Top 10 Best Disinfectants for Household Items in the Philippines 2020

When choosing a disinfectant for our homes, there are certain things to consider. It includes the effectiveness and safety of the disinfectant, the time it takes to kill viruses and bacteria, and ease of use. These are discussed in more detail below. 

There are different types of active ingredients in disinfectants, and as such, their effectiveness against various viruses and microorganisms also vary. 

Ethyl alcohol and Isopropyl alcohol are the two most common compounds. Alcohol-based disinfectants are effective at killing many kinds of viruses and bacteria, but the product has to have at least a 70% concentration to be effective.

Fortunately, most alcohol-based cleaning products have a 70% concentration. Alcohol disinfectants are widely used because they are relatively inexpensive and it can be used in almost all items and surface areas, except for food. 

However, alcohol can evaporate before the target virus or bacteria is killed. When using alcohol, make sure to clean small areas at a time, as the compound is flammable.

Common .5% of household bleach, mixed with water in a 1:10 ratio, is very useful in killing a wide variety of pathogens. The active ingredient in bleach, sodium hypochlorite, is quick-acting and very powerful, but it will cause discoloration in some surfaces and soft materials like fabrics. 

This type of solution is best used for floors, walls, sinks, certain utensils, stoves, countertops, and some toys as well.

When using bleach, always remember to wear gloves and safety goggles, as it can irritate your eyes and skin. A mask is also helpful since bleach has a strong and pungent smell. Always make a fresh batch when disinfecting and discard unused bleach solutions.

Quats or Quaternary Ammonium Compounds are widely used as surface disinfectants and can be found in many household cleaners, including disinfectant wipes and sprays. This kind of disinfectant is non-toxic, but can still irritate the eyes and skin, so gloves are always a must.

Unlike bleach, QUATS are less damaging to items, while still killing a wide variety of pathogens. Since this compound is non-toxic, it can be used to disinfect food prep surfaces like kitchen counters and tabletops, but be sure to rinse those items with water before using.

We can typically find hydrogen peroxide in stores with a 3% concentration. While it is not as strong as bleach, it is still powerful enough to kill a wide variety of pathogens. When using hydrogen peroxide on surfaces, try to test it on a small spot first, as it can cause a slight discoloration in surfaces.

Hydrogen peroxide is safe to use alone, but it shouldn't be mixed with other household cleaning agents, like vinegar or bleach. They can be used to disinfect the same are, given that they were given enough time to dry between uses. They should also not be combined in the same container.

Contact time or "wet time" is the time it takes for the disinfectant needs to stay wet on the surface to ensure that germicidal activity takes place. Be sure to look at the labels. Contact time varies from 30 seconds to 10 minutes, depending on the type of virus or other pathogens you want to be eliminated.

It's best to follow the instructions on the disinfectants' labels and pay attention to how long the product needs to stay on the surfaces you're cleaning. If a product has a long contact time and dries too quickly, it might not reach the required contact time. Therefore you will not achieve actual disinfection unless you re-apply.

Some categories of disinfectants are strong and can be toxic when ingested. Also, to meet the required contact time, you have to keep the surface wet, so if you have small children at home, it's best to keep them away from the area or surface you're cleaning and store your products out of children's reach.

Some disinfectants are flammable, have unpleasant odors, or can stain fabrics and some surfaces. Make sure the disinfectant you use is compatible to the surface you're want to be disinfected. Also, be sure to wear protective equipment like gloves when disinfecting or handling possibly contaminated objects. 

Nowadays, it is recommended to disinfect surfaces at least once a day. It is very troublesome for homeowners if the product requires a lot of steps or a lot of preparation before you can use it. Easy to use disinfectants like wipes and sprays will make it easier and faster for the users to keep your houses pathogen-free.

Not all types of disinfectants work the same on every surface. Wipes are easy to use - just wipe the surface you want to be disinfected, and then discard the sheet. Sprays and solutions are convenient to use in larger areas, as you can easily cover a more significant surface area. Sprays are also great for hard to reach spots.

Still having a hard time finding a great disinfectant? Look no further. Here are our recommendations for the best and most efficient disinfectants that you can use on your home. 

To safely disinfect our homes, it is best to follow the safety guidelines given by experts. Below are steps that you can follow to efficiently keep your homes safe from harmful viruses and bacteria.

Some disinfectants are made to kill a type of virus or bacteria specifically. If it is the SARS-CoV-2 virus that you want to eliminate, it is best to follow the DOH's guidelines on which products to use. Common household cleaners are effective, so follow their guide on the specific ratios of the solutions.

The Environmental Protection Agency or EPA in America also has a list of products that are effective against COVID-19. You can check the label to see if the product is registered on the EPA list. However, do keep in mind that most of the products on this list are American. 

Most disinfectant labels will tell you which pathogens they are effective against, and if it has an indication of killing influenza, RSB, SARS virus, or other coronaviruses, it will also work on the SARS-Cov 2 virus.

It is a good practice to check the labels of your products to make sure that they are used correctly. Some product types can only be used on some surfaces, so be sure to look at the labels for which areas and surfaces they are appropriate to use.

Also, read the precautionary statements and follow accordingly. It's essential to follow the guidelines so that you don't run into any troubles or mishaps while disinfecting. Make sure to check the expiration date of the product, it might not work well, or at all when it is outside of the use by date.

Disinfecting is not cleaning, and cleaning is not disinfecting. Make sure to wash the surfaces first with soapy water or a cleaning spray and a hand towel, especially when the disinfectant specifically said so. 

Prioritize high-touch surfaces like doorknobs, tabletops, remote controls, or any item you feel you interact or have contact with the most. This will ensure that your disinfectants work effectively on your items.

To be fully effective at killing viruses and bacteria, disinfectants need to stay visibly wet on the surfaces. When applying the disinfectants, be sure to follow the contact time indicated on the label. 

When handling disinfectants, make sure to wear gloves. When using disposable gloves, discard them after using, while with reusable gloves, keep a dedicated pair just for disinfecting your household items. Wash your hands after removing the gloves. If it is possible to wear goggles, also do so to protect your eyes.

If you have children at home, keep them away from your disinfectants as they can be toxic when ingested. Make sure to store them in a high and dry place, far from their reach. 

Prevention is better than cure. Just disinfecting your items around the house is not enough. Keep yourself and your loved ones safe from the inside and the outside with these products. 

During these times of uncertainty, lessen your worries by keeping yourself prepared and ready to face the day. It is best to do whatever you can to keep you and your loved ones safe. Disinfecting your homes often is a good practice and we hope that you keep on doing it even after the global pandemic. Stay safe and healthy!

Author: Rie Niijima