What is the first step that should be taken before disinfecting environmental surfaces?

The first step that should be taken before disinfecting environmental surfaces is to pre-clean, spray-wipe-spray, or wipe-discard-wipe. This process is crucial because it involves removing organic and inorganic debris that may be present on the surfaces. Disinfectants are most effective when applied to clean surfaces; if surfaces are not pre-cleaned, the presence of debris can inhibit the disinfectant's action, reducing its effectiveness.

Pre-cleaning helps to ensure that the disinfectant can properly contact and kill any pathogens on the surfaces. The method of spray-wipe-spray or wipe-discard-wipe provides a thorough approach to cleaning by removing visible dirt first and then applying disinfectant accordingly. This step also confirms that any potentially harmful microorganisms are physically removed before the disinfectant can take effect, aligning with the best practices in infection control.

Other options do not prioritize this critical cleaning step in the proper sequence necessary for effective disinfecting.