What should you consider when determining if an item can be disinfected or if it needs to be thrown away?

When assessing whether an item can be disinfected or needs to be discarded, the porosity of the material is a critical factor to consider. Porous materials, such as sponges, some types of fabrics, and wood, have tiny openings that can harbor bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens. Disinfecting porous items effectively is difficult, and even after cleaning, pathogens may remain lodged within the material. Therefore, when an item is porous, it is more likely that it cannot be properly disinfected and should be thrown away after use, especially in a beauty or personal care setting where sanitation is essential to prevent infections and spread of disease.

On the other hand, reusable items, while capable of being disinfected, might not be safe for continued use if they are damaged or have reached the end of their useful lifespan. The cost of an item doesn’t inherently determine its capability to be disinfected; even cheap items can be effectively cleaned or not depending on their material. Fashionability has no bearing on the safety or hygiene of items; thus, it's not a relevant factor when making cleaning or disposal decisions.