This article has gathered information on a range of common disinfectants and lists the advantages and disadvantages of using them.
At MMCS Commercial Cleaning, we offer a disinfectant fogging service that uses a Hypochrolous-Acid based disinfectant that can help to keep your personal or private property more COVID-secure. Get in touch here or call us on 0191 296 6214 to book your bespoke service today
As per NHS guidelines, we recommend washing hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds to help reduce the spread of COVID-19.
Sodium Hypochlorite
Commonly known as bleach, this clear yellowish disinfectant is a staple cleaning item in many households. In the home environment, it is recommended to mix 1 part bleach with at least 40 parts water when using for disinfectant purposes. Surfaces must be cleaned with hot water and soap and have all dirt and soil removed prior to applying the diluted solution in order to ensure thorough disinfection of a surface.
Advantages:
-Affordable and accessible (found in many local supermarkets)
-Effective germ killer (it kills bacteria and viruses on surfaces)
Disadvantages:
-Can irritate the skin and be harmful if inhaled
-Can give off lethal fumes if mixed with an ammonia-based cleaning product
-Can corrode metals and damage surfaces (such as painted surfaces)
Top tip:
Never mix bleach with hot water! The hot water could spread harmful fumes and also render the bleach less effective. Always use cold water.
70% Isopropyl
Also known as rubbing alcohol, if a rubbing alcohol product has over 70% of isopropyl then it has the ability to kill a range of bacteria such as E.coli and Salmonella. It can often be found in hand sanitising gels and disinfectant wipes.
Advantages:
-Kills bacteria on skin (and can be used to treat minor grazes)
-Evaporates quickly (can be used to disinfect electronic devices)
Disadvantages:
-Not suitable for internal wounds or consumption
-Highly flammable
-Can be toxic if inhaled
Top tip:
Apply rubbing alcohol to a cotton swab and wipe over jewellery to remove dirt, bacteria and grime.
Quaternary Ammonium Compounds
Sometimes referred to as ‘quats’, you can find these compounds in a range of household cleaning products, most commonly in products that include ‘...onium chloride’ in their name. You often find quaternary ammonium compounds in disinfectants and general-purpose cleaning liquids and wipes.
Advantages:
-They have a wide spectrum germ kill ability
-Simple to use (often involve wiping over a surface using a dry cloth)
-Can be used on a range of materials without staining them
-Almost odourless (or have a pleasant smell)
Disadvantages:
-Can irritate skin, eyes and lungs
-Can have reduced activity in the presence of dirt or soil
Top tip:
Use a microfibre cloth to apply this disinfectant to surfaces, as cotton and t-shirt type cloths may cause the disinfectant solution to create bonds and render it less effective.
Hypochlorous Acid
Hypochlorous acid is able to eradicate dangerous bacteria, fungi and spores within 15 seconds. It is also one of the more natural forms of biocide (a substance that destroys living things) and can disinfect up to 300 times better than bleach. At MMCS Commercial Cleaning, we choose to use Hypochlorous Acid based products in our disinfecting services.
Advantages:
-Low contact times
-Safe for people and the environment (biodegradable)
-Can be used on a range of soft and hard materials without staining them
-Does not require workers to wear PPE when using
-Does not require ventilation of the area after use
Disadvantages:
-Can only exist in a solution that has already been prepared
-Can be difficult to maintain the correct PH level
This information is accurate as of 03/03/21 and has been adapted from:
https://www.healthline.com/health/rubbing-alcohol-vs-hydrogen-peroxide#how-to-use-rubbing-alcohol
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/rubbing-alcohol-uses#nausea
https://med.nyu.edu/pophealth/sites/default/files/pophealth/QACs%20Info%20for%20Physicians_18.pdf
https://ehs.missouri.edu/bio/labprac/disinfectants
http://solutionsdesignedforhealthcare.com/solutions/products/disinfectants/technologies/quaternary-ammonium-compounds
https://www.ursourcellc.com/faq/bleachquat.html
https://www.cleanlink.com/sm/article/How-To-Properly-Use-Quaternary-Ammonium-Products--18851
https://www.nature.com/articles/sj.bdj.2018.302
https://www.optometrytimes.com/view/hypochlorous-acid-harnessing-natures-germ-killer