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What is the Most Effective Disinfectant or Sanitizer for my Application?

hands wearing gloves spraying disinfectant and wiping table

If you need a disinfectant for commercial use, it is always best to consult a cleaning supply professional. They can help you choose the correct products for each application in your business or other public place. There are so many factors to consider. Here we will share 5 criteria for choosing a disinfectant or sanitizer for your specific needs.

1. The Product Label is Your Roadmap

Like other cleaning chemicals, disinfectants and sanitizers are made for different purposes. The simplest advice is to follow the directions on the label of the product you are using. The label will clearly tell you:

  • The surfaces where the product was designed to be used.
  • The proper application procedure.
  • How much time the disinfectant must be left on the surface to be completely effective.
  • Safety concerns about the product, including whether the product is safe for skin contact, as well as the proper PPE that should be used.
  • Proper disposal and other environmental concerns.
  • Proper storage of the product.

2. Square Footage

The size and scope of the area to be disinfected is a huge consideration. If you are disinfecting a small area, ready-to-use products may be a great choice. Ready-to-use products are pre-mixed so that there is much less room for error. However, if you are disinfecting a large facility like a school or factory, these products would be cost prohibitive. Super concentrated products are far less expensive to apply. Electrostatic sprayers are one efficient and effective way to properly disinfect large areas with multiple types of surfaces.

The cleaning professionals at FCE can help you select the best disinfectant or sanitizer for your specific application, including EPA N List approved disinfectants to assist with COVID-19 disinfection protocols and workplace re-occupation plans.

3. Time Allocated to Cleaning Procedures

Another important factor in the application is the amount of time the product must stay wet on the surface to be effective. A great example would be the pre-moistened disinfectant wipes. Almost every product out there says that the surface should stay wet for 10 minutes for the product to be effective. Think about wiping down the handle of your shopping cart or gym equipment. Do you think the surface stayed wet for 10 minutes? Probably not. Facility managers must consider the time they have allocated to cleaning, disinfecting, and sanitizing procedures.

4. Type of Surface and Materials

The type of surface is also important. The effectiveness of the disinfectant or sanitizer generally does not apply to a porous surface. Most types of fabric or upholstery cannot be 100% disinfected. Many gym mats and yoga mats are also porous.

One of the biggest mistakes we have seen is to confuse disinfectants and sanitizers with cleaners. Some cleaners disinfect as well as clean. Most do not. The label will often tell you to apply the disinfectant to a clean dry surface to be 100% effective. In many cases, cleaning with soap or detergent is an essential first step to disinfecting. Cleaning will remove dirt and microorganisms from the surface, preparing for disinfecting and sanitizing which kills the germs.

5. Chemical Storage Requirements

Storage of disinfectants is also important. Some of the strongest disinfectants on the market, including bleach, are highly affected by ultraviolet light. In other words, if you leave them out in daylight, they will lose their disinfecting properties. Make sure to consider whether you have the proper storage space for buckets or containers of disinfectant and sanitizing solution.

Factory Cleaning Equipment professionals are here to help your business manage your cleaning procedures with the right equipment and chemical solutionsContact us with questions about your chemical disinfectant or sanitizer. We remind you to read labels and apply common sense when executing disinfectant protocol in your facility and in your daily lives. Many of the same lessons we have all been taught still apply - wash your hands and try not to touch surfaces that many other people touch every day. (I never have liked those stylus pens on credit card machines!)

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