Household disinfectants are commonly used by many businesses. Real estate professionals use them to disinfect homes and businesses before showings and open houses. Doctor's offices, retail shops and food service establishments may also use these products.

When these chemicals are used, proper safety for household disinfectants must be practiced. Respiratory problems, burns and damage to property can occur if these items are used improperly. Consider the following suggestions to help you ensure safe use:

1. Understand the basics concepts of using household disinfectants in schools and areas with children.

2. Ensure that all aerosol disinfectants are used properly to promote health.

3. Learn how to use household disinfectants on food contact surfaces while preventing complications from improper use.

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Know the guidelines for using household disinfectants near children

Safely using indoor disinfectant products in areas around children requires a basic knowledge of the chemicals in each product. Different household disinfectants have different uses and considerations. For example, bleach or sodium hypochlorite is a common disinfectant that can affect the quality of the air and burn skin, eyes and nasal passages. As such, proper ventilation is necessary when using the product. It also corrodes metal and can eat away paint. On the other hand, iodine is a disinfectant that has little effect on air quality but it will stain some surfaces.

I recommend: Clean Link has an in-depth look into some of the most effective ways to use common household disinfectants. The website offers 'green' alternatives to chemical products. Janitorial Products Pollution Prevention Project offers disinfectants information, including how to choose the best disinfectant for your needs.

Understand safe use of household disinfectants in a medical setting

There are many special conditions which must be addressed when using any household disinfectant in a medical setting. While some of these products are marketed as ways to kill germs and bacteria, proper use is still important because overuse or improper use can cause respiratory problems and other health problems. For example, Lysol is a commonly used disinfectant but, it shouldn't be used near a person who is on oxygen therapy because it can get into the oxygen mixture.

I recommend: Infection Control Today offers information on the proper and most effective use of all disinfectants in a medical setting. Specific information on applying common liquid household disinfectants is included. Practice Greehealth has information on the most common disinfectants used in medical settings. This website also offers compliance information and 'green' alternatives to most of the disinfectants.

Ensure household disinfectant products are used properly on food contact surfaces

Caution must be used when disinfecting food contact surfaces. Many home disinfectants can be used on these surfaces. Proper mixing and proper use are necessary to disinfect the surface while preventing safety issues. For example, disinfectants that work on germs have to soak on a surface for at least 10 minutes to kill germs. However, it isn't enough to just pour the mixture onto the surface if it is dirty. It must first be cleaned and then disinfected. In some cases, this process involves using two different cleaners. Ensuring that the cleaning agent and disinfecting agent can be used back-to-back is vital. Another consideration is that the surface may have to be rinsed and dried after using the home disinfectant.

I recommend: American Chemistry Council offers information on how to choose appropriate disinfectants for food service and production. Harvard Chemical Research provides MSDS sheets and technical guides for various disinfectants, including ammonia.

According to research, commercial cleansers or disinfectants that work on germs like salmonella, E. coli and others that cause viruses like influenza are more effective than homemade cleansers. That’s good news for companies that market household disinfectants because the two most used rooms in a home are the kitchen and the bathroom and homeowners are looking for household disinfectant products that keep their families safe.

Green products have come a long way in their effectiveness, and are just as powerful at eliminating germs as traditional chemicals so even green-lifestyle consumers have options other than the homemade cleaners made from vinegar and baking soda. When choosing household disinfectants consider the following:

1. Compare disinfectants information and their effectiveness of killing germs.

2. Consider the area that needs cleaning and the time the product must sit on a surface before it’s effective.

3. Remember that even green products are effective household disinfectants.

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Read the label to determine different household disinfectants' ability to kill germs

There are thousands of cleaning products, however not all of them disinfect, and not all disinfectants clean. The product must clearly state that it is a disinfectant and have an EPA registration number proving that it has met the standards set by the EPA for killing germs. The label should also state what germs and viruses it destroys.

I recommend: Orison Marketing’s environmentally engineered product, EXP 2000 is authorized by the Navy as a shipboard cleaner, so clearly it has the muscle behind the disinfectant label. It’s effective against a myriad of bacteria and germs and comes in 32-ounce spray bottles and 55-gallon drums for a variety of uses. The Clorox Company manufactures some of the most common household disinfectants. Geared towards households and small offices, they make products that are user friendly and effective against most household germs. Make sure to read labels carefully and spot test before use as many of their products contain bleach.

Choose different household disinfectant products appropriate for specific areas

When purchasing wholesale disinfectants for resale, consider the company's target market and choose products appropriate for their environment.

I recommend: Rite-Kem offers a full line of products suitable not only for home or office use, but also for use in clinics, veterinary offices, schools, hotels and restaurants. Riverside Paper Company’s catalog is great for janitorial needs.

Go green and choose disinfecting household products

For resale, choose a home disinfectant product line that suits your customers needs especially if they are looking for environmentally friendly products or a more commercial line of products sold in larger quantities.

I recommend: Household Traditions offers a complete line of green products geared towards homeowners or small offices. They have all-purpose cleansers and disinfectants, glass cleaners, even dish and laundry soap that are effective at disinfecting without harming the environment. GDM Technologies line of Citrofresh products has packaged their green disinfectants in larger quantities and are suitable for companies that work around food as their products do not leave any residue on surfaces.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Always read the manufacturer's directions carefully and don't dilute the product as it also reduces the effectiveness of any household disinfectant.

Those in the cleaning business need to be sure that the household disinfectant products they are using are top quality. Cost is often a factor when choosing which cleaners to use, but if the product does not work well, the customer will not be pleased with the results. Experience with a product is the best way to see how well the product performs. Barring experience, getting household disinfectants advice and ratings from expert sources greatly aids in decision making for which common household disinfectants to potentially use.

Good advice should illuminate any pros or cons about the products. Current research results also highlight new product information. Any ratings will give a quick evaluation of the product quality. Find household disinfectants advice and ratings on the following cleanser concerns:

1. Health and safety of different household disinfectants

2. Performance information to find the best household disinfectants

3. Hazards that coincide with household disinfectants

4. Traditional versus green disinfectants

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Use disinfectants information to make a healthier and safer office environment

Chemicals in disinfectants have been proven to cause health related issues. The chemical buildup over time has been linked with cancer and other diseases. Warnings litter the labels of many of the disinfectants for pregnant women and children to avoid the products. Many such warnings are even on green products. Research findings expose these health dangers and suggest the healthiest alternatives.

I recommend: The Toxics Use Reduction Institute shares valuable information in on finding safer cleaners. The Environmental Working Group is dedicated to researching information and spotlighting issues for consumer betterment. In this article, they advise on being aware of the reality of safety issues behind proclaimed green disinfectants.

Discover the performance ability of indoor disinfectant

Some products just work better than others. Many leave a refreshing scent behind which makes people think something is clean even if it is not. Testing and comparison results give the real performance ability of disinfectants.

I recommend: HotSpot for Birds advises on the performance ability of various disinfectants. The Consumer Product Information Database lists most disinfectants and their ingredients and material safety data sheets where you can compare similar products.

Be aware of home disinfectant hazards

A quick glance at the label of many cleaning products will make you aware of potential dangers of the product. Even products you assume to be safe may contain warnings and be hazardous to human, animals and the environment. This is especially true of disinfectants which have been categorized by the government as pesticides. Ratings and reviews can help you know if the disinfectant is corrosive or toxic if absorbed, inhaled or ingested.

I recommend: MedlinePlus makes information and tools available that share the hazards of home cleaners. The University of California advises about the hazards that coincide with the various chemical ingredients in disinfectants.

Get advice on green household disinfectant products

When people hear about organic or green products, they automatically assume that the products are the best for health and the environment. That is not always the case. Some products claim to be healthy but still contain harmful chemicals.

I recommend: The Environmental Protection Agency empowers vendors and businesses with green product choices and information. This information includes case studies and purchasing guides. A Green Seal certified product is esteemed after a series of rigorous testing. EcoLogo sets high standards for products to earn an environmental certification.

Household disinfectants are an important matter because health and safety are at stake. It is crucial to use the appropriate household disinfectant for each job. You need to know if your aerosol products contain CFCs or if you are using an all-natural degreaser. It is also important for you to be sure whether or not you are using a non-caustic disinfectant or if it contains sodium hypochlorite. Knowing household disinfectant key terms can help keep your workplace clean and your employees safe.

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Nontoxic disinfecting products, green

Nontoxic disinfecting products, also known as 'green' products, are made from all natural ingredients and don't contain harsh chemicals that can be harmful to humans. These nontoxic products are often organic and are much safer to use than other chemical disinfectants.

I recommend: Household Traditions outlines its product line and the benefits of using nontoxic household disinfectants.

CFC-free aerosol disinfectants

CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons) have been proven to deplete the earth's ozone layer. Until recently, all aerosol containers released CFCs into the air causing great damage. Now, CFC-free aerosol disinfectants are available in order to preserve the earth's ozone layer.

I recommend: The Green Office details a Lysol aerosol product that is CFC-free.

Sodium hypochlorite

Sodium hypochlorite is a key ingredient in most disinfectants. When combined with water, sodium hypochlorite effectively kills viruses, bacteria, and other harmful germs.

I recommend: Chemicalland21.com gives a complete profile of sodium hypochlorite.

Non-caustic

Causticity refers to the ability of something to corrode another substance. Non-caustic household disinfectants are less harsh and have less of a chance of harming any surfaces.

I recommend: Alda Corp. describes its line of non-caustic disinfectants.

All-natural degreasers

All-natural degreasers are designed to cut through tough grease, yet still be biodegradable and water soluble. All-natural degreasers are better for the environment as well as better for the surfaces you are cleaning.

I recommend: Interstate Products outlines its all-natural degreaser products.

Medical disinfection

Medical disinfection requires a specific protocol so as to protect patients and healthcare professionals. Not only does a certain routine need to be followed when using medical disinfectants, but only certain products can be used so that the chemicals do not react with the patients' course of treatment. Some disinfectants can get into air therapy supply as well as compromise some machines' ability to function correctly.

I recommend: The Center for Disease Control describes in detail the protocols for medical disinfection.