Surface cleaners remove dirt and physical impurities, while disinfectants use chemicals to kill harmful microorganisms like bacteria and viruses on non-living surfaces, thus helping to prevent the spread of disease. Cleaning should always be performed before disinfecting, as dirt and organic matter can reduce a disinfectant’s effectiveness.
Common Active Ingredients and Types
Surface cleaners and disinfectants are available in various formulations for different applications, including sprays, liquids, and wipes. Common active ingredients in disinfectants include:
Alcohols (e.g., ethanol, isopropyl alcohol): Rapidly bactericidal and work by denaturing proteins, most effective at concentrations around 70%. They are flammable and have poor detergent properties.
Quaternary Ammonium Compounds (QACs): Stable, low-odor, and low-toxicity agents that disrupt cell membranes, effective against many bacteria and enveloped viruses.
Hydrogen Peroxide: An effective oxidizing biocide that decomposes into water and oxygen, making it environmentally friendly.
Phenolic Compounds: Used in hospital-grade disinfectants, they work by damaging cell walls and are effective against various bacteria, fungi, and some viruses.