While formaldehyde effectively destroys pathogens, its fumes are considered toxic and it should only be used as directed on the label. Formaldehyde:A water-based form of formaldehyde, called “formalin,” is commonly used to sterilize and disinfect industrial settings, including hospitals as it kills both viruses and bacteria.However, do not mix household bleach with any other type of cleaner because there’s a possibility it could result in toxic fumes. Chlorine in other forms, such as benzalkonium chloride, is also found in disinfectant products combined with other ingredients. This solution can be used in a sprayer or can be sponged on a hard, non-porous surface, and should be allowed to remain on the surface for five minutes before wiping off. When sanitizing your home to destroy bacteria and viruses, including the COVID-19 virus, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommend diluting household bleach at the rate of 1/3 cup bleach per gallon of water for use as a disinfectant on hard surfaces. Chlorine and chlorine products: In the form of sodium chloride, good old household bleach has been a standby for decades in cleaning and disinfecting.Hydrogen peroxide can also be used right out of the bottle by applying it to hard, non-porous surfaces and allowing it to remain on for one minute before wiping dry. Hydrogen peroxide: This time-tested ingredient is often found in disinfectant products that are intended for use on hard, non-porous surfaces, and it can be found in sprays and liquids.
Use alcohol for disinfecting surfaces when known viruses are going around, but opt for one of the other products if you’re disinfecting against the spread of bacteria, such as sanitizing during an outbreak of salmonella (a food-borne bacteria), or staphylococcus, a bacteria that can lead to skin and organ infections. In other words, don’t apply and then immediately wipe it dry-wait for at least 30 seconds. For alcohol to successfully disinfect, the product should be applied and the surface allowed to remain wet for 30 seconds. It can be found in various disinfecting products, including liquids, sprays, and wipes.
Please note: Disinfectants can be toxic if misused, so follow product directions carefully. BEST BATHROOM DISINFECTANT SPRAY: Clorox Clean-Up Cleaner + Bleach.BEST DISINFECTING WIPES: Clorox Disinfecting Wipes.BEST FOR HARD AND SOFT SURFACES: Lysol Disinfectant Spray.BEST CONCENTRATED LIQUID DISINFECTANT: Mediclean Germicidal Cleaner.BEST MULTI-SURFACE DISINFECTANT: Windex Disinfectant Multi-Surface Cleaner.
Keep reading to find out how to select the best disinfectant products, as well as why we’ve chosen the following five as ideal products for a variety of areas throughout the whole home. Unlike other household cleaners designed to remove grime, grease, and stains, disinfectants destroy disease-carrying pathogens (the germs that can make you sick) on site.ĭisinfectant products are available as sprays for treating large areas liquids that can be diluted or applied directly to surfaces (via sponges, mops, and brushes) and convenient wipes for on-the-go applications. That’s why it’s important to understand how disinfectants play a vital role in the ongoing effort to keep our homes clean and germ-free. Harmful bacteria can multiply in the home at an alarming rate, which may place family members at a higher risk of illness or infection.