What Chemicals Are Used to Disinfect?

What Chemicals are used to disinfect?

 

About Disinfection

Clean, Sanitize, Disinfect. More than one word may be used to describe ‘the act of removing dirt and/or germs from surfaces’.  The words seem similar; but, according to the EPA, each has its own distinct definition that is slightly different from the other two. The definitions are:

  • Disinfecting: ‘kills viruses and bacteria on surfaces using chemicals’
  • Sanitizing: ‘kills bacteria on surfaces using chemicals. It is not intended to kill viruses.’
  • Cleaning: ‘removes dirt and organic matter from surfaces using soap or detergents.’

Knowing the difference between the meaning of these words can help you decide if disinfection is truly your goal. Assuming it is…

All of the chemicals discussed below kill bacteria, bacterial spores, and viruses. Some are also effective against other things, such as mold & mildew. It is important to note that, for effective disinfection, chemicals must be used at the correct concentration. What chemicals are commonly used? Three main types include; Isopropyl (Rubbing) Alcohol, Chlorine-containing products such as bleach and quats, and Hydrogen Peroxide.

In this article:

  • Isopropyl Alcohol: The Only Alcohol You Should Use
  • Bleach & Quats: Kill them with Chlorine!
  • Hydrogen Peroxide: The Bubbly Oxygenated Water Option
  • Other Disinfectants: Next-Gen & Industry Specific Products
  • Which Disinfectant Should I Use? Comparisons, etc.

Isopropyl Alcohol: The Only Alcohol You Should Use

While a number of alcohols may and do have disinfecting properties, Isopropyl Alcohol (also known as Rubbing Alcohol) is the only one that is approved for use, by itself, as a disinfectant.

Why can’t I use other alcohols for disinfection? For various reasons, other alcohols have not been labeled for use for this application. For example, Methanol is toxic. It absorbs through the skin, and long-term exposure leads to blindness and (eventually) death. Ethanol may be found in some blended products but is not recognized on its own as a disinfectant, because it is consumable.

How does IPA kill viruses and bacteria? When the alcohol floods a surface that has virus and/or bacteria on it, the virus or bacteria is forced to take in the alcohol through the dispersion process. The internal pressures created are so great that it causes damage to the cell wall and structures of the virus and blows them up.

Isopropyl Alcohol is effective as a disinfectant only in concentrations above 62%. If you’re trying to decide whether 70% or 99% is more effective for your application, know that since both are over 62%, both will be effective. Even if 70% IPA has been diluted slightly or evaporated, it should still be above the minimum threshold, and work.

Bleach & Quats: Kill them with Chlorine!

The Chlorine molecule is very effective at killing both viruses & bacteria. It may be found in different forms. Two common forms consumers may come into contact with are: bleach (also known as Sodium Hypochlorite), and products containing quaternary ammonium compounds (or ‘quats’). Chlorine works by stripping electrons off of other elements (in this case, the virus or bacteria), which destroys them.

The stronger bleach is, the more destructive it is. CORECHEM sells bleach in a heavy-duty 12.5% form. It is important to note that we do not recommend this concentration for use in a non-commercial setting, especially by persons not familiar with its hazards. For home use, the less concentrated bleach that is for sale in grocery stores is sufficient. Consult information about the product to find out what concentration is needed to kill specific pathogens, and the time necessary to do so. Bleach is also effective at killing mold, fungus, and mildew.

If you’re looking for a product that both cleans and disinfects, products containing quats are likely your best option (i.e. Clorox wipes). Quats remain on the surface after wiping and continue to be effective for longer than bleach. They are also safer than bleach because they are shelf stable and do not typically result in color change to the surfaces they are applied to (potentially ruining items being cleaned).

Hydrogen Peroxide: The Bubbly Oxygenated Water Option

The formula for Hydrogen Peroxide is H2O2. If that looks familiar, it is! Water, good ol’ H2O, is a close cousin to Hydrogen Peroxide. Hydrogen Peroxide is essentially water with an extra oxygen molecule bound to it.

Hydrogen Peroxide is made by causing a chemical reaction between elements. The reaction creates a bond that forces the water to accept another oxygen molecule. The solution becomes, basically, hyper-oxygenated water…

…with a moody (and bubbly?!) personality. When it comes into contact with things that it doesn’t like (which is almost everything), it gives up that extra oxygen molecule. That’s how it works. Most viruses and bacteria that create problems are anaerobic; meaning, they exist without oxygen. When you bring them into an aerobic (oxygen-rich) environment, they die.

Hydrogen Peroxide is not as effective at disinfection as the other chemicals we’ve discussed. When the oxygen is gone, water is left that is no longer doing anything. Also, if you have a lot of bacteria in an area, and put peroxide on it, it is likely reacting with everything it comes into contact with (including metals, fats, oils, greases, etc.) – not just the germs. Pockets of concentrated virus or bacteria may be left as the peroxide hits the outer shell and releases it’s oxygen without coming into contact with all of the germs.

For use at home, the 2-3% solution available in most grocery stores is your best option.

Other Disinfectants: Next-Gen and Industry-Specific Products

  • Calcium Hypochlorite: This is similar to Sodium Hypochlorite, but it is a granular product, and used almost exclusively in pool care.
  • Paracetic Acid: A next-gen disinfectant sometimes used in water treatment, but it is not usually a consumer-friendly product.
  • Chlorine Dioxide: Another product used in water treatment, but not used by general consumers.
  • Bromine: Used in spas, as it is high-temperature stable (where bleach is not).
  • Iodine Solutions: A high-level disinfectant, typically used as a topical antiseptic solution.
  • Chlorhexidine Gluconate (Hibiclens): A next-gen product for consumer use that is also used as a topical antiseptic.

Which Disinfectant Should I Use? Comparisons, etc.

“Rubbing Alcohol vs bleach? Bleach or quats vs peroxide?”

All of the various products we’ve discussed are effective at disinfection – killing of both viruses and bacteria. While they may work in different ways, the end result is the same. If you’re wondering which to use for your application, there are some recommendations we can offer about which may be best:

Isopropyl Alcohol and bleach are both very effective at the appropriate concentration and in the appropriate setting. Which one to use will ultimately depend on the setting. For example, bleach would be more appropriate for a white bathtub that could use some stain removal as well as disinfection. For surfaces that wouldn’t do well with bleach, IPA would be a better choice.

“Isopropyl Alcohol vs Hydrogen Peroxide? Bleach vs Hydrogen Peroxide?” Hydrogen Peroxide is the least effective of these three products. For maximum effectiveness, we recommend either of the other two, at the appropriate concentration.

As mentioned earlier, products containing quats may be your best option if your goal is to both clean and disinfect.

If your needs are industrial in nature, and/or you are looking for larger volumes of chemicals for disinfection, reach out to a representative. Please note that the smallest package size we generally offer is a 5-gallon container and that all products may not be available for sale to end-users. The only products that we can offer for sale nationwide that are suitable for the average consumer to use for disinfection are Isopropyl Alcohol 99% and Isopropyl Alcohol 70%.

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