Effective Bathroom Disinfectants for Hygiene

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Do disinfectants kill germs?

Disinfectants are chemical solutions that are designed to ‘kill’, but not remove, viruses and bacteria. Disinfectants do not necessarily clean dirty surfaces or remove germs, but by killing germs on a surface after cleaning, it can further lower the risk of spreading infection. What can I use if I don’t have disinfectant?

What is a disinfectant & how does it work?

Disinfectants are liquids, sprays and wipes that are designed for use on surfaces to kill germs (microorganisms such as bacteria and viruses). They can play an important role in infection control.

What is a good disinfectant?

Disinfectants containing ≥ 70% alcohol, quaternary ammonium compounds (such as benzalkonium chloride) or diluted household bleach (including products containing sodium hypochlorite) are suitable for use. Disinfectants are liquids, sprays and wipes that are designed for use on surfaces to kill germs (microorganisms such as bacteria and viruses).

What is the difference between cleaning and disinfecting?

Cleaning means to physically remove germs (bacteria and viruses), dirt and grime from surfaces using a detergent and water solution. A detergent is a surfactant that is designed to break up oil and grease with the use of water. Anything labelled as a detergent will work. Disinfecting means using chemicals to kill germs on surfaces.

What should you know about cleaning & disinfecting products?

Care should be taken with respect to any hazard warnings and you should always use the products in a well-ventilated area. You should also not mix different cleaning/disinfection products together. It is recommended that disposable gloves are worn when cleaning and disinfecting surfaces.

What kind of disinfectant should I use?

This is when cleaning is done with a combined detergent/disinfectant product. Use a detergent and TGA-listed hospital-grade disinfectant with activity against viruses (according to the label and product information) or a hydrogen peroxide disinfectant OR a disinfectant that contains a minimum of 1000 ppm available chlorine.

How do you use disinfectants?

Mix your disinfectants in a well-ventilated area. Some concentrated products recommend the use of a local exhaust ventilation system. For spraying or misting products, spray directly into the cleaning cloth to dampen the cloth for use. Take care not to generate a mist.

Are antibacterial and antimicrobial cleaning products harmful?

There is evidence that the use of antibacterial and antimicrobial cleaning products – combined with the over-prescription of antibiotics – may produce strains of bacteria that are resistant to disinfectants and antibiotics. There are several issues involved:

What Is Bathroom Disinfectants

1. https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/factsheets/Pages/domestic-cleaning.aspx
2. https://www.tga.gov.au/resources/resource/guidance/appropriate-use-disinfectants-information-consumers-health-professionals-and-healthcare-facilities
3. https://www.choice.com.au/home-and-living/laundry-and-cleaning/surface-cleaners/review-and-compare/bathroom-cleaners
4. https://covid19.swa.gov.au/covid-19-information-workplaces/industry-information/general-industry-information/cleaning
5. https://www.realsimple.com/home-organizing/cleaning/cleaning-bathroom/how-clean-bathroom
6. https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/cleaning/a31996963/natural-disinfectants-effective/
7. https://www.angi.com/articles/how-to-disinfect-every-surface-your-bathroom.htm

Bathroom Disinfectants Information

1. https://www.health.gov.au/sites/default/files/2023-12/coronavirus-covid-19-cleaning-and-disinfection-for-health-and-residential-aged-care-homes_0.pdf
2. https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/sites/default/files/2021-04/cleaning-table-covid19-12-April-2021.pdf
3. https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/antibacterial-cleaning-products
4. https://www.dettol.com.au/health-hygiene/home/bathroom-cleaning-tips/
5. https://www.bunnings.com.au/diy-advice/diy-skills/cleaning/how-to-clean-your-bathroom-in-under-10-minutes