However, some items and surfaces should receive an additional step, disinfection, to kill germs after cleaning with soap and rinsing with clear water. Items that can be washed in a dishwasher or hot cycle of a washing machine do not have to be disinfected because these machines use water that is hot enough for a long enough period of time to kill most germs. The disinfection process uses chemicals that are stronger than soap and water. Disinfection usually requires soaking or drenching the item for several minutes to give the chemical time to kill the remaining germs. Commercial.
