring they remain at the proper concentration and free from impurities.