What chemicals can be used as disinfectants?

Author: Miss Amy Yost  |  Last update: Monday, October 27, 2025

These include alcohols, chlorine and chlorine compounds, formaldehyde, glutaraldehyde, ortho-phthalaldehyde, hydrogen peroxide, iodophors, peracetic acid, phenolics, and quaternary ammonium compounds.

Which of these chemicals would be used as a disinfectant?

Health-care facilities with limited resources may not have access to a variety of hospital disinfectants, however, alcohol and bleach are acceptable chemical disinfectants if used appropriately.

What is the best disinfectant chemical?

The best disinfectants for viruses are HOCL, alcohol, bleach, hydrogen peroxide, and quaternary ammonium compounds. These active ingredients are the most common on the EPA's list of registered disinfectants against the coronavirus.

What are some natural disinfectants?

The two most effective natural disinfectants are vinegar and hydrogen peroxide. White vinegar found on most store shelves is a five per cent concentration of acetic acid. It kills about 80 per cent of germs. Look for vinegar with higher acetic acid concentration to up its germ-killing power.

What chemical will clean and disinfect?

Some common disinfectants are bleach and alcohol solutions. You usually need to leave the disinfectant on the surfaces and objects for a certain period of time to kill the germs. Disinfecting does not necessarily clean dirty surfaces or remove germs.

Disinfecting Surfaces with Chemicals

Which chemical is used for disinfection?

Hypochlorites, the most widely used of the chlorine disinfectants, are available as liquid (e.g., sodium hypochlorite) or solid (e.g., calcium hypochlorite).

What are very safe and fast acting disinfectants?

Chlorine Compounds

They have a broad spectrum of antimicrobial activity and are inexpensive and fast acting. Hypochlorites, the most widely used of the chlorine disinfectants, are available in liquid (e.g., Sodium hypochlorite), household bleach and solid (e.g., calcium hypochlorite, sodium dichloroisocyanurate) forms.

What is the best homemade disinfectant?

However, with research and creativity, there are all-natural options which safely disinfect without any harmful residue for you or your family.
  1. 1 - Vinegar. This clean, natural and biodegradable liquid is more than a cooking product. ...
  2. 2 - Hydrogen Peroxide or Oxygen Bleach. ...
  3. 3 - Alcohol. ...
  4. 4 - Essential oils.

What household items can be used as disinfectant?

If you need to kill germs on household surfaces, use a disinfectant such as hydrogen peroxide (3%) or diluted household bleach. Hydrogen peroxide (3%) can be applied to surfaces.

Does vinegar disinfect?

Vinegar has been proven to have some disinfectant properties, however it's not nearly as effective at killing harmful viruses and bacteria as commercial cleaners. And because it does not kill 99.999 percent of bacteria and viruses, it doesn't meet the criteria required to be considered a disinfectant.

What do hospitals use to disinfect?

Stringent disinfection reduces the risk of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). Currently, there are five main EPA-registered chemicals that hospitals use for disinfectants: Quaternary Ammonium, Hypochlorite, Accelerated Hydrogen Peroxide, Phenolics, and Peracetic Acid.

Which of the following chemical is most powerful disinfectant?

The most commonly used chemicals as primary disinfectants are chlorine, chlorine dioxide, and ozone. Among them, Chlorine is the most widely used primary disinfectant throughout the world.

What are the five-five cleaning chemical agents?

Common Chemicals Used for Cleaning & Decontamination Guideline
  • Hypochlorite (Bleach) ...
  • Alcohols. ...
  • Chlorine Dioxide. ...
  • Hydrogen Peroxide & Peracetic Acid. ...
  • Iodophor Disinfectant (Wescodyne) ...
  • Quaternary Ammonium Compounds (Quats) ...
  • References.

What is the best chemical disinfectant?

Sodium hypochlorite is widely used, not only as a surface antimicrobial but also in water treatment, water disinfection, and bleaching in the textile industry. Furthermore, it can be used to avoid crustaceans and algae formation in cooling towers.

Is fabuloso a disinfectant?

Regular Fabuloso is an all-purpose cleaner and degreaser, not a disinfectant. To be classified as a disinfectant, a chemical must kill viruses and bacteria on surfaces, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). As a cleaner, Fabuloso removes dirt and grime, and with it microorganisms.

What is the strongest natural disinfectant?

Hydrogen peroxide is one of the most powerful natural cleaning and disinfecting agents. Health professionals trust it against harmful bacteria, antigens, and viruses. It's used for a variety of disinfecting jobs, including cleaning cuts, removing earwax, and promoting dental hygiene.

How do you sanitize without chemicals?

Vinegar and bicarbonate of soda are natural germ killers and, when combined with elbow grease, can help you ditch the bleach for good. Mix one part vinegar with one part warm water and 4 tablespoons of bicarbonate of soda in a spray bottle and shake to mix.

How to make your own antibacterial spray?

When making DIY disinfectant products use 100 proof vodka or 70% isopropyl rubbing alcohol. Use essential oils like eucalyptus for their antibacterial properties. Add alcohol, vinegar and essential oils to a bottle and shake well to create a homemade sanitiser spray.

Which disinfectant kills the most bacteria?

Hydrogen Peroxide

If hydrogen peroxide can be used to disinfect cuts, it can be used to disinfect your home! For the best results, it's best to use a solution between 3-6%. It can kill bacteria, fungus, mold, and mildew and be used on any virtually any surface like: Bathtubs.

What is a non toxic alternative to Lysol?

It's also entirely unnecessary to use Lysol when you have these human-safe disinfectant alternatives.
  • Vodka. ...
  • Hydrogen Peroxide. ...
  • Vinegar. ...
  • Hydrogen Peroxide + Distilled White Vinegar. ...
  • Dry Steam Cleaning. ...
  • Steam Cleaning. ...
  • Hot Water + Soap or Branch Basics To Remove Germs.

Can you mix rubbing alcohol and vinegar together for cleaning?

For a better, green solution that is cheap and friendly to the environment, use VINEGAR! Pour vinegar full strength, or mix it up! Here's a good recipe to try: Combine 1 / 2 cup white vinegar, 1 pint rubbing alcohol and 1 teaspoon liquid dishwashing liquid. Add enough water to make a gallon.

What do hospitals clean their floors with?

Our top recommended disinfectants for hospitals include: Neutral Germicidal Cleaner for floors and surfaces and. Readiquat Viral Disinfectant (45% off) Husky 801 for glass and plastic surfaces specifically.

What are common household disinfectants?

Disinfectants that work include:
  • Bleach solution (4 teaspoons of bleach in a quart of water)
  • Rubbing (isopropyl) alcohol or wipes with 70% alcohol or higher (vodka and other liquors lack enough concentration)
  • Alcohol-based hand sanitizers with at least 60% alcohol.
  • Soap and water (wash hands for at least 20 seconds)

Is hydrogen peroxide a good disinfectant?

Both rubbing alcohol and hydrogen peroxide can be effective disinfectants, as they kill bacteria, viruses, and fungi. You can use them on many surfaces in your home.

Previous article
What is the proper height for a vent?
Next article
How to retain the black color of clothes?