What factor is crucial for evaluating the effectiveness of a sanitizer?

The effectiveness of a sanitizer is largely determined by contact time. This refers to the duration that the sanitizer remains on the surface or in contact with the microorganism being targeted. If the contact time is insufficient, the sanitizer may not have enough time to effectively kill or inactivate the pathogens present on the surface.

For example, many sanitizers are required to remain moist on a surface for a specific period—a minute or longer—depending on the product and the specific pathogens that need to be eliminated. If items are wiped too quickly or rinsed off prematurely, the desired sanitizing effect will not be achieved, allowing harmful bacteria to survive.

While concentration level, temperature of the water, and type of surface are also important factors that can influence the performance of a sanitizer, they are secondary to the critical aspect of ensuring that the sanitizer remains in contact with the surface long enough to do its job effectively. Therefore, contact time is fundamental in evaluating a sanitizer's effectiveness.