Disinfection Zones

Cleaning, disinfecting, and sterilizing are more important than ever to the healthcare built environment. Using rigorous internal test codes, ISO compliance, BIFMA standards, CDC recommendations, and our Cleaning & Disinfection Guidelines as a baseline, Wilsonart's Disinfection Zones address Low Risk to Very High Risk areas that define the ideal surface applications for creating high-functioning, long-lasting spaces.

Disinfection Zone 1 - Public Spaces

Disinfection Zone 1 – Public spaces are considered Low Risk Areas. They can include hospital lobbies, health retail waiting areas, and urgent care waiting rooms. From non-porous surfaces like Wilsonart® Solid Surface and Quartz to moisture-resistant High Pressure Laminate with built-in Antimicrobial Protection utilizing silver ion technology, many of our wear-resistant surfaces are appropriate for use in these areas.

The surfaces used in these areas must withstand daily cleaning from household cleaners and disinfectants such as Windex®, Glass Plus®, Formula 409®, and additional products listed in Wilsonart’s Cleaning & Disinfection Guidelines.

Disinfection Zone 2 - Staff Spaces

Disinfection Zone 2 – Staff spaces are considered Medium Risk Areas. They can include break rooms, locker rooms, storage rooms, and workspaces. Surfaces with enhanced protection and durability — such as High Pressure Laminate with AEON™ Enhanced Scratch & Scuff-Resistant Performance Technology with Antimicrobial Protection, and non-porous and repairable Solid Surface — are ideal for these spaces.

The surfaces used in these spaces require cleaning and disinfection protocols multiple times per day, using household or commercial cleaners and disinfectants such as Clorox Healthcare® Bleach Germicidal Cleaner and others listed in Wilsonart’s Cleaning & Disinfection Guidelines.

Disinfection Zone 3 - Patient Spaces

Disinfection Zone 3 – Patient spaces are considered High Risk Areas. They can include exam rooms, imaging rooms, and infusion rooms. Smooth, seamless surfaces such as thermoformable Wilsonart® Solid Surface or high-impact Compact® Laminate can prepare finished spaces to withstand the ongoing rigors of this built environment.

In many cases, the surfaces used in these spaces must be cleaned and disinfected several times per day, and even more frequently for high-touch areas using commercial cleaners and disinfectants such as Clorox Healthcare® Bleach Germicidal Cleaner, and others listed in Wilsonart’s Cleaning & Disinfection Guidelines.

Disinfection Zone 4 - Procedure Spaces

Disinfection Zone 4 – Procedure spaces and surgical suites are considered Very High Risk Areas. In addition to procedure spaces, these areas can also include neonatal intensive care units and operating rooms. Non-porous, seamless surfaces like Solid Surface can be used on walls or horizontal surfaces for maintaining a high level of care and added protection. High Pressure Laminate with built-in Antimicrobial Protection may also be used on vertical surfaces such as casework doors.

The surfaces used in these spaces require constant cleaning, disinfecting, and sterilizing several times per day. Commercial cleaners and disinfectants such as Clorox Healthcare® Bleach Germicidal Cleaner are typically used, along with others listed in Wilsonart’s Cleaning & Disinfection Guidelines.

Wilsonart® Resources

For more information regarding proper cleaning and disinfection protocols, we recommended referring to your facility-specific procedures and following the recommendations included in the resources listed below.