Factors To Consider When Choosing A Disinfectant

What factors should you consider when choosing a disinfectant? When you are looking for a product, you ought to evaluate the value of the product and if it will help you fulfill the purpose.

Therefore, you will have to peruse the internet, check the features of the products, and read the reviews. If you were given a referral, then, you should ask your friend or relative about their experience.

The market is going to offer you a plethora of choices, and this can be overwhelming. Some product providers may not be truthful about the product they are offering. Therefore, it is your responsibility to practice due diligence in consumer behavior.

This article is going to guide you on the factors you should consider when choosing a disinfectant.

Cost

Cost remains a major factor when you are choosing disinfectants. You should ensure that the disinfectant that you choose is not going to strain your budget. However, it is advisable that you avoid very cheap products in the market.

This is because such products could be counterfeit or of low quality. At the same time, a very expensive product does not in any way mean that the product is of high quality.

Targeted Virus or Bacteria

Whereas most people think a disinfectant is an umbrella solution to germs and bacteria, the fact is that a disinfectant could kill only one type of germ.

Therefore, as a customer, you should check the kind of germ that most affects you at your home or office. It is true that some products can kill a variety of germs, but you need to be sure about this when choosing a disinfectant.

This will enable you to make an informed decision.

Quality

Using a disinfectant does not mean that the product is effective. You need to check the quality of the product through reviews done by other users.

Similarly, you can monitor the product in order to measure its efficacy. Organizations such as EPA can help you to evaluate how effective a product is.

Having stated that, a common disinfectant available in the supermarket carries a three log reduction. This means that the disinfectant is able to kill over 99 % of the germs.

However, one should be sure to check on the date of expiry. Just like in any other product, you should not use a disinfectant if it is past the expiry date.

The Use of Water

Most of the disinfectants are ready-to-use products. However, some may require you to dilute it in water.

Therefore, if your disinfectant requires the use of water, then you should ensure that you have it in regular supply. A disinfectant that does not use water may disadvantage you if you are mobile.

Safety

The safety of a product matters a lot in making a decision to use the product. The disinfectant is supposed to kill, however, make sure that you do not get more than you bargain for. You need to check the levels of flammability and toxicity.

If you have children and pets, then, you should be more careful about the safety of the product. An ideal disinfectant product is supposed to strike a healthy balance between safety and efficacy without compromising on any of them.

Speed of Action

Many disinfectant users expect the product to work within a very short amount of time. The problem with this is that it does not give the product enough time for action. It is important that the user gives the disinfectant enough time to act.

This is otherwise known as the contact time.

Closely connected to this, you need to ensure that you store the disinfectant in a special container. This is because UV rays could affect the quality of the disinfectant, and its efficacy may fade. The more the disinfectant stays in the sun, the higher the chances of fading in quality.

Labeling and Instructions

The disinfectant should be clearly labeled. Companies dealing with disinfectants are required by the government to clearly give the relevant warning. At the same time, there should be a set of instructions on how best to use the disinfectant.

For instance, some products require using one step, while others require the use of multiple steps. This should be stated in the instructions.

Information that is contained in the label includes the surfaces which are favorable for the disinfectant, application procedures, safety concerns, and environmental concerns.

Some companies would allow you to contact them in case there is something that you cannot understand about how to use the product.

Disinfectants and the Environment

You should be very conscious of the environment and your disinfectant should reflect this. You have the noble responsibility to protect the environment.

It is advisable that you use environment-friendly products. When you have finished using the disinfectant, you have to think about the best way of disposing of it. You should ensure that children cannot access the disinfectant as it can be poisonous.

Cleaning Tools

Some of the disinfectants may be irritating to the eyes and the skin. Again, the odor of the disinfectant could be pungent.

In such a case, then, you might consider using personal protective equipment (PPE). Even with the use of equipment, it is important that one chooses a disinfectant that is useable within the resources of a company.

The Professionals

If you feel that you have a question, or you need clarification, be sure to contact the disinfecting professionals. They have dealt with these products, and they are best placed to help you make a decision.

Most importantly, they are going to help you explore safe disinfectant options. Seeking the opinion of the professionals can help you to avoid making mistakes which could cost you a lot.

Factors To Consider When Choosing A Disinfectant – Conclusion

Disinfectants are and will be, part and parcel of your everyday life. Therefore, you have to understand how to get the most effective disinfectants in the market. Most importantly, they must be safe for you.

Overall, disinfectants are very important in ensuring optimal health outcomes.