What is Disinfectant Spray?
What is disinfectant spray?
In the Oxford Dictionary, a “disinfectant” is described as: “a chemical liquid that destroys bacteria”
More specifically, a disinfectant is a substance or process that is used primarily on non-living objects (such as hard surfaces) to kill germs, such as viruses, bacteria, and other microorganisms that can cause infection and disease. Disinfectants are an important part of infection control measures to reduce the risk of bacterial and viral transmission.
So, what is disinfectant spray?
A disinfectant spray is a liquid chemical disinfectant supplied in a bottle or container with a spray function usually operated by a handle or trigger button. Disinfectant sprays are used almost anywhere that hard surfaces need to be kept clean and free of harmful bacteria and viruses.
Disinfectant sprays usually require a “dwell time” on surfaces in order to be effective. This means, once sprayed over the desired area, the disinfectant spray must remain in contact with the surface for a period of time in order to effectively disinfect it. To ensure maximum disinfection, check the label of your disinfectant spray for its specified dwell time and follow the instructions provided.
Medical and clinical environments such as hospitals, surgeries, and veterinary practices use high-impact long-lasting disinfectant sprays such as our Steroclenz Rapid Surface Sanitiser, while other popular disinfection products that can be used anywhere include PDI Sani-Cloth® AF Disinfecting Wipes (formerly known as PDI Sani-Cloth Universal Wipes), which are dosed with a 2-step detergent and disinfectant that kills potentially infectious agents in seconds.
How does disinfectant spray work?
Disinfectant sprays contain antimicrobial agents that work by destroying microorganisms living on surfaces.
Examples of chemicals commonly used in disinfectant sprays include:
- Alcohol
- Chlorine or chlorine compounds
- Formaldehyde
- Glutaraldehyde
- Quaternary ammonium compounds
- Phenolics
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Iodophors
- Peracetic acid
Disinfectant sprays that contain these chemicals are developed to kill potentially infectious agents and reduce their number in a specific area.
Does disinfectant spray clean completely?
It’s important to understand that while disinfectant sprays are formulated to kill bacteria and germs, disinfecting an area with disinfectant spray does not necessarily clean dirty surfaces or remove germs. Some disinfectant sprays also act as a sanitising cleaner, like our Steroclenz Rapid product, which will disinfect an area while lifting and removing debris, dried liquid, and dirt and cleaning it completely. You could also choose PDI Sani-Cloth® AF Wipes to wipe up dirt from an area, sanitising and disinfecting a surface at the same time.
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Does disinfectant spray kill viruses?
This largely depends on the type of disinfectant spray you use, so always check the manufacturer’s guidance and the label. In general, disinfectant sprays work by destroying the bacterium genome and preventing it from replication. Disinfectant sprays containing polymeric biguanide hydrochloride, such as Steroclenz Rapid, can kill bacteria, fungi, parasites and certain viruses with certainty.
What is disinfectant spray used for?
Common disinfectant spray uses include:
Domestic disinfectant spray uses:
- To clean kitchen countertops, chopping boards, cupboard door handles, etc.
- To disinfect household fridges and clean bins.
- To clean bathrooms, including sinks, taps, plugholes, showers, toilet roll holders, toilet seats, basins, and handles.
- To disinfect high-touch points in living rooms such as blind pulls, tv remotes, door handles, and light switches.
- To disinfect office touch points such as office chairs, computer mice, keyboards, phones, and mobile devices.
Professional disinfectant spray uses:
- Hospitals and medical treatment environments, including ambulances and first aid treatment areas
- Care homes
- Commercial kitchens
- Factories
- Hospitality businesses such as restaurants and hotels
- Airports and commercial planes
For more information about disinfectants and infection control, check out our blog:
- Disinfectant Spray FAQs: Answered
- Disinfectant Spray vs Antibacterial Spray: What’s the difference?
- Infection Control Information
- Norovirus: How to prevent the spread of infection
- Infection prevention and control in childcare education settings
- A ringworm cleaning protocol for veterinary exam rooms
- A guide to veterinary cleaning products
- A veterinary clinic cleaning protocol
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