Disinfectants

Disinfectants are used to kill germs on nonliving surfaces whilst antiseptics kill microorganisms on a living surface such as skin or hooves. Good, effective cleaning and disinfecting protocols are essential in all animal care settings. While it may not be the most exciting subject, it’s a crucial one for all animal owners!

Effective cleaning and disinfecting is important for the health of the pets you care for, as well as for your own safety. With such a huge selection of products on the market, the choice can feel overwhelming. So, let’s take a look at the importance of selecting the correct disinfectant, and how to choose between them.

There are many different types of disinfectants for use on surfaces. They are usually made for a specific purpose and are meant to be used a certain way because they don't work equally well against all microbes. Most disinfectants don't kill bacterial spores, for instance.

Regulations For Disinfectants

Testing disinfectant products in Europe involves testing to the European Norms (EN), also known as European Standards. The EN specifies test methods which assess how effective disinfectant products are. In other words, EN-certified products have been tested, shown to be effective and meet the EN standards. The EN testing uses test methods based on everyday use, so provides a useful tool for comparing disinfectants.

European Standards are given a reference code containing the letters ‘EN’. Let’s take a look at what they mean.

EN1276

EN1276 is a test that determines the bactericidal activity of chemical disinfectants, meaning their ability to kill bacteria. This test is used for hand and surface disinfectants for domestic, food and industrial use.

EN1276 certified products are effective against bacteria such as E.coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

EN1650

EN1650 assesses the fungicidal activity of chemical disinfectants, meaning their ability to kill fungi, including yeasts. This test is used for hand and surface disinfectants for domestic, food and industrial use.

EN1650 products are effective against yeast, such as candida albicans and other fungi, such as Aspergillus.

EN14476

EN14476 assesses the viricidal activity of chemical disinfectants, meaning their ability to kill viruses. This test is used for disinfectants intended for domestic, industrial and medical markets.

EN14476 certified products are effective against viruses such as norovirus and adenovirus. They are often also tested for effectiveness against influenza and coronavirus (check the label).

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Disinfectants can contain the same types of chemicals as antiseptics but in higher concentrations. Disinfectants should not be used on your skin. Chemical disinfectants include:

Alcohol
Formaldehyde
Glutaraldehyde
Quaternary ammonium compounds
Chlorine and chlorine compounds
Iodophors
Ortho-phthalaldehyde (OPA)
Phenolics
Hydrogen peroxide
Peracetic acid
Peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide

Some other types of disinfectants include:

Ultraviolet radiation
Other germicides
Pasteurization
Metals as microbicides
Flushing- and washer-disinfectors

Proper Use of Disinfectants

Disinfectants have to be used properly to be effective. The manufacturer will include instructions for proper use. Some factors that need to be considered are:

If the disinfectant works against the microbe you're targeting
If the disinfectant is at the right concentration
How long the disinfectant needs to remain on the surface
The disinfectant’s expiration date
Cleaning the area before you disinfect
Proper pH level and water temperature
Water hardness
If the disinfectant is safe to use on the surface you're disinfecting
Precautions to protect yourself from hazards

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