Household cleaning products are a regular part of many people’s shopping lists. Now that the pandemic is far from over, many are on the lookout for the best disinfectants against viruses. And as the selection grows, you have to rely on labels to know what they are made for.
The question is, are you familiar with the terms and ingredients on their labels? To help you, here’s an article that shares some useful information including a list of the active ingredients that are proven to work against Covid-19 and other viruses.
Why Use Disinfectants?
When it comes to surface disinfection, it is best to use disinfectants. Unlike soaps that require to be rubbed and worked into a lather to be effective, disinfectants can kill germs on contact.
Most household cleaners including all-purpose cleaners and dishwashing liquids contain surfactants, which bond to dirt, oil, germs, and other particles so they can be washed away when suspended in water.
NOTE: Good hand hygiene and frequent handwashing remain important in battling Coronavirus and other infections.
The Best Disinfectants Against Viruses
Isopropanol or Ethanol
Isopropyl and ethyl alcohol when used at high concentrations are effective disinfectants. You have to make sure that they have at least a 70% solution. Hand sanitizers on the other hand should have a minimum of 60% alcohol content to be effective.
Quaternary Ammonium Compounds
Surface disinfectants usually have this ingredient. Quarterly ammonium compounds are known to be effective in killing a wide range of bacteria, viruses and fungi. It is also commonly present in household cleaners such as disinfectant wipes and sprays.
Bleach
Bleach contains an active ingredient which is sodium hypochlorite. It is one of the ingredients that are also are effective in eradicating viruses, bacteria, and fungi. Bleach is one of the disinfectants that have been widely used for cleaning high-touch surfaces including switches, doorknobs and countertops.
TIP: To ensure that bleach will have its full effect, it must be air-dried for a minimum of 10 minutes. Do not wipe right away as this is the minimum required time to effectively kill pathogens.
Hydrogen Peroxide
This is a milder type of bleach but also has disinfectant properties that are effective in fighting against viruses and bacteria. Household products available in stores that are concentrated with 3% hydrogen peroxide are suitable to be used as disinfectants.
DID YOU KNOW: A study done in 2018 showed that hydrogen peroxide was found to be more effective in killing some forms of bacteria than quaternary ammonium compounds.
ALSO READ: Household Germs: Bacteria and Viruses that Live in Your Home
As Coronavirus spreads and new strains of COVID-19 arise, it is important to ensure that you are using the products that can help boost your protection against deadly viruses. As cleaning and disinfection products surge along with the rise in the number of cases, you have to know the products with ingredients that can help fulfill the promise of killing the virus and stopping the spread of infection.
Best Lab, a trusted supplier of new normal essentials in the Philippines offers isopropyl alcohol, ethyl alcohol, disinfectants, and sanitizers that can increase your protection against dreaded viruses.
Check out our shops in Lazada and Shopee today!
