What must happen to a wet disinfectant when it becomes contaminated?

When a wet disinfectant becomes contaminated, it must be discarded because contamination compromises its effectiveness. Disinfectants are formulated to eliminate pathogens, and once they are exposed to contaminants, such as dirt, debris, or organic material, their ability to perform this function can be significantly reduced or entirely nullified.

Reusing a contaminated disinfectant poses serious health risks, as it can lead to the spread of harmful microorganisms rather than their elimination. Filtering the disinfectant is generally ineffective, as filtering does not guarantee the removal of all pathogenic organisms or contaminants. Diluting a contaminated disinfectant also does not address the presence of harmful substances and can further reduce its potency. Therefore, discarding it is the only safe and effective option to ensure that sanitation protocols remain intact and public health is protected.