Disinfectants

What are Disinfectants?

Disinfectants are chemical agents applied to non-living objects in order to destroy bacteria, viruses, fungi, mildew or mold living on the objects. By definition, disinfectant formulas must be registered with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).



The active ingredient in each disinfectant chemistry is what destroys pathogens, typically by disrupting or damaging their cells. Active ingredients are usually aided by other ingredients in the disinfectant. As an example, surfactants can be added to a disinfectant formula to provide consistent wetting on a surface or to help in cleaning.



Main Types of Disinfectants

Several broad categories of disinfectants are used in commercial and industrial facility maintenance. Below are some of the most common types. While not an exhaustive list, these cover the large majority used today, and the types of disinfectants we offer.



1. Quaternary Ammonium Compounds (commonly called Quats): A top choice for disinfection in hospital and institutional settings because of their low cost and quick action against a wide range of pathogens and microorganisms, Quats can be formulated with a variety of detergents to provide both cleaning and disinfecting ability. A2Z, Zogics, and Vital Oxide are examples of quat-based disinfectants with both cleaning power and broad-spectrum kill claims for many common and dangerous bacteria and viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.
2. Hypochlorous Acid: Hypochlorous Acid (HOCL) was discovered centuries ago as a germ-killing agent. HOCL is created by combining water and salt through a patent-pending electrolyzing process. This creates an oxidized, antimicrobial solution capable of killing many pathogens in a variety of environments. Not only does HOCL disinfect surfaces quickly and safely, but it also sanitizes and deodorizes. Hypochlorous Acid Disinfectant is an example of a HOCL disinfectant, ideal for use in healthcare settings and food preparation processing. We also offer EvaClean's PURTABS; the active agent of these disinfectants is sodium dichloroisocyanurate (shortened to NaDCC), which, when dissolved in water, creates HOCL.
3. Alcohol: When diluted in water, alcohols are effective against a wide range of bacteria, though higher concentrations are often needed to disinfect wet surfaces. The downsides? They evaporate quickly (and therefore may not remain on the surface long enough to kill), they’re flammable, and they may not have organic soil tolerance claims, meaning they may not be effective when organic matter (blood, for example) is present in the area being disinfected. Most often, you'll see alcohol-based disinfectants in use as wet wipes or sprays. We offer alcohol-based cleaning wipes that provide you with ample coverage to wipe down and sanitize almost any surface with a single cloth. The 75% ethyl-alcohol formula is gentle and effective, quick to evaporate, and safe to use on skin, as well as solid objects and surfaces, such as plastic, laminates, metals, glass, plexiglass screens, and rubber.



What to Consider When Choosing Your Disinfectant

There are four primary considerations you should evaluate when choosing a disinfectant to best meet the needs of your facility. Answering these questions will give you a framework for helping determine the best product or products to use.



1. Does a disinfectant kill the microbes and pathogens that are of top concern to your facility?

Depending on your industry and facility type – healthcare, education, long-term care, hospitality, fitness – you will have varying needs and requirements.



2. How quickly does a disinfectant kill a pathogen?

Disinfectant formulas are registered to kill specific pathogens in a specific amount of time, and they need to be wet on a surface the entire time to be actively working (this is called dwell time). Thirty seconds to 10 minutes could be a typical kill time. If a disinfectant needs 10 minutes, be sure it will actually stay wet that long to achieve the needed dwell time. Alcohol-based disinfectants may evaporate before their required contact time. Read and follow all label directions for use and rewetting if necessary.



3. Is the product safe to use for people and for the surfaces it's used on?

Some categories of disinfectants are toxic, some may stain fabrics and porous surfaces, others are corrosive, yet others have an undesirable odor. Check toxicity and flammability ratings on any disinfectant products, as well as any personal protective equipment (PPE) recommendations for disinfectants you apply. Be sure a disinfectant will not damage any surface it is intended for.



4. Is the disinfectant and its application method practical for your facility?

Some applications require multiple steps that may not always be feasible. Water hardness is one factor that can impact the effectiveness of some disinfectant formulas. Many of our disinfectants clean and disinfect in just one step, making them a top choice for an easy, ready-to-use use disinfectant that addresses a broad spectrum of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and mildew in hospitals, educational facilities, fitness, and beyond. These are applied via microfiber cloths, disposable towels, and mops.



Using an electrostatic sprayer? We recommend Hypochlorous Acid Surface Disinfectant (and if you're using a Protexus sprayer, we recommend PURTABS).



Buy Commercial Disinfectant Sprays and Sanitizers by the Best Brands at Zogics

We’re here to help you choose the best disinfectant cleaners for your business from an array of leading brands so you can maintain a sparkling, safe facility. Whether you’re looking for bulk cleaners from Protexus, Lysol disinfectant sprays, Purell surface sanitizers, or products made by other well-known brands, you’ll find the top cleaning supplies you need at Zogics. We also carry a selection of our very own wholesale facility maintenance products, allowing you to shop our in-house line of high-quality disinfectant cleaners alongside the industry’s premier cleaning solutions brands all in one place