The appropriate use of disinfectants for operatory surfaces constitutes a major component of a routine infection control protocol. Both the cleaning and the disinfection abilities of the various available products are important to consider when selecting a surface disinfectant. This study shows the importance of initial surface cleaning as a mandatory first step in surface asepsis. All manufacturers emphasize this in their written directions by stating that the products should be used on precleaned surfaces. Based on the inability to remove dried organic material and a lack of effective antimicrobial activity in the presence of accumulated bioburden, preparations containing high concentrations of alcohols (greater than or equal to 70%) should not be used as the sole agent for routine precleaning and disinfection. Properly diluted iodophor, sodium hypochlorite, and complex phenol preparations are superior in comparison with other disinfectants in accomplishing the initial precleaning of surfaces.