How do I Compare Disinfectants?

Learn how to compare disinfectants for your cleaning needs.

Disinfecting a home or business space requires a certain understanding of its use and pathogen exposure. Disinfecting your home after a bout of the flu usually calls for a different disinfectant than the wood cutting boards in a restaurant kitchen. It is also important to understand the effects of the disinfectant on not only your wallet but also your lungs, skin and potential fabric contact before selecting the right one for the job.

Things You'll Need

• Area to clean
• Computer with internet access (optional)

Instructions

1. Consider the type of material you are disinfecting as well as its purpose. For example, a bucket of children's plastic bath toys can be soaked in a dilution of chlorine-free bleach for five minutes and rinsed to disinfect them while a metal hospital tray requires a hospital-grade disinfectant not readily available to the public.

2. Consider the levels of toxicity you are willing to accept from a disinfectant. Chlorine bleach is effective but highly toxic and corrosive, sometimes damaging and discoloring fabrics. On the other hand, alcohol-based cleaners are effective with a few minutes of contact and non-toxic but highly flammable.

3. Compare the costs of the disinfectants by their dilution rates. When comparing prices between chlorine bleach and alcohols, contrast the cost per quart of straight 70 percent ethanol disinfectant against the cost of one ounce of chlorine mixed with one quart of water (the general disinfecting solution recommendation). To calculate the chlorine cost per ounce, look at the bottle you purchased. Divide the cost of the bottle by the total ounces for the cost per ounce.

4. Consider the availability. If you can purchase it at the corner store, it is a readily available product. Some disinfectants require you to purchase them only through their manufacturer, making restocking your cleaning cabinet more inconvenient.

Tips & Warnings

• A list comparing most of these qualities, including effectiveness, cost and toxicity, is on the University of Missouri St. Louis website.

References

• Journal of Medical Microbiology: Efficacy of Antiseptics and Disinfectants on Clinical and Environmental Yeast Isolates in Planktonic and Biofilm Conditions

Resources

• University of Missouri St. Louis: Disinfectants for the Classroom