Healthcare and Pharmaceutical, Food and Beverage, Laboratory and Research, General, Education, Sanitizer
Sanitising Test Strips: What They Are & How to Use Them
Jun
When it comes to keeping things clean and safe—whether it’s a kitchen, restaurant, hospital, or even your own cleaning kit—sanitising test strips are a small but powerful tool. If you’ve never used them before or just want to know more, this blog will help you understand what they are, how to use them, and where they’re commonly used. Let’s dive in!
What Are Sanitising Test Strips?
Sanitising test strips are small paper or plastic strips that help you check if your sanitising solution is strong enough to kill germs but not so strong that it’s unsafe. These strips are specially designed to detect the chemical level (like chlorine or quat) in the liquid you’re using to sanitise surfaces.
Why Do You Need Them?
Using too little sanitiser won’t kill bacteria properly.
Using too much could damage surfaces or even be harmful.
Test strips help you get it just right. They make sure your sanitising solution is within the safe and effective range. Plus, in many industries, checking sanitiser strength is required by health inspectors or safety rules.
How to Use Sanitising Test Strips (Simple Experiment Method)
Using these strips is super easy and doesn’t need any special tools. Here’s how:
Step-by-Step:
- Get your sanitiser ready
Mix your sanitising solution (like diluted bleach or quat) according to the instructions. - Dip the test strip
Take one strip and dip it into the solution for about 5–10 seconds (or as mentioned on the strip pack). - Remove and wait
Pull the strip out and wait for the color to change (usually a few seconds). - Compare the color
Match the color on the strip to the chart on the strip container or box. This tells you the ppm (parts per million) level of your sanitiser. - Adjust if needed
- If the reading is too low, add more sanitiser.
- If the reading is too high, dilute with water.
- If it’s just right, you’re good to go.
Tip: Always follow the instructions on the strip package—some types may have slightly different timing.
Types of Sanitising Test Strips
Not all test strips are the same. There are different types depending on the chemical you’re using:
1. Chlorine Test Strips
- For use with bleach or chlorine-based sanitisers.
- Common in restaurants and cleaning.
- Usually measures between 50–200 ppm.
2. Quat (QAC) Test Strips
- For quaternary ammonium-based sanitisers.
- Often used in food service and healthcare.
- Range: 150–400 ppm.
3. Iodine Test Strips
- Less common, used in some food and lab settings.
- Range: 12.5–25 ppm.
Always choose the strip that matches the type of sanitiser you’re using.
Which Industries Use Sanitising Test Strips?
A lot of industries rely on test strips to stay clean and compliant:
| Industry | Use Case |
| Food Service | Checking dishwashing and surface cleaning solutions |
| Healthcare | Disinfecting tools, beds, and rooms |
| Janitorial | Making sure cleaning agents are effective |
| Education | Keeping classrooms and play areas safe |
| Manufacturing | Clean rooms, production lines, and equipment |
| Food Transport | Ensuring crates, boxes, and storage are germ-free |
Do You Need Training to Use Them?
No. Sanitising test strips are made for quick, simple use. Anyone can learn in minutes. Just make sure you read the label and understand which chemical you’re testing.
Things to Keep in Mind
- Store strips in a cool, dry place – moisture can ruin them.
- Don’t touch the end of the strip – it could affect the reading.
- Use before the expiry date – old strips may give inaccurate results.
- Label your sanitising bottles – to avoid confusion when testing
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. How often should I use sanitising test strips?
It’s best to test your sanitising solution every day or each time you make a new batch. In restaurants and clinics, testing before every shift is a good rule.
2. Can I use the same strip more than once?
No. Each strip is made for single use only. Once it’s used, throw it away.
3. What does “ppm” mean on the strip?
PPM stands for parts per million, which measures how strong your sanitising solution is. Each type of sanitiser has a recommended ppm level for safe and effective cleaning.
4. What happens if my solution is too strong?
If the reading is higher than recommended, dilute it with water until it falls into the safe range. Too much sanitiser can damage surfaces or leave residues.
5. Where can I buy sanitising test strips?
You can get them from trusted hygiene suppliers. Caresource offers a reliable range of sanitising test strips for various industries.
Sanitising test strips may be small, but they play a big role in keeping people safe. Whether you’re running a restaurant, cleaning a hospital, or just making sure your home is extra hygienic, these little strips give you peace of mind that your sanitiser is doing its job right.
So next time you mix up a cleaning solution, don’t just guess—test it.
We deliver our high-quality Sanitizing Test Strips across the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Central Africa, East Africa, West Africa, North Africa, the Philippines, and beyond. Ensure surface safety and compliance with quick, reliable testing—trusted by food service professionals and quality control labs worldwide. Explore Now and maintain hygiene standards with confidence!
GET A QUOTE WHATSAPP View Productsrelated products
Water Testing Strips & Instrument
Test Strips
Water Monitoring Kits
Water and Wastewater
Food / Beverage / Laundry & Sanitation
Food / Beverage / Laundry & Sanitation
Educational Test Strips
Water Testing Strips & Instrument
Water Testing Strips & Instrument
Water Testing Strips & Instrument
Water and Wastewater
Test Strips
Industrial Water / Boiling & Cooling
Test Strips
Water Testing Strips & Instrument
Water Testing Strips & Instrument
Water Monitoring Kits
Test Strips
Drinking Water
Industrial Water / Boiling & Cooling
Industrial Water / Boiling & Cooling
Test Strips
Water and Wastewater
PH TEST STRIPS
PH TEST STRIPS
Industrial Water / Boiling & Cooling
Water Testing Strips & Instrument
Water and Wastewater
