Ask ACI: Antibacterial Disinfectants

Q. What are antibacterial disinfectants?

A. Antibacterial disinfectants help kill germs on the surfaces in our homes. They’re pretty easy to recognize because their labels say they disinfect, kill bacteria or sanitize. Their active ingredients and formulations go beyond simple cleaning. They kill or control the growth of microorganisms, including food borne bacteria like Salmonella; the cold virus; and fungus that causes athlete’s foot. Antibacterial disinfectants have been available for more than 100 years and are regulated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Something else you should know is that the words antibacterial and antimicrobial are often used interchangeably, but there is a difference. Antimicrobial means activity against a wide variety of microorganisms, while antibacterial refers to activity against bacteria.

FAQ

Why is disinfecting surfaces important?

• Regular cleaning products do a good job of removing soil, but only disinfectants or disinfectant cleaners kill the germs that cause many illnesses.
• Surfaces like kitchen and bathroom counters, doorknobs, toilet seats and children’s toys may be contaminated with bacteria even when they’re not visibly soiled.
• Salmonella can survive freezing and can survive on dry surfaces for at least 24 hours.
• An estimated 60 million days of school and 50 million days of work are lost annually because of the common cold.
• Some germs can live on dry surfaces (such as toys) for several hours, and on moist surfaces (like bathroom sinks) for up to three days.

Do I need to disinfect?

The short answer is yes. Disinfecting plays an important role in keeping our homes and public spaces clean. It helps us maintain a safe and healthy environment by eliminating harmful pathogens and reducing the risk of infections.  However, there are times and places when disinfecting is more important than others. The key is to prioritize where disinfecting will have the most impact, especially when you don’t have a lot of time.

High-touch surfaces are among the most critical areas to disinfect regularly. These surfaces come into frequent contact with multiple people, making them hotspots for germs and bacteria. This becomes especially important if someone using the space is sick or immunocompromised. Common high-touch surfaces include:

• Doorknobs and Handles: These are used countless times throughout the day and can harbor a significant amount of germs. 
• Light Switches: Often overlooked, light switches are touched by almost everyone entering a room. 
• Countertops: Kitchen and bathroom countertops should be disinfected frequently, especially after food preparation or personal grooming activities. 
• Remote Controls: Shared amongst family members or colleagues, remote controls can easily transmit germs. 
• Phones and Tablets: Our electronic devices are constantly in use and can accumulate bacteria quickly. 

Where and when should I disinfect at home?

The most important areas in the home to not just clean but disinfect are where germs are most likely to spread.

• Kitchen Surfaces: Disinfecting countertops, cutting boards, and appliances after use can prevent cross-contamination. 
• Bathroom Fixtures: Regular cleaning of sinks, faucets, and toilet handles is crucial. 
• Children’s Toys: Toys should be disinfected regularly, especially if shared among children. 

As far as when to disinfect, it will depend on your home and situation. Find out more in our Levels of Clean guide. 

Where do workplaces need to disinfect?

Workplaces are environments where germs can spread quickly due to the high interaction between individuals. Disinfecting workplace essentials helps maintain a healthy work environment. Important workplace items to disinfect include:

• Desks and Workstations: Daily disinfection can prevent the spread of germs among employees, especially if these spaces are shared. 
• Printers and Copiers: Commonly used by multiple employees, these devices should be disinfected often. 

For more details, see our Clean Means Business resources.

Where is it important to be disinfecting in public spaces?

Disinfecting protocols have long been literal life-savers in hospitals, but the need extends beyond these public spaces. Any public spaces that see a lot of foot traffic and can be breeding grounds for pathogens. Regular disinfection of these areas is essential to public health. Key public spaces to disinfect include:

• Public Transportation: Buses, trains, and subways should have their seats, handles, and touchpoints disinfected frequently. 
• Restrooms: High traffic restrooms need constant disinfection to prevent the spread of germs. 
• Elevators: Buttons and railings in elevators should be cleaned regularly. 
• Shopping Carts and Baskets: These should be disinfected after each use to ensure customer safety. 

How do I disinfect effectively?

Understanding proper disinfection techniques ensures that the cleaning process is effective. Here are some tips for effective disinfection:

• Use an EPA-registered product. 
• Read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper application of the product. 
• Clean dirty surfaces before disinfecting. 
• Allow the disinfectant to remain on the surface for the recommended contact time to ensure efficacy. 

For more tips, see our Disinfecting Guide.  

Why are disinfectants different from other cleaning products?

Most surface cleaners are designed to help remove unwanted contaminants and dirt from a surface while disinfectants irreversibly inactivate pathogens.

How are these ingredients regulated?

Disinfectants and disinfecting products are carefully regulated in the U.S. by the EPA (for wipes, liquids and sprays) or the FDA (for hand sanitizers and antibacterial soaps). Products are reviewed to make sure they work well and are safe for use.