32 Frequently Asked questions on Household Disinfectants

After COVID-19, disinfectants and hygiene were given great attention in human life. Everyone has questions about disinfectants, such as how to use them, how frequently they should be used, which solution to use, which places to disinfect, and so on.

So, for your convenience, we have compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions regarding Household Disinfectants that will assist you in learning more about the proper technique of doing disinfections as part of living a happy and hygienic life

1. What is the difference between a disinfectant and a sanitizer?

We frequently confuse disinfectants and sanitizers because we believe they both do the same thing: kill germs and viruses. However, disinfection, according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), kills viruses and bacteria on the surface, making it germ-free. Whereas sanitising kills bacteria or reduces germs on a dirt surface, it is not intended to kill viruses.

2. What are the different types of disinfectants?

Disinfection comes in a variety of forms that you can use to disinfect your home, including disinfectant spray, and liquids. According to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), alcohols, chlorine and chlorine compounds, formaldehyde, glutaraldehyde, ortho-phthalaldehyde, hydrogen peroxide, iodophors, peracetic acid, phenolics, and quaternary ammonium compounds were utilized to manufacture this different form of disinfectants.

3. How do I use disinfectants safely?

According to the CDC, for an effective disinfection, you should use an EPA-registered disinfectant, clean the surface with water or soap first, and follow the product's instructions on the label to ensure the product can be used in the types of surfaces you are disinfecting, wear protective gloves or goggles to protect your skin and eyes, follow the contact time, ensure good ventilation, and store back safely away from children and pets.

4. What are some common areas that need to be disinfected?

To be safe, clean high-touch surfaces such as door handles, lift buttons, stair rails, pens, touchpads, light and fan switches, faucets, remotes, and toilet fixtures on a frequent basis. You should also keep cleaning the other surfaces when they are visibly dirty.

5. How often should I disinfect my home?

If you truly want to keep your home germ-free, you must disinfect it on a regular basis. High-touch or frequently used areas should be cleaned daily or weekly, depending on usage.

6. What are some common mistakes people make when using disinfectants?

Cleaning from the bottom causes dirt or debris to fall to the floor when cleaning the upper areas, disinfecting without cleaning, not following product instructions, using expired product, or disinfectant products, using dirty supplies, and not allowing surfaces good ventilation are all common mistakes.

7. What are the best disinfectants for killing COVID-19?

If you're seeking for the finest disinfectant for Covid-19, check for products that claim to be efficient against SARS-CoV-2, the virus that caused Covid-19. Dettol disinfectant spray eliminates 99.9% of bacteria and is .

The best disinfectants can help to clean and disinfect surfaces, objects, and areas that may be contaminated with COVID-19, reducing the risk of transmission.

8. How do I disinfect my home after someone is sick?

This is especially crucial when someone is sick in your home, as germs can spread from room to room and to people. So, concentrate on the sick person's room and wash all bed items, frequently touched surfaces, window blinds and curtains, floor, mats, cloths, items used during the illness such as thermometers, water bottles, plates, bowls, spoons, and so on, and then clean your entire home once with a disinfectant solution to prevent further contamination.

9. Why is it essential to use household disinfectants?

Household disinfectants are essential for killing germs on surfaces and preventing the spread of disease. Germs can be found on all surfaces, including countertops, appliances, floors, doorknobs, and toys.

Household disinfectants can eliminate a wide range of germs, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi. This helps to reduce the risk of people getting sick, especially those with weakened immune systems.

10. Can I use bleach to disinfect my home?

According to the NCBI, bleach is a powerful and effective disinfectant. It contains sodium hypochlorite, which kills viruses, fungus, and bacteria. However, for a successful result, use with caution and observe the instructions before use, such as diluting with water, allowing adequate contact time, and providing adequate air.

11. Is it safe to use disinfectants around pets?

Use pet-friendly disinfectants to keep your pets safe. Although many disinfectants are hazardous to pets, once dried, they are safe to use. So, before using any disinfectants, follow the manufacturer's recommendations and, if necessary, let your pet go out while the area is disinfected and allow the area to dry completely before allowing your pet to wander around as usual.

12. How often should I disinfect commonly touched surfaces in my home?

Cleaning touched surfaces as frequently as possible, perhaps even daily, is the best practise for keeping your family safe from hazardous germs. If every day is not possible and you believe that no outside guests have visited your home, you may do it once or twice a week, but you must disinfect after any visitors arrive.

13. What are the most effective disinfectants for killing viruses and bacteria?

To effectively eliminate viruses and bacteria, employ disinfectant solutions such as alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, quaternary ammonium compounds, sodium hypochlorite (Bleach), phenolic compounds, and peroxyacetic acid. Also, for a better understanding and outcome, check the label of the product and its applications.

14. Is there a difference between cleaning and disinfecting, and when should I do each?

There is a significant distinction between cleaning and disinfection, with cleaning referring to the removal of dirt and grime from surfaces before they are disinfected. In addition, disinfecting kills germ. So, performing both is necessary, but disinfecting the most frequently used surfaces is when health is a priority.

15. Should I disinfect groceries and packages brought into my home?

Though there is a very tiny probability of virus transmission through food or packages, taking precautions is usually a good idea. Make sure to wash all groceries and dispose of any outer packages. Most importantly, wash your hands properly.

16. How can I properly disinfect electronic devices like phones, tablets, and remote controls?

Cleaning electronic devices is a difficult task. So, before disinfecting any electronic product, make sure it is not plugged in, and don't spray or apply the solution directly. Instead, take a soft cloth and spray the disinfectant solution on it, gently wipe the device, and let it dry completely before plugging it in.

17. Are there specific guidelines for disinfecting kitchen surfaces and utensils?

Your kitchen should be the cleanest space in your home for a lifestyle because everything you consume comes from there. Cleaning and sanitising kitchen counters, cutting boards, utensils, cocking spice containers, kitchen sponge, kitchen towels, kitchen machinery such as microwave, water filter, dish washer, stove, and all other equipment should be done on a regular basis with hot and soapy water.

Change the kitchen sponge and kitchen rags frequently because they are the germiest containers. It is also critical to clean the kitchen sink and to use an effective disinfection solution such as Dettol.

18. How do I disinfect soft surfaces like couches, carpets, and curtains?

When it comes to disinfecting the home to completely eliminate germs, everything goes on the to-do list. However, the relevance of couches, carpets, and curtains is the same as it is for other surfaces in the home. If you have a couch cover, you can wash it by soaking it in warm water and using a strong disinfectant solution.

The same goes for carpets and curtains. However, use a suitable disinfection solution and allow the soft surfaces to dry thoroughly in the sun. You may also keep your soft surfaces clean by using a disinfectant spray.

19. Is it necessary to disinfect my laundry, and if so, how can I do it effectively?

Laundry products that you wear when you go out and sweat might be a breeding ground for bacteria. So, make sure to use warm water, a disinfectant detergent power or solution, and properly dry the clothes to get rid of bacteria.

20. What precautions should I take when disinfecting to ensure my safety?

Each disinfecting solution contains a unique chemical, so carefully read the label of instructions before use. However, because each disinfectant involves chemicals, adopting basic precautions is recommended for your , such as wearing protective gloves, wearing glasses, wearing a mask, and opening windows to dissipate the poisonous fumes.

21. How long should I let disinfectants sit on surfaces to effectively kill germs?

Different disinfection solutions have varying contact times, which can range from a few seconds to many minutes. For example, a bleach solution requires a full 10 minutes to disinfect, so always read the solution’s instruction label for a better understanding.

22. Are there any surfaces that should be avoided or require special care when disinfecting?

Yes, you must take care of delicate surfaces such as marble, artworks, statues, showpieces, and food items. Using bleach on marble might destroy them, while using it on display pieces can discolour them, and the same is true for other sensitive products. As a result, always double-check the purpose for which you’re purchasing disinfection solutions.

23. Should I wear gloves and a mask while disinfecting my home?

Yes, using gloves and a mask is a smart way to protect oneself from strong chemicals and possible pathogen exposure. Otherwise, its vapours can harm your skin and eyes.

24. How can I disinfect children’s toys and play areas safely?

When it comes to cleaning children’s toys, you must be very gentle. You can soak them in warm water with the solution for a few minutes before rinsing them with clean water. Before allowing children to use it again, make sure it has completely dried.

For the play areas, you can use a kid-friendly solution or the same disinfecting solution you use throughout your home, but make sure it is well-dried.

25. Are wipes more convenient than disinfectants?

While wipes are more convenient than disinfectants, make sure to properly clean the surfaces with soap and water. Furthermore, not all wipes are suited for all surfaces, so check the label of disinfection products to learn where to use and where not to use them.

26. What's the proper way to disinfect bathroom surfaces to prevent the spread of germs?

Spray a    bathroom cleaner on all bathroom surfaces that are suited for it, such as the sink, toilet pan, bathroom floor, tap handles, and so on, and let it stay for a couple of minutes as specified on the label of contact time required, before wiping with a cloth or sponge.

27. How do I disinfect my car's interior to maintain a clean and safe environment?

Use  disinfectants on surfaces that you or your family come in contact frequently, such as the steering wheel, gear shift, door handles, horn button, music player, seat, and seat belts. Remember to clean the car carpets.

28. Are there any disinfection practices I should follow if someone in my household is sick?

Yes, you should keep a proper distance from the individual who is feeling unwell and where possible, isolate them in a room with a different bathroom that no one else will use. And, if the surfaces have been used, continue to disinfect them on a daily basis.

Launder the individual's clothes separately, and caregivers should bathe, change clothes, and use sanitizer after handling them.

29. Should I disinfect outdoor furniture and equipment, and if so, how often?

If you use your outdoor furniture on a daily basis, you should clean it frequently. Outdoor furniture can become contaminated with germs from dirt, bird guano, wind, and rain. It is essential to keep them clean and disinfected before use.

30. What are the best practices for disinfecting frequently used items like keys and wallets?

Takeisinfectant spray and rub the keys as well as the wallet on both sides. Wipe in and out of the wallet gently and allow it to dry completely before loading it with cards and money.

31. Can I use hand sanitizers to disinfect surfaces, or are they only for hands?

Actually, hand sanitizers are only intended for use on hands that contain alcohol; applying them on other surfaces may cause damage or render them ineffective. So, use what is suggested for an excellent disinfectant result.

32. Are there any areas or items in my home that I might be overlooking when it comes to disinfection?

Yes, there are many places in your home that appear clean but contain the most germs, such as high touch areas like light or fan switches, door handles, remotes, mobile phones, kitchen sponge, bed sheets, desk, foot rack, garbage bins, water bottle, grocery bags, toothbrush holder, wallet, glasses, and so on.

So, for aliving environment, you must clean and disinfect all spaces and belongings on a daily basis, and you must also understand how to apply household disinfectants. Following the aforementioned rules and using the appropriate disinfectant solution for certain surfaces or goods is critical to keeping your house germ-free.