Selecting compliant cleaning products protects your facility while meeting health, safety, and environmental requirements. Understanding EPA List N disinfectants and eco-label certifications helps you make informed purchasing decisions without falling for greenwashing—misleading marketing claims that exaggerate a product's environmental benefits or safety without third-party verification.
This commercial cleaning compliance guide breaks down EPA List N, DfE-certified disinfectants, Safer Choice-certified cleaners, and Green Seal-certified cleaning products.
Key Takeaways
• EPA List N confirms disinfectants kill SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19)
• DfE certification ensures EPA-registered disinfectants use the safest possible ingredients
• Safer Choice identifies general cleaners with safer chemicals
• Green Seal verifies full lifecycle sustainability from raw materials to disposal
• Different facility types require different certification priorities
• Shorter disinfectant contact times improve operational efficiency
• Proper dispenser selection maximizes compliance and controls costs
Quick Certification Comparison
Understanding EPA List N Disinfectants
EPA List N is the Environmental Protection Agency's database of disinfectants proven effective against SARS-CoV-2. Created in January 2020, this list provides facility managers with verified pathogen-killing products.
Three Ways Products Qualify for EPA List N
Products earn List N inclusion through one of three pathways:
1. Direct SARS-CoV-2 testing - Product proven effective against COVID-19 virus
2. Similar coronavirus efficacy - Product kills different human coronaviruses similar to SARS-CoV-2
3. Harder-to-kill pathogen proof - Product eliminates more difficult pathogens like norovirus or tuberculosis
This matters because disinfecting kills germs on surfaces, while cleaning only removes visible dirt.
How to Verify EPA List N Products
Every EPA-registered product displays an EPA Reg. No. on its label. This number is your verification key.
Step-by-step verification:
1. Find the EPA Reg. No. on your product label (format: 12345-12)
2. Enter the first two number sets into the EPA List N search tool
3. Confirm your product appears on the list
4. Follow the contact time instructions for the pathogen listed
Important: Products sharing the same first two EPA registration numbers are equivalent. EPA Reg. No. 12345-12 and 12345-12-2567 are the same formulation.
Why Contact Time Matters
Disinfectant contact time—how long surfaces must stay wet—directly impacts facility operations.
Real-world example: Zogics Antibacterial Disinfecting Wipes kill SARS-CoV-2 in just 30 seconds. Compare this to products requiring 10 minutes of wet contact time.
For fitness centers, shorter contact times mean:
• Equipment dries faster between member uses
• Higher member satisfaction with equipment availability
• Reduced staffing needs for cleaning protocols
• Better compliance with gym equipment cleaning standards
DfE Certified Disinfectants: Safety Meets Efficacy
EPA List N confirms a product kills pathogens. It doesn't guarantee ingredient safety or environmental responsibility.
That's where DfE (Design for the Environment) certification becomes critical.
What DfE Certification Means
DfE-certified products meet two standards:
1. FIFRA registration requirements - Standard pesticide safety and efficacy testing
2. EPA ingredient safety criteria - Every ingredient is evaluated for human health and environmental impact
Products carrying the DfE logo have passed rigorous ingredient screening that goes beyond basic EPA registration.
DfE Benefits for Facility Managers
Reduced occupational hazards
• Lower toxicity means less PPE required
• Safer for cleaning staff during daily use
• Fewer chemical exposure incidents
Safer for vulnerable populations
• Ideal for healthcare facilities with immunocompromised patients
• Appropriate for schools serving children with developing immune systems
• Suitable for daycares and senior living communities
Environmental responsibility without performance sacrifice
• Ingredients meet aquatic toxicity standards
• Biodegradability criteria protect water systems
• Performance equivalent to conventional disinfectants
DfE Product Example
Zogics ecoPRO Plant-Based Disinfecting Wipes combine EPA registration with DfE certification.
What this means:
• Kills 99.9% of bacteria and viruses
• Free of bleach, dyes, phosphates, synthetic fragrances, parabens, phenol, and phthalates
• Made with biodegradable detergents and plant-based cloth
• Meets EPA "Design for the Environment" product criteria
This eliminates the false choice between efficacy and safety. You get both.
Safer Choice Certified Cleaners
EPA's Safer Choice program helps facility managers identify cleaning products formulated with safer chemicals. In August 2024, EPA strengthened the Safer Choice Standard with new packaging and sustainability requirements.
Safer Choice vs. DfE: Know the Difference
Both programs serve different cleaning needs:
Safer Choice applies to general cleaning products:
• All-purpose cleaners
• Laundry detergents
• Glass cleaners
• Floor care products
DfE applies to antimicrobial products:
• Disinfectants
• Sanitizers
• Products regulated as pesticides under FIFRA
When to use each: Use Safer Choice certified cleaners for routine maintenance. Use DfE certified disinfectants when pathogen elimination is required.
2024 Safer Choice Standard Updates
Recent changes strengthen environmental requirements:
What Safer Choice Certification Guarantees
When you see the Safer Choice label:
• Every intentionally added ingredient has been reviewed by EPA scientists
• Products meet stringent human health and environmental criteria
• Performance matches or exceeds conventional alternatives
• No de minimis exceptions—all ingredients are evaluated
Green Seal Certified Cleaning Products
Green Seal operates as an independent, third-party certifier with 35 years of ecolabeling leadership. Unlike EPA programs, Green Seal is a nonprofit organization rather than a government agency.
More than 100 federal, state, and local purchasing policies specify Green Seal certification.
What Green Seal Evaluates
Green Seal examines products across their entire lifecycle:
• Raw material extraction and processing
• Manufacturing energy efficiency
• Product performance against industry benchmarks
• Human health and environmental toxicity
• Packaging sustainability
• End-of-life disposal and recyclability
Green Seal Procurement Advantages
LEED credit eligibility: Green Seal products contribute to LEED certification points for sustainable building operations.
Climate Pledge Friendly: Qualified products display Amazon's sustainability verification on product listings.
Government specification compliance: Products meet requirements in federal, state, and local purchasing policies.
Verified performance: Products must perform as well as conventional alternatives. Underperformance disqualifies certification.
Why Green Seal Independence Matters
Green Seal has no financial interest in certified products or manufacturers. This independence assures that certification represents genuine environmental leadership rather than marketing claims.
Matching Certifications to Your Facility Type
Different facilities require different certification priorities based on occupant needs and regulatory requirements.
Healthcare Facilities
Priority: EPA List N + DfE certification
Healthcare environments demand proven pathogen elimination with maximum safety for patients and staff.
Why this combination:
• Protects immunocompromised patients
• Reduces chemical exposure for healthcare workers
• Meets infection control standards
• Provides documentation for regulatory compliance
Product example: EPA-registered disinfectants combining List N inclusion with DfE certification deliver protection without exposing vulnerable individuals to harsh chemicals.
Educational Institutions
Priority: Safer Choice + Green Seal certifications
Schools serve sensitive populations, including children with developing immune systems and individuals with chemical sensitivities.
Why this combination:
• Minimizes student exposure to harsh chemicals
• Supports green school initiatives
• Meets sustainability purchasing policies
• Provides safe products for daily classroom use
Real-world application: Elementary schools can use Safer Choice cleaners in classrooms and cafeterias, reserving EPA List N disinfectants for restrooms and outbreak situations.
Fitness Centers and Gyms
Priority: EPA List N with rapid contact times
High-touch gym equipment needs frequent disinfection without lengthy drying periods.
Why rapid contact times matter:
• Equipment is available faster between member uses
• Higher member satisfaction
• Reduced cleaning labor costs
• Better protocol compliance
Product example: Zogics Antibacterial Disinfecting Wipes provide 30-second SARS-CoV-2 kill times, ideal for fitness center operations.
Office Buildings
Priority: Green Seal or Safer Choice for routine cleaning + EPA List N for high-touch surfaces
Tiered approach benefits:
• Cost-effective routine maintenance with certified cleaners
• Pathogen control on door handles, elevators, shared workspaces
• Flexibility to respond to illness outbreaks
• Environmental leadership demonstration
Real-world application: Use Safer Choice products for daily desk and floor cleaning. Deploy EPA List N disinfectants for conference rooms, break rooms, and restrooms.
How to Read Product Labels Correctly
Product labels contain critical information, but greenwashing makes verification essential.
What to Check on Every Label
EPA Registration Number
• Confirms the product is EPA-registered
• Does NOT guarantee List N inclusion
• Always verify using EPA database
• Don't rely on label claims like "kills COVID-19"
Active ingredients: Different active ingredients offer different benefits:
Product spotlight: Zogics ecoPRO wipes use plant-based active ingredients meeting EPA efficacy standards while eliminating harsh chemical concerns.
Surface compatibility: Not all disinfectants work on all surfaces.
Check for approval on:
• Hard nonporous surfaces (doorknobs, faucets, sealed wood)
• Porous surfaces (fabric, cushions, untreated wood)
• Food-contact surfaces (countertops, tables)
• Post-rinse requirements for food-contact areas
Use site restrictions: Some products are approved only for specific facility types:
• Healthcare settings
• Institutional use
• Residential applications
Verify the product's registration covers your facility type before purchasing.
Wipe Dispensers for Certified Products
Pairing certified wipes with compatible dispensers keeps products effective and accessible. Zogics offers wall-mounted wipe dispensers for space-constrained areas and stainless steel floor dispensers with built-in waste receptacles for high-traffic zones like fitness centers and lobbies.
Avoiding Greenwashing and False Claims
Environmental marketing claims proliferate in the cleaning products industry. Without proper verification, you risk purchasing products that don't meet compliance requirements.
Red Flags That Signal Greenwashing
"EPA-approved" or "EPA-certified"
• The EPA doesn't approve or certify cleaning products
• Products are EPA-registered (not approved)
• List N inclusion is a separate distinction
"Natural" or "botanical" without certification
• These terms lack regulatory definitions
• Verify with third-party certification
Verification Best Practices
• Check EPA databases directly - Don't rely on label claims alone
• Request certification documentation - Ask for EPA, Green Seal, or equivalent proof
• Review Safety Data Sheets (SDS) - Understand actual ingredients and hazards
• Test products in your conditions - Verify surface compatibility and practical usability
Building Your Compliant Product Portfolio
Most facilities need multiple products addressing different cleaning requirements. A tiered approach optimizes compliance and cost-effectiveness.
Three-Tier Facility Cleaning Protocol
Tier 1: Routine Cleaning
• Use: Safer Choice or Green Seal-certified products
• Frequency: Daily maintenance
• Cost: Most economical option
Tier 2: Standard Disinfection
• Use: EPA-registered disinfectants
• Frequency: High-touch surfaces during normal operations
• Cost: Moderate
Tier 3: Outbreak Response
• Use: EPA List N products with rapid contact times
• Frequency: Illness outbreaks or public health emergencies
• Cost: Premium but reserved for critical situations
Your Next Steps
1. Audit current products against EPA List N, DfE, Safer Choice, and Green Seal databases
2. Prioritize high-risk areas for immediate upgrade to certified products
3. Implement tiered protocols matching certification level to cleaning need
4. Invest in quality dispensers that control waste and maintain product efficacy
This foundation positions your facility to maintain health, safety, and environmental standards while controlling costs and avoiding greenwashing.
Download Your Free Compliance Checklist
Get our comprehensive PDF including:
• Certification comparison chart
• Product selection decision tree
• Facility-specific recommendations
• Vendor verification checklist
Ready to Build Your Compliant Product Portfolio?
Explore Zogics' full range of certified cleaning solutions:
• EPA List N Disinfectants - Verified SARS-CoV-2 efficacy
• DfE-Certified ecoPRO Wipes - Safest ingredients + proven performance
• Antibacterial Disinfecting Wipes - 30-second contact time for high-traffic facilities
• Professional Wipe Dispensers - Wall-mounted, floor stand, and tabletop options
• Complete Dispenser + Wipe Bundles - Cost-effective compliance solutions
Questions about which products meet your facility's specific requirements? Contact Zogics today for personalized recommendations based on your facility type, occupancy, and compliance needs.