Disinfectant is any substance that destroys germs on nonliving objects. Most common disinfectants are powerful chemicals that people use to sanitize clothes, rooms, and instruments and utensils. Some disinfectants include deodorizers. Detergents are added to many disinfectants to aid cleaning. Substances called antiseptics are used to kill germs on living tissue.
Disinfectants are most effective when added to community water and sewage systems to destroy germs and help prevent epidemics. They also help stop the spread of germs in hospitals and other health care institutions. However, general household disinfectants have only limited value in stopping the spread of disease. In most cases, washing with soap and water is as effective as using such a disinfectant.
Important disinfectants include (1) alcohols, (2) formaldehyde and glutaraldehyde, (3) hypochlorites, (4) iodophors, (5) phenols, (6) pine oil disinfectants, and (7) quaternary ammonium compounds.
Alcohols,
such as ethyl and isopropyl alcohols, are used to disinfect fever thermometers and previously cleaned plastic and rubber goods.
Formaldehyde and glutaraldehyde
are strong and fast acting. Hospitals use them to disinfect surgical instruments and other medical devices.
Hypochlorites,
including chlorine bleaches and chlorinated lime, are common ingredients of household disinfectants and deodorizers. They are also used in water and sewage treatment and to disinfect food utensils.
Iodophors
are compounds that include iodine. They are used to sanitize large surfaces in hospitals and to disinfect equipment used in food preparation.
Phenols
include carbolic acid, creosote, and hexachlorophene. They are used to disinfect floors, garbage cans, toilet facilities, and other surfaces.
Pine oil disinfectants
are commonly combined with detergents to clean floors, walls, and bathroom fixtures. They have a pinelike odor.
Quaternary ammonium compounds
are in many all-purpose household cleaners. They serve as both disinfectants and detergents.
