What should you avoid to ensure the effectiveness of a sanitizer?

Using hard water can negatively impact the effectiveness of a sanitizer. Hard water contains high levels of minerals, such as calcium and magnesium, which can interfere with the action of sanitizing agents. These minerals can react with the active ingredients in the sanitizer, reducing their efficacy and leading to insufficient disinfection of surfaces.

In contrast, using distilled water or low-mineral water can help preserve the effectiveness of sanitizers, as these types of water do not contain the minerals that hinder sanitizing processes. Rinsing with hot water can also be acceptable in certain scenarios, as hot water can assist in cleaning surfaces prior to sanitization. Thus, avoiding hard water is essential to ensure that sanitizers work effectively and surfaces are properly disinfected.