We all use various disinfectants to keep our homes safe and germ-free, but are the products you’re using truly effective against bacteria and viruses? Many people assume that any standard disinfectants kill germs and viruses, but not all products perform equally well on different types of germs. While most germs are harmless, some can cause disease, posing serious health risks.
Disinfection eliminates these harmful pathogens from surfaces and the air, significantly reducing infection chances. However, not every disinfectant can kill all pathogens.
So, how can you ensure that your disinfectant works as promised? And how can you maximise its effectiveness? Here are some key factors to consider when selecting a disinfectant.
How Disinfectants Kill Germs and Viruses Effectively
Is there a significant difference between a 99.9% and a 99.999% kill rate? Absolutely! The efficacy of a disinfectant product indicates how effectively it kills germs and viruses. A higher kill rate leads to a greater reduction in pathogens. For example, each added ‘9’ in the kill rate reduces the number of germs by 90%.
If you disinfect a high-touch surface with 1 million microbes using a product that kills 99.9% of bacteria, you would still leave behind 1,000 microbes. In contrast, a disinfectant with a 99.999% kill rate would leave only 10 remaining germs. This shows a 99.999% kill rate is 100 times more effective than 99.9%!
To illustrate, refer to the image below.
Contact Time: The Key to Effective Disinfection
Every disinfectant needs a specific contact time to eliminate bacteria and viruses effectively. This contact time can vary from 15 seconds to 10 minutes, depending on the manufacturer’s instructions typically found on the product label.
When you spray a surface with disinfectant, it’s crucial to let the solution remain for the stated contact time. If the solution dries or gets wiped off too soon, harmful germs may still linger.
Choose a fast-acting disinfectant with a quick contact time to minimise waiting and the hassle of reapplication.
Understanding the Types of Germs
Many people think that disinfectants can kill all types of germs, but that’s not always true. Some disinfectants work better against certain pathogens, like viruses that cause influenza and the common cold, while being less effective against fungi and spores, which also pose health risks.
Before selecting a disinfectant, identify the specific germs you’re targeting. Check the label to verify what types of bacteria and viruses the product claims to combat. Has it been tested against these pathogens? This understanding will help you protect yourself and others from harmful germs.
Read More: How To Protect Yourself From Bacteria And Germ
The Effectiveness of BioCair Disinfectant Products
An ideal disinfectant should have a high kill rate, rapid contact time, and proven efficacy against germs and viruses. BioCair disinfectants meet all these criteria. With an impressive kill rate of 99.999%, they eliminate everyday germs, viruses, fungi, and spores on surfaces and in the air within just 60 seconds.
BioCair products have been tested against a wide variety of pathogens, including tough bacteria strains like E. coli and B. subtilis. Check out our testing certifications here.
Learn more about BioCair disinfectant products here.
