Disinfectants: Cleaning Up the Confusion

In this post, we will clean up the confusion about disinfectants, bacteria and infections. How do disinfectants work? Are some better than others? How do I choose the right disinfectant? Read on to learn the answers to these common questions about our germ-fighting products!

How do disinfectants work?

Disinfectants can work in two ways: some disrupt the physical makeup of microbes while others block their synthetic processes. The microbes may be mold or mildew, protozoa, viruses, bacteria or other pathogens.

What’s the difference between sanitizers and disinfectants?

Disinfectants actually kill bacteria on surfaces; sanitizers only reduce bacteria to a safe level as determined by public health organizations.

Are all disinfectants the same?

No! You will find a large variety of disinfectants in New England and elsewhere because different disinfectants do different jobs. Some are effective against bacteria, like MRSA, E. coli and salmonella, while others work best on viruses, like influenza strains or norovirus. Other disinfectants are designed to tackle mold and mildew or fungi, like Athlete’s Foot.

Are one-step disinfectants effective?

These products clean and disinfect in one step, and they can be effective for regular cleaning; however, the EPA does require pre-cleaning for heavily soiled areas even when using “one step” products.

How do I choose the right disinfectant?

It is crucially important to read the labels on disinfectants thoroughly before purchasing to make sure the product you choose meets your needs. For help selecting the best disinfectant for your needs, contact the team at Banner Systems today!