What is the role of cleaning in a barbershop before disinfection?

Cleaning plays a crucial role in the infection control process within a barbershop by serving as the initial step before disinfection can take place. The primary purpose of cleaning is to remove all visible dirt, dust, and debris from surfaces and tools. This step is important because disinfection is not effective on dirty surfaces; organic material such as hair, skin cells, and other residues can obstruct the contact of disinfectants with pathogens.

Once surfaces are properly cleaned, disinfection can effectively act on the remaining microorganisms. This process ensures that potential pathogens are reduced to safe levels, thereby minimizing the risk of transmitting infections. While improving appearance is a benefit of cleaning, and minimizing harmful bacteria is a goal of disinfection, the essential role of cleaning is its ability to remove visible contaminants to facilitate effective disinfection. Therefore, focusing on the aspect of removing visible dirt captures the critical purpose of cleaning in maintaining a safe and hygienic environment in a barbershop.