Abstract: In view of increased risks for physicians and personnel to catch old and new virus infections like hepatitis-B and aids, the invention provides pre-cleaning of medical hand instruments by mechanical cleaning means, e.g. brushes (38, 39) lamellas or plastic pads disposed below the liquid surface of a disinfecting solution in a possibly closed cleaning container (31) or in a cleaning trough (30).Proposed are advantageous embodiments preventing a spattering of contaminated particles into the environment. In this connection it is proposed to use an additional disinfecting trough (41) at the work place serving as an emergency relief aid for persons injured at the work place. The invention may be used also in non-medical practices, e.g. in barber, manicure, pedicure, cosmetic and tatooing shops and offices to protect the personnel and clients from infections.