- 1). Wash the handles with soap and water to remove dirt, grease and other debris from the surface of the handles. While this won't disinfect the porous surface, it will make the surface as clean as possible prior to disinfection.
- 2). Use a sanitizing steam cleaner to disinfect the handles thoroughly. Unlike chemical sprays, the hot steam vapor from steam cleaners can penetrate the porous surface of the handles to kill germs deep within the handle. Before using the steam cleaner, make sure it reaches its maximum temperature, which is usually around 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This level of heat will maximize the effectiveness of the steam and kill as many germs as possible.
- 3). Slowly move the brush of the steam cleaner along each handle, making sure to leave it on each area for at least seven seconds. This is the amount of time necessary to kill the majority of dangerous pathogens like Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella enterica, E. coli, Listeria monocytogenes and Avian influenza.
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