Virus Protection and Prevention

Sanitizing lies in between cleaning and disinfecting. According to www.flu.gov, sanitizing lowers the number of germs on surfaces to a safe level, as judged by public health standards or requirements, while disinfecting removes bacteria and viruses completely. You sanitize a surface by cleaning or disinfecting to reduce the risk of spreading infection. In essence, sterilizing destroys all forms of microbial life and is used mainly in healthcare and laboratory settings.

Do you disinfect, or do you sanitize?

In order to eliminate SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID 19, you should disinfect – not sanitize – because disinfectants are the only products approved by the EPA to kill viruses on hard surfaces. The main difference is that EPA-approved sanitizers only have claims for bacteria, while disinfectants have claims against both bacteria and viruses.

Ready to clean and disinfect? Go in order.

If disinfecting a surface is the task at hand—for example, you’re tackling desks that a classroom has just been used, or are ready to take care of the entryway to an office building (think doors, handles, counter tops)—the order of operations is important. Remember that “C” comes before “D”, so always clean before you disinfect.

First, clean the surface with a general all purpose cleaner to remove any visible waste particles. Second, rinse the surface with water, dry and then apply disinfectant. Make certain that you’re following the appropriate dwell times (see below) for the disinfectant to ensure that you’re killing all the germs.

We know how important it is to you that you’re maintaining safe and healthy spaces, so we’ve outlined the dwell time for our products that have been approved by the EPA for use against SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. Following the proper dwell times will result in surfaces free of harmful pathogens.

Which disinfectants are EPA-approved?

Any disinfectant on the EPA’s N-list is approved to fight COVID-19. The following are Zogics EPA-approved disinfectants: Zogics Antibacterial Wipes, Zogics Commercial Disinfectant Concentrate, Protexus Electrostatic Sprayers (when used with PURTABS), Zogics Disinfectant Atomizing Sprayer (when used with any EPA-registered disinfectant), PURTABS Disinfecting Tablets, PUR:ONE Disinfecting Tablets, Hi-Con 64 Neutral Commercial Disinfectant, A2Z Disinfecting Multi-Surface Cleaner, MatGuard MatPRO Commercial Surface Disinfectant and Vital Oxide Commercial Surface Disinfectant.

Which disinfectants are effective against coronavirus?

There are dozens of sprays, cleaners and wipes sold to clean and disinfect non-porous surfaces from SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. The EPA offers an extensive list of disinfectant products that meets its criteria to combat SARS-CoV-2. Make sure to follow the recommended contact or dwell time, which is the amount of time the product should remain on a surface before being wiped away.

Are disinfectants pesticides?

Disinfectants, along with sanitizers and sterilizers, are classified as pesticides, and the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) requires that they be registered with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Disinfectants and sanitizers kill bacteria, viruses, and fungi. According to the EPA these are considered pests just as insects, weeds, snails, and slugs are considered pests. Therefore, the EPA classifies disinfectants and sanitizers as pesticides.

Which disinfectants are the best at destroying germs?

To disinfect surfaces, the CDC recommends a household bleach or alcohol solution (see below for details), and points to a list of disinfectant products registered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that have qualified for use against the novel coronavirus. Washing with soap or water is the best way to rid the virus from your hands, the agency adds, but if soap and water aren't available, an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol may be used.

Why are disinfectants used?

Disinfectants are used to kill infectious organisms including viruses and bacteria on non-porous surfaces such as door handles, countertops, sinks, etc. Killing these organisms helps to stop the spread of viruses and diseases and protect human health.

When should disinfectants be used?

You should clean and disinfect housekeeping surfaces (e.g., floors, tabletops) on a regular basis, when spills occur, and when these surfaces are visibly soiled. Environmental surfaces should be disinfected on a regular basis (e.g., daily, three times per week) and when surfaces are visibly soiled.

Are disinfectants dangerous?

When misused, or not used according to the label, disinfectants can be dangerous. Never combine products and never use them in any way other than as directed on the label.

Will disinfectants kill viruses?

Yes, disinfectants kill viruses, when used properly according to the directions on the label.. Cleaning and disinfecting indoor surfaces can shorten a viruses lifespan, provided it’s done correctly – clean first, then disinfect.