Disinfectant Myths Debunked
The COVID regulations are still very much a part of everyone’s daily lives, and misinformation is still rife regarding cleaning and disinfecting protocols. We thought we’d tackle some common myths and misconceptions regarding your daily disinfections so you don’t have to. Below, we’ve rounded up a few of the most common disinfectant myths, and we’re here to help clear the air.
1. All disinfectants are created equal.
There is an almost countless number of disinfectants and disinfectant brands across the globe, and you rest assured that they are not the same. While some disinfectants contain isopropyl alcohol or sodium hypochlorite (bleach), BluLyte Everyday Disinfectant is made with hypochlorous acid.
2. All disinfectants can be used the same way.
Among the six most common chemicals used for disinfection, especially in healthcare settings, you’ll find vast differences in concentrations, contact times, and personal protection needed for proper usage. In addition, many disinfectants require you to clean a surface first with a product containing detergents before you can use a disinfectant on the surface.
3. If a disinfectants kills microbes then it is toxic.
Luckily, this is not true. While certain disinfectants like alcohol-based and bleach-based disinfectants are indeed harmful if ingested and may irritate skin exposed to them, HOCl-based disinfectants like BluLyte Everyday Disinfectant do not contain hazardous chemicals.
4. A disinfectant is better if it has more chemicals.
A disinfectant isn’t automatically more effective just because the bottle has many chemicals in it. All disinfectants are formulated with a specific concentration of active ingredients, and a higher concentration doesn’t necessarily make it more effective at killing pathogens. Conversely, if a disinfectant has a higher quantity of chemicals, it could be more harmful for you and your family if used incorrectly.
BluLyte Everyday Disinfectant is tested at 500ppm to make it strong enough to kill nearly all bacteria, fungi, and spores. Although our products have no harmful chemicals like sodium hypochlorite, chlorhexidine, or isopropyl alcohol, they are more effective than bleach, and perfectly safe around the whole family, so there’s no need to be wary of nasty side-effects.
5. Disinfectants kill germs instantly.
Disinfectants take time to work. Whether you use alcohol-based disinfectants, bleach-based disinfectants, or HOCl-based disinfectants, you should always check the contact time necessary for the product to work effectively. Different disinfectants have different contact times in order to be effective, and none are able to kill pathogens instantly.
6. Cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting are all the same thing.
This is a huge misconception, so let’s break these three terms down into what they mean:
Cleaner: Physically cleans by removing particles like dirt and dust from surfaces, but has no effect against microbes like bacteria.
Sanitizer: Reduces the number of microbes on a surface to a level that is considered “safe” for the public, but does not remove or kill all of the pathogens.
Disinfectant: Is able to effectively kill most microbes as identified on the product’s label. You can learn more about the efficacy of BluLyte Everyday Disinfectant here.
While cleaners are often soaps and detergents, sanitizers and disinfectants often have chemicals that need to be registered for safe use.
7. Vinegar is a good disinfectant.
This myth is also busted. Although vinegar makes for a good physical cleaner, it is not EPA-registered as a disinfectant and likewise does not have any disinfectant properties. The efficacy of vinegar against pathogens like bacteria, viruses, and spores has yet to be proven as a sanitizer, and is not strong enough to be used as a disinfectant.
If you are looking for a natural, eco-friendly yet effective disinfectant, look no further than BluLyte.
If you want to be thorough in your cleaning efforts, or if you feel like your home needs a good once-over, check out this article on some surfaces you may be forgetting to tackle. You can learn more about BluLyte Everyday Disinfectant on our website.
Resources:
- https://www.aaha.org/globalassets/02-guidelines/infection-control/aaha5-disinfection-myths.pdf
- https://www.realsimple.com/home-organizing/cleaning/disinfectant-myths
- https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/cleaning/a33796399/8-myths-about-disinfecting-busted-by-cleaning-experts/
- https://www.betco.com/docs/default-source/brochures/myths-debunked.pdf?sfvrsn=28d3158f_4
- https://www.templehealth.org/about/blog/7-household-cleaning-myths-debunked
