In today’s world, maintaining cleanliness and hygiene has become more critical than ever. The global pandemic has highlighted the importance of effective sanitisation methods to curb the spread of harmful pathogens. While alcohol-based sanitisers have gained immense popularity, there is another powerful tool in our arsenal: disinfectants.
Scientific Sanitation Solutions (SSS), managing director, Victor Adendorff, explores the benefits of disinfectants over alcohol-based sanitisers and explains why they are a superior choice for comprehensive surface and environmental cleaning.
The benefits of disinfectants over alcohol-based sanitisers
Disinfectants offer a broader spectrum of action compared to alcohol-based sanitisers. They are designed to eliminate various types of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and even spores. Alcohol-based sanitisers primarily target bacteria and certain enveloped viruses but may not be as effective against other resilient microorganisms. Disinfectants, on the other hand, are formulated to tackle a wide range of pathogens, making them more suitable for complete sterilisation of surfaces and objects.
One significant advantage of disinfectants is their ability to provide a lasting residual effect. Once applied, many disinfectants create a protective barrier on surfaces, preventing the recontamination of the treated area for an extended period. This residual effect is particularly crucial in high-traffic environments such as hospitals, schools, and public spaces where continuous sanitisation is challenging. Alcohol-based sanitisers, in contrast, evaporate quickly and do not leave a lasting protective layer, necessitating frequent reapplication.
While alcohol-based sanitisers are effective against enveloped viruses like influenza and coronaviruses, they may not be as effective against non-enveloped viruses such as norovirus and rotavirus. Disinfectants, especially those with specific virucidal properties, can effectively combat both enveloped and non-enveloped viruses, ensuring comprehensive protection against a broader range of infectious agents.
Disinfectants offer an added benefit of improved cleaning capabilities. Many disinfectants contain surfactants and detergents that aid in the removal of dirt, grease, and organic matter from surfaces. This dual action of cleaning and disinfection ensures not only the eradication of harmful pathogens but also the removal of visible impurities, leading to cleaner and more hygienic environments. Alcohol-based sanitisers, by comparison, do not possess the same level of cleaning properties and are primarily focused on disinfection alone.
Disinfectants come in a variety of forms, including sprays, wipes, and solutions, making them adaptable to different cleaning scenarios. This versatility allows for effective disinfection of a wide range of surfaces, including hard surfaces, fabrics, and electronic devices. Alcohol-based sanitisers, while convenient for hand sanitation, may not be as suitable or practical for disinfecting larger surfaces or complex equipment.
Finally, disinfectants are generally considered better for the skin compared to alcohol sanitisers. While alcohol-based sanitisers have their merits in terms of convenience and portability, they can be harsh on the skin with prolonged use. Alcohol can strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness, irritation, and even cracking. A recent RCN survey found that 93% of nursing staff had experienced some form of skin condition, including dryness, redness, cracking, itching and pain, in the previous year. In contrast, disinfectants formulated for skin use often contain milder ingredients that are gentler on the skin. They are designed to kill germs while maintaining the skin’s moisture balance, preventing excessive dryness and irritation. Additionally, some disinfectants may also include soothing or moisturising components that further nourish and protect the skin. Therefore, when it comes to maintaining healthy and well-nourished skin, choosing a suitable disinfectant designed for skin use can provide a more gentle and beneficial experience.
Revolutionising disinfection: advancements in future cleaning solutions
The selection of disinfectants must be meticulously done, considering their effectiveness against prevalent and medically significant pathogens. However, there are some negatives to disinfectants. For example, chemical disinfectants, by their very nature, possess the capacity to harm living organisms, including humans. While they aim to protect us from illness, they also carry inherent dangers. Numerous disinfectants contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs), notorious for causing chronic respiratory ailments and other health issues. These compounds have been linked to allergies, asthma, cancer, autoimmune diseases, and even skin damage.
Fortunately, solutions to this predicament have emerged. There are different types of disinfectant which are devoid of both alcohol and chlorine and are therefore safe to use, but these lacked potency until now. SANI-99™ is suitable for use on any hard surface or as a hand sanitiser and most importantly is not alcohol or chlorine based. In fact, SANI-99™ is nearly 2,000 times more potent than concentrated (undiluted) bleach when it comes to eliminating pathogens per million, all the while being significantly safer and providing longer-lasting effects compared to standard disinfectants. SANI-99™ is laboratory certified to Log 7 purity reduction, the highest possible standard. In essence, it kills 99.9999% of all 
known germs and harmful bacteria.
In conclusion, while alcohol-based sanitisers have undoubtedly played a crucial role in personal hygiene during the COVID-19 pandemic, it is essential to recognise the distinct advantages of disinfectants in achieving comprehensive surface and environmental disinfection. The broader spectrum of action, long-lasting residual effect, superior efficacy against non-enveloped viruses, enhanced cleaning capabilities, and adaptability make disinfectants a superior choice. To maintain clean, safe, and pathogen-free environments, incorporating disinfectants into our sanitisation practices is imperative. By doing so, we can effectively combat infectious diseases and promote overall well-being on a broader scale.
