Disinfectants That Kill Bacteria

Disinfectants kill pathogenic bacteria to help prevent illness.

Disinfectants are used in a variety of circumstances, such as hospitals, schools, public restrooms, restaurant kitchens and around the house. They are a first line of defense against illness and disease. There is no perfect disinfectant for every circumstance; different disinfectants kill different bacteria and are appropriate for different surfaces. Using the right disinfectant for the job is the best way of ensuring its effectiveness.

Iodine

Most people are familiar with iodine as a skin antiseptic, but it is a powerful disinfectant for surfaces. Iodine kills a wide range of bacteria, including the hard-to-kill tuberculosis germ and one ounce can kill all of the germs in 7,800 gallons of water. It should be used in liquid form, since iodine gas is toxic. Iodine stains surfaces and corrodes mop buckets. Surfaces need cleaned of any organic matter before using iodine to disinfect.

Chlorine Bleach

This compound is a member of the hypochlorite family. It is effective on HIV and hepatitis, and works well as an inexpensive general cleaner when diluted. It also removes stains from surfaces and fabrics, but will remove color and damage fabric if left in extended contact. Bleach will also dull tile and corrode metal with long-term use. It is a skin irritant and creates irritating fumes. Do not combine bleach with other cleaners, since this can cause the release of highly toxic chlorine gas.

Synthetic Phenols

This is class of compounds found in cleaners such as hospital-strength Lysol. They are not effective on every strain of bacteria, but are effective against most fungi. Use phenol on most surfaces, but do not use them in food preparation areas. They can damage eyes and skin, so they should be used with care while wearing gloves and safety goggles. Synthetic phenols are safer than natural phenols, such as carbolic acid, which is highly toxic.

Alcohol

Ethyl and isopropyl alcohol will disinfect clean surfaces. It is not effective on every type of bacteria and needs to stay on for a long period to be effective. This usually involves soaking the object in the alcohol, so alcohol is not good for wiping down surfaces. It is flammable and can cause rubber to swell and plastics to harden.

References

• Cleaning and Maintenance Management Online: A Disinfectants Primer
• University of Melbourne: Chemical Disinfectants
• University of Missouri-Saint Louis: Disinfectants for the Classroom