Non-critical items pose the least risk of transmission of infection, as they have no contact with the patient. Non-critical items should be cleaned after use or, if contaminated, cleaned and then disinfected with an appropriate low-level disinfectant (e.g. chlorine-based products, 0.5% accelerated hydrogen peroxide, 3% hydrogen peroxide, 60 to 95% alcohols, iodophors, phenolics and quaternary ammonium compounds).  Cleaning and disinfection of some non-critical items may be difficult or could damage surfaces. It may be preferable to use disposable barriers to protect these surfaces.