7 Cleaning and disinfection (C&D) for organic and alternative farms and ranches
Cleaning and disinfection are vital parts of disease prevention. Disease can threaten the productivity and profitability of small farms and the safety and trust of consumers and clients. On conventional farms, various synthetic compounds are available to kill microorganisms. Organic and alternative farmers are restricted in what can be used. This section will discuss C&D, what to clean, how to clean, and what products can be and are commonly used in organic and alternative production.
The Basics
There is a difference between cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting surfaces!
- Cleaning removes visible debris (e.g., manure, feed, body fluids, dirt) from surfaces
- Sanitizing, the next level up, reduces bacterial contamination on objects and surfaces
- Disinfection inactivates or destroys most pathogenic germs on inanimate surfaces.
What should be cleaned and disinfected?
The most important things to clean and disinfect are areas where animals are housed and the items they come in contact with – especially ill animals and isolation areas!
Pens, stalls, and handling equipment.
- Vehicles and trailers used for animal transport – clean and disinfect them between uses and before leaving or returning to the farm.
- Heavy machinery used in animal areas, such as tractors or skid steers, used in animal areas.
- Footwear – clean shoes/boots after leaving animal areas, especially where sick animals are kept (e.g., isolation areas). Have boot-cleaning areas near exit points to make this easier to do. Wash, scrub, and rinse boots to remove visible manure or mud before applying the disinfectant.
- Tools used for the C&D process, such as buckets, brushes, brooms, etc.
How to clean and disinfect
| Step | Details |
| Dry clean | Manually remove all visible dirt, manure, or debris. Use shovels, manure forks, brooms, and brushes to remove as much as possible. This is a very important step. When present, these materials can make disinfectants ineffective. |
| Wash | Wash the item or area with soap or a detergent using warm water. Use warm water (110oF) if possible. |
| Rinse | Rinse the item or area with clean water to remove soap or detergent residue, which can inactivate some disinfectants. |
| Dry | Allow the item or area to dry completely, or sit for 5-10 minutes to allow water to drop off. Excess water can dilute your disinfectant, making it less effective. |
| Step | Details |
| Prepare and Apply | Always prepare disinfectants according to product label instructions. Products differ in the formulation. Some products are ready to use, and others require dilution. Different concentrations may be required depending on the targeted microorganism. Only use EPA-registered products.
Spray, soak, mist, or wipe on disinfectant. It depends on the product and where it is being used. Pay attention to cracks and crevices. |
| Contact time | Let the disinfectant sit and work (contact time). Items and areas must remain wet with the disinfectant for the entire contact time to kill the germs. (this step is often overlooked). |
| Rinse | Most disinfectants must be rinsed off as they may be toxic to animals. Others may be safe. Read the product label for instructions. |
| Dry | When possible, let the area or item dry before allowing animal contact. |
What can and can’t be used for cleaning and disinfection on USDA-certified organic and alternative farms
The National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances, specifically section 205.603, governs what can and can’t be used on certified organic livestock farms. As a general rule, it allows the use of non-synthetic (“natural”) substances (e.g., acetic acid, borax) and prohibits the use of synthetic substances (those formed by chemical processes by humans) on USDA-certified organic farms. Regarding cleaning and disinfectant products, some exceptions to the general rule are listed in the table below. Always remember that all products used on USDA-certified organic farms, including those used for cleaning and disinfection, must be approved by the organic certifier and listed in the producer’s Organic Systems Plan (OSP).
Natural substances/products
Non-synthetic, or what might be called “natural substances for cleaning and disinfection (e.g., *vinegar, borax, etc.) are allowed. No natural products or substances are prohibited in the National List. Detergents used for cleaning do not have to be organic but must be listed in the organic system plan and approved by the organic certifier.
Synthetic substances/products
Synthetic substances are prohibited unless specifically allowed.
| Substance | Usage |
| Alcohols | Ethanol as a disinfectant and sanitizer only.
Isopropanol, as a disinfectant only. |
| Chlorhexidine | Medical procedures under veterinarian supervision. Also allowed for use as a teat dip when alternative germicidal agents and/or physical barriers have lost their effectiveness. |
Chlorine materials**
|
As a disinfectant or sanitizer as applicable. |
| Hydrogen peroxide | As a disinfectant, sanitizer, or medical treatment as applicable. |
| Elemental Sulphur | Treatment of livestock and livestock housing |
| Iodine | Disinfectant, sanitizer, or medical treatment as applicable. |
| Peroxyacetic/peracetic acid | Sanitizing facilities and processing equipment |
| Phosphoric acid | As an equipment cleaner, provided that no direct contact with organically managed livestock or land occurs) |
* Some states (e.g., California) may have stricter rules than what is contained in the CFR. The organic certifier will be the best resource for appropriate cleaning and disinfection products and guidelines.
** Disinfecting and sanitizing facilities and equipment. (Residual chlorine levels in the water cannot exceed the maximum residual disinfectant limit under the Safe Drinking Water Act). (4 mg/L or four parts per million (ppm) 2023)
*** Generated from electrolyzed water.
Using vinegar (acetic acid) for C&D on organic and alternative farms
Household vinegar (usually white vinegar) sold in the US is a 5% solution and is considered non-toxic and non-irritating. Acetic acid can be applied by spraying, misting, or immersing an item in a diluted solution. Acetic acid has poor activity in the presence of organic material (e.g., dirt, hay, hair, etc.) Acetic acid solutions can be used on food and non-food contact surfaces. Recommended contact time on clean, dry surfaces is 10 minutes for non-porous surfaces (metal, plastic, glass, and any painted or sealed material).
A 1 to 1 solution ( 1 part vinegar to one part water) can be put into a spray bottle and used for general cleaning.
Soapy water rinse, or a few drops of essential oils (lemon, peppermint) can help mask the strong smell of white vinegar. The solution must be mixed fresh daily and is corrosive. Do not mix vinegar with bleach, as toxic fumes can be generated.
Using bleach on organic and alternative farms
Liquid chlorine bleach is effective, inexpensive, and readily available. Bleach solutions are commonly used for disinfection on organic, alternative, and traditional farms.
Bleach is a diluted mix of water and sodium hypochlorite. In the US, the standard concentration of household bleach is 5.25-6.15% sodium hypochlorite. Ready-to-use spray bleach and wipes have a (much lower concentration of bleach). For general disinfection, liquid bleach will need to be diluted further before use.
For general disinfection, a 1:50 dilution (0.1%) is created by adding 1/3 cup of bleach to 1 gallon of water.
Bleach solutions should be made fresh each day that you use them. If they become contaminated with organic debris, change them more often. Bleach is rapidly inactivated by organic material (dirt, hay, feces, etc.), light, heat, some metals, and some cleaning applicators (e.g., paper towels, cotton, wool, bamboo). Use a microfiber cloth or synthetic mop, or sponge if possible. Fresh solutions should be prepared daily or when visibly soiled. Do not mix bleach with acids, including acetic acid (vinegar) or ammonia, as toxic fumes can be generated. Test strips are available to measure the chlorine in your diluted bleach solution. More concentrated bleach solutions of 8.25% exist in some countries. Always check the label before mixing using.
When mixing and applying bleach solutions:
- Wear eye protection and a mask or face shield if spraying the solution.
- Avoid skin exposure by wearing rubber gloves, long sleeves, and pants.
- Mix and use outdoors or in a room with good ventilation.
- Wash hands thoroughly with mild soap and water after use.
- Shower at the end of the day.
