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Clorox.com

Disinfecting

Get the facts about disinfecting and see what others have to say.

  • Questions & Answers

    Want more information? This is the place to get it.

    • Other steps to reduce dust mite allergens at home include:

      Q. What is the difference between cleaning and disinfecting?
      A. Cleaning removes dust and debris from a surface. Disinfecting kills a variety of germs which can include bacteria such as Staph, Salmonella and E. coli, viruses such as influenza (the "flu" virus), cold viruses, and the fungus that causes athlete's foot. Disinfecting hard, nonporous surfaces is one of the most reliable ways to help lower the risk of spreading these germs from surfaces by touch. For more information about Clorox® disinfecting products, visit http://www.clorox.com/products/.
      Q. How do I know what type of product to use for different types of messes?
      A. There's a difference between wiping up cookie crumbs and disinfecting hot spots throughout the home after someone in the house has a bad cold or flu. To help you select the right tool for the job, follow these easy steps:
      • Assess the mess. Are you simply removing debris, or could there be bacteria or viruses lurking that need to be killed?
      • Pick a product. Overall, soap and water remove dirt and debris, sanitizers reduce bacteria and EPA-registered disinfectants kill viruses, bacteria and fungi.
      • Use it correctly. Different products work in different ways and can have different instructions for using them. Always read the label of any product and never mix products together.
      Q. Do I need to disinfect if soap and water are available?
      A. Using soap and water along with frequent and proper hand washing are important parts of a cleaning routine. Disinfecting also plays a critically important role by helping to prevent the spread of illness-causing bacteria and viruses. It is especially important to disinfect when someone in your home or office is sick, immune compromised, or during an outbreak, such as the 2009 H1N1 flu virus (swine flu).
      Q. What does “EPA-registered” mean when it comes to disinfectants?
      A. Products that claim the ability to control kill microorganisms in the United States must be registered with the EPA. This requires formulation and manufacturing to comply with regulations regarding raw materials, processing, label strength, shelf life, usage safety and product efficacy.
      Q. Bleach is sometimes referred to as a pesticide. Should we keep pesticides out of our house?
      A. There is concern and confusion that stems from the verbiage related to the EPA registration of bleach. Bleach products that are EPA-registered disinfectants are classified as pesticides — along with agricultural pesticides — even though it is primarily a public health disinfectant. It can be confusing because of public perception of "pesticide". We are working to educate the public regarding the differences between traditional agricultural pesticides and public health pesticides.
      Q. Where can I find out what ingredients are in Clorox® disinfectants?
      A. In an effort to inform consumers about the products they use in their homes, Clorox provides ingredient listings for a variety of products. To view the products, click here.
      Q. Is bleach harmful to the environment?
      A. No. During normal household use and disposal, bleach breaks down primarily into salt and water. Bleach does not contaminate ground water because it does not survive sewage treatment — neither in municipal sewage treatment plants nor in septic systems.
      Q. Do bleach-based disinfectants cause asthma or allergies?
      A. No, our bleach products do not contain any known ingredient to cause sensitization (allergies) or asthma. As with other products, bleach exposure may trigger asthma response through irritation when individuals are already at risk for asthma. If you have a family member with chronic respiratory problems such as asthma, discuss with your health care provider when and how to disinfect with bleach.
      Q. How do germs spread?
      A. There are four ways germs can spread:
      • Direct Contact — Touching or kissing a person (or animal) that is infected with bacteria or a virus.
      • Indirect Contact — Touching something that is contaminated with germs and then touches their eyes, nose or mouth.
      • Through the Air — Coughing, sneezing or talking, which sprays small germ-filled droplets into the air. Anyone within three feet can easily be infected.
      • Food Contamination — Eating unwashed vegetables and raw or undercooked food that is contaminated with bacteria.
      Bacteria and viruses from the kitchen and bathroom can quickly spread throughout the home by traveling on our hands from one surface to another, so it is important to manage the spread of germs on frequently touched surfaces. Bacteria and viruses can survive on the bathroom doorknob or the kids' toys for more than a day, leaving plenty of time for them to be picked up by another family member.
      Q. How can I help protect myself from the flu virus?
      A. There are a few steps you can take to help reduce the risk from the Influenza A flu virus as well as other seasonal flu viruses:
      • Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it. If you don't have a tissue, cough into your elbow.
      • Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.
      • Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs can spread that way.
      • Use disinfectants on frequently touched surfaces. Germs can also be spread when a person touches an infected surface and then touches their own eyes, mouth or nose.
      The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency approved the use of several Clorox disinfectants effective against Influenza A and the seasonal flu virus. Clorox products you can turn to are:
      A complete list of EPA-approved disinfectants effective against the flu virus can be found here.

Cleaning and Disinfecting…

are not the same.

Choosing the right product for the job will depend on your cleaning goals.

  • Cleaning—Removing visible dust and debris
  • Sanitizing—Reducing the amount of bacteria on a surface
  • Disinfecting—Killing the common fungi, bacteria and viruses on a surface

Products for Disinfecting