Properties of disinfectants

Product Examples

Rescue, Prevail

Contact Time, min

1-10

Advantages

• Broad spectrum, with activity against nonenveloped viruses, bacterial spores, and dermatophytes.
• Good activity in moderate organic debris.
• Low toxicity.
• Biodegradable.
• Does not appear to be corrosive, unlike other oxidizing agents.

Disadvantages

• More expensive than other options.

Comments

• Excellent choice for environmental disinfection.

Product Examples

Bleach; 1:10–1:50 dilution of household bleach

Contact Time, min

1–5

Advantages

• Broad spectrum effective against most resistant organisms (nonenveloped viruses, bacterial spores, dermatophytes).
• Readily available.
• Cost-effective.

Disadvantages

• Corrosive for some surfaces.
• Poor stability when exposed to light.
• Poorly active in the presence of organic debris (e.g., dirt, feces).
• Can discolor fabrics.

Comments

• Good for various environmental surfaces.
• Efficacy decreases with increasing pH, decreasing temperature, presence of ammonia and nitrogen.
• Reserve high concentration (1:10) for specific circumstances with resistant microorganisms. 1:32–1:50 more commonly used.
• Never mix with other chemicals.
• Change diluted solutions daily.
• Do not store in clear containers.

Product Examples

Virkon, Trifectant

Contact Time, min

10

Advantages

• Broad spectrum, with activity against nonenveloped viruses and bacterial spores.
• Active in the presence of moderate organic debris.

Disadvantages

• Corrosive, especially with metal surfaces. Masks should be worn when mixing powdered solutions

Comments

• Commonly used routine disinfectant.
• Care must be taken when handling concentrated product.
• Consider rinsing metal and concrete surfaces after required contact time.

Product Examples

Various

Contact Time, min

10–30

Advantages

• Low cost.
• Low toxicity.
• Stable under storage.
• Good against Gram-negative, many Gram-positive bacteria, and enveloped viruses.

Disadvantages

• Limited impact on nonenveloped viruses, bacterial spores, dermatophytes.
• Inhibited by organic debris.

Comments

• Common environmental disinfectant, but spectrum may be inadequate for some situations.