What Is An Example Of a Disinfectant?

What Is An Example Of a Disinfectant? Bacteria and pathogens are everywhere around us, on us, and inside us. While some germs are not harmful to humans, others can trigger the disease.

This causes the need for products that can kill accumulations of germs from surfaces and make them safe. These products are disinfectants, which can be of different types. So if you are unsure which agent to choose, here is a list of an example of a disinfectant.

1. Chlorine

Chlorine-based compounds are one of the most popular disinfectants. The chlorine proves ultra-efficient in killing bacteria and pathogens. It disrupts the vital events in the germ body, leading to its immediate death.

Disinfectants with chlorine compound find their use in residential and healthcare settings and the food processing industry. Its main advantage, besides efficiency, is low price. You can buy many bottles and disinfect large areas.

However, with these amazing upsides come some drawbacks. For example, chlorine can discolor textiles and fabrics. So it’s extremely risky to apply it on curtains, upholstery, and carpeting.

Also, chlorine can cause skin irritation if you fail to stick to the safety rules of using it. Breathing problems may also occur after a long-lasting chlorine use.

2. Alcohols

Alcohols are the emergency disinfection solution for many homeowners. This is because they are present almost in every family’s first aid kit. Combined with water, alcohols are quite effective at killing pathogens.

An alcohol concentration of 60% is usually enough to remind most of the bacteria who are the boss in the house. However, it’s important to note that not all germs die after contact with 60% sanitizer. Sometimes, there is a need for higher concentrations to annihilate ultra-resistant individuals.

From downsides, we can mention that alcohol-based disinfectants evaporate fast. Thus, they don’t stay much time on the surface, which can lead only to the partial destruction of germs. Also, alcohols are flammable, so it’s good to use them safely, keeping any fire source away.

3. Hydrogen peroxide

While you may be used to applying hydrogen peroxide on scars, you can also apply it on germy household surfaces. The product proves a great disinfectant, bringing lethal damage to bacteria cells.

At the same time, it is environment-friendly, as it naturally decomposes into molecules of hydrogen and water. Aside from disinfection properties, hydrogen peroxide-based sanitizers are effective cleaners.

So by creating a countertop with it, you both kill germs and remove existing stains.

If speaking of drawbacks, this product is a skin irritant. So you want to use it always with gloves on and long-sleeve clothes to prevent contact with skin. In addition, it’s a bad idea to apply this disinfectant on fabrics, as it has bleaching properties.

For carpets and upholstery, you are good to go with non-bleaching sanitizers or use steam cleaning.

4. Iodophors

Iodophors find their application in disinfecting tools and equipment in various industries. The Iodine compound has a pretty high potency at killing stubborn pathogens. However, we would least recommend you it for home use, given its sharp and unpleasant smell.

Moreover, Iodophors tend to stain the surfaces, so it’s absolutely not the choice of homeowners.

5. Quaternary ammonium compounds

Also called quats, these disinfectants find their use in healthcare facilities given their quick effect and low price. They disrupt the bacteria’s protective cell in no time. Still, quats have a strong smell due to the presence of ammonia in their composition.

Using them in residential facilities is risky. Yet, if you decide to do so, you have to act extremely cautious. First of all, remove kids, elderly people, and pets from the house during the process. Open the windows to ensure ventilation.

Work with the mask on to inhale fewer ammonia vapors and use gloves for skin protection.

What Is An Example Of a Disinfectant? – Bottom line

While having the same objective, disinfectants come in different formulas. Keep in mind that some disinfectants are suitable only for industrial use. When it comes to home use, you have to go for relatively safer options.

These include hydrogen peroxide and alcohol-based disinfectants. They kill harmful bacteria efficiently and are less stinky. Chlorine-based disinfectants are also suitable for residential use. However, chlorine vapors may become dangerous after prolonged use.

Make sure to wear gloves and a mask to protect skin and lungs when disinfecting larger areas.