Preparations and processes for cleaning and disinfecting endoscopes

A process for cleaning and disinfecting a device or equipment having hard surfaces comprising the steps of

• (a) contacting such hard surfaces with a cleaning solution at a temperature of from about 55.degree. to about 65.degree. C., maintaining such contact and such temperature for a period of time of from about 1 to about 15 minutes, wherein the cleaning solution contains
• at least one low-foam nonionic surfactant,
• at least one proteolytic enzyme,
• at least one complexing agent,
• and has a pH value of from 6 to 8;
• (b) removing the hard surfaces and the cleaning solution from contact with each other;
• (c) contacting the hard surfaces with a disinfectant solution at a temperature of from about 55.degree. to about 65.degree. C., maintaining such contact and such temperature for a period of time of from about 1 to about 15 minutes, wherein the disinfectant solution contains
• at least one aldehyde selected from the group consisting of formaldehyde and aliphatic C.sub.2 -C.sub.8 dialdehydes, and
• at least one complexing agent, and has a pH value of from 6 to 8;
• (d) removing the hard surfaces and the disinfectant solution from contact with each other;
• (e) rinsing the hard surfaces at least twice with water having a pH between about 6 and about 8 and a water temperature of from about 55.degree. to about 65.degree. C. for at least the last rinse;
• and
• (f) drying the rinsed hard surfaces with sterilized hot air at a temperature of from about 55.degree. to about 65.degree. C.;
• and wherein the water used in the cleaning solution of step (a), the disinfectant solution of step (c), and the water rinses of step (e) have a German hardness value of from about 3.degree. to about 8.degree. C.