Are You Using Your Cleaning Products Correctly?
When it comes to cleaning, many of us follow a familiar routine: spray on the product, give it a quick wipe, and move on. Job done— Correct?
Not quite.
While that might leave things looking clean, there’s a good chance your surfaces aren’t actually clean in the way that matters most—especially if you’re using chemical cleaners or disinfectants. That’s because contact time—the amount of time a product needs to remain wet on a surface to do its job—is one of the most overlooked but critical parts of effective cleaning and sanitising.
What is Contact Time?
Contact time is the time a cleaning or disinfecting product needs to stay visibly wet on a surface in order to be effective. It’s during this period that the active ingredients go to work—loosening grime, breaking down mineral build-up, or killing bacteria and viruses.
Think of it like steeping a tea bag. If you dunk it for just one second, you won’t get a proper brew. Cleaning products are much the same—they need time to interact with what they’re targeting.
Why is Contact Time So Important?
✅ Effectiveness
Different chemicals require different amounts of time to work properly. For example:
- Kemsol Arctec (shower/tile descaler): 10 minutes contact time.
- Kemsol Bac-Man (washroom cleaner): 5–10 minutes contact time.
- Kemsol Bowl Patrol (toilet cleaner): 4–5 minutes for soiling, 10 minutes for disinfection.
- Virulabs Viruclear (broad-spectrum sanitiser): 60 seconds contact time.
If you spray and wipe too quickly, you’re likely just moving germs around—not removing them.
✅ Viscosity Is a Clue
Thicker, gel-like products are designed to cling to surfaces, giving ingredients time to work. They’re perfect for vertical or uneven surfaces like tiles and toilet bowls.
For example, Bowl Patrol’s gel consistency signals that it needs more time to work—let it cling and do its job.
✅ Safety and Compliance
In hygiene-sensitive industries like food production or healthcare, correct contact time is a compliance requirement. Misuse can lead to failed audits or even health risks.
✅ Cost-Efficiency
Using products properly means fewer re-cleans and less product wasted—saving time, money, and effort.
Common Misconceptions About Contact Time
- “It’s fine to just spray and wipe” — Looks clean, but not hygienically clean.
- “More scrubbing makes up for less time” — It doesn’t. Time is what allows the product to act.
- “A longer contact time is always better” — Not always. Some products are fast-acting and can dry out or damage surfaces if left too long.
How Do You Know What the Right Contact Time Is?
It’s all in the label. Look for:
- Recommended contact time (e.g. “10 minutes”)
- Instructions for rinsing, drying, or reapplication
- Surface-specific directions
If the product dries too quickly due to heat or low humidity, reapply to maintain the required wet time.
Tips for Getting Contact Time Right
- 📋 Read the label—don’t assume it’s spray and wipe.
- 🕒 Use a timer to track how long the product stays on the surface.
- 💧 Apply enough product to keep the surface visibly wet.
- 🌬️ Consider drying conditions—reapply if necessary.
So, Are You Using Your Cleaning Products Correctly?
If you’re spraying and wiping straight away, there’s a good chance you’re not. But with a little more awareness—and a few extra seconds—you can ensure your surfaces are truly clean, hygienic, and safe.
Still not sure about the right way to use your cleaning products? We’re always happy to help. Our team can guide you on contact time, proper use, and how to get the best results from your products.
Contact time makes the difference. Don’t rush it—let your products do what they were designed to.
