Biosecurity Basics: Why Contact Time Matters
- Clean Play
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
When it comes to effective biosecurity, choosing the right disinfectant is only part of the equation.
One of the most common reasons disinfection falls short isn't the product itself—it's not allowing it enough time to work.
This is known as contact time (sometimes called dwell time), and it's one of the most important factors in determining whether a disinfectant can effectively reduce bacteria, viruses and other microorganisms on a surface.
Whether you're caring for animals, supporting vulnerable people, managing shared equipment or maintaining public spaces, understanding contact time is a simple but important step in maintaining effective hygiene.
What is contact time?
Contact time is the amount of time a disinfectant must remain visibly wet on a surface to achieve the level of pathogen reduction stated on its label.
Every disinfectant is different. Some products may require just one minute, while others may require five, ten or even longer. The required contact time depends on both the product itself and the microorganisms it has been tested against.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Government of Canada both emphasize following the manufacturer's instructions to ensure disinfectants are used safely and effectively.
Why does it matter?
Imagine washing your hands with soap and immediately rinsing it off before you've had a chance to scrub.
The soap may be present, but it hasn't had enough time to do its job.
The same principle applies to disinfectants.
If a disinfectant dries too quickly, is wiped away too soon, or doesn't remain on the surface for the recommended contact time, it may not achieve the level of disinfection expected—even if you've selected the correct product.
This can be particularly important in busy environments where toys, feeding equipment, enrichment items, transport containers, medical equipment, work surfaces and other frequently touched items are cleaned throughout the day.
Cleaning comes first
Another common misconception is that disinfectants work effectively on dirty surfaces.
In reality, many disinfectants are designed to work after visible dirt, organic matter and debris have been removed. Food residue, bedding, manure, saliva and other organic material can reduce the effectiveness of some disinfectants by preventing them from reaching microorganisms on the surface.
That's why many biosecurity protocols recommend a simple four-step process:
Remove visible dirt and debris.
Clean the surface.
Apply the disinfectant according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Allow the full contact time before the surface is reused or wiped dry (where applicable).
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also notes that cleaning before disinfection is often necessary to achieve effective results.
💡 CleanPlay Insight
Consistency is one of the most overlooked elements of effective biosecurity.
The easier it is for teams to follow the same sanitization process every time, the more likely good hygiene practices become part of everyday operations rather than something that's only prioritized during an outbreak.
Supporting Consistent Sanitization
Maintaining proper contact times can be challenging in busy environments where staff are cleaning equipment throughout the day. Products may dry before the recommended dwell time, equipment may be needed quickly, or procedures may vary between team members.
The SaniChest was developed to support everyday biosecurity by providing a standardized five-minute sanitization cycle for commonly handled equipment.
Depending on the setting, this may include items such as:
Grooming tools
Halters and lead ropes
Food and water bowls
Enrichment toys
Medical and therapy equipment
Transport containers
Cleaning tools
Other frequently handled shared equipment
By providing a simple, repeatable sanitization process, organizations can more easily integrate equipment hygiene into their existing biosecurity protocols, helping promote consistency across staff, locations and daily routines.
The SaniChest is designed to complement—not replace—established cleaning, disinfection and infection prevention protocols.
Consistency is key
Effective biosecurity rarely comes down to one major action.
More often, it's the consistent application of simple, evidence-based practices that help reduce opportunities for disease transmission over time.
Understanding contact time is one of those practices.
Whether you're responsible for a veterinary clinic, boarding kennel, equine facility, farm, daycare, educational setting or any other shared environment, building repeatable sanitization routines is a practical way to strengthen everyday biosecurity.
Learn More
Learn How CleanPlay Supports Everyday Biosecurity
Whether you're supporting animal care, healthcare, childcare or other shared environments, the SaniChest™ is designed to help simplify equipment sanitization as part of your existing biosecurity program.
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