Overuse and diluting chemicals can lead to the spread of bacteria

New research has warned hospitals and clinics not to over-dilute cleaning chemicals or to use antibiotics regularly.

A US study published in the journal Microbiology found that over-diluting cleaning chemicals used in hospitals and clinics could boost antibiotic resistance in potentially deadly bacteria.

The NHS has recently met their targets for reducing MRSA, but there are still rising problems in antibiotic resistance.

Hospitals and clinics need to follow the NHS cleaning guidelines. The use of disinfectant wipes and sprays can help to kill potentially dangerous bugs.

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Hand sprays and wipes can also help to reduce the spreads of bacteria, such as Guest Hand Rub, Hibiscrub, Hydex Derma Spray and Essence Hand Rub.

Wearing disposable gloves, disposable masks and protective clothing can also help to reduce the risk of spreading germs.

Cleaning chemicals should be used in the recommended concentrations in medical environments and not be watered down more than required.

Chemicals should be at the right concentration to be non-toxic to patients, but high enough to kill bacteria.

Bugs that survive disinfectant contact can become harder to kill, as they evolve new defences, which allow them to push cleaning chemicals and antibiotics out of their system.

Bacteria that is not killed by antiseptic and antibacterial solutions can also mutate into new strains with higher amounts of efflux pumps – a feature found on the surface of the cells, which gets rid of toxic molecules.

Using antibiotic chemicals should be done sparingly, as overuse can allow harmful bacteria to build up a resistance.

However, if cleaning chemicals are used in very high concentrations, then the bacteria will be killed and not have chance develop a resistance.