President Trump: We can help make America a manufacturing super power. Learn more

  • Read time: 4 minutes
  • Blog Post

How to Read a Disinfectant Product Label

CONTACT US
Brendan Bradley
CONTACT US

Disinfectants are important products used to kill and reduce germs on surfaces. These products are registered as antimicrobial pesticides by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which requires that these products include important safety and use information on each product’s label. Always read and follow the directions on the label of cleaning and disinfection products to help ensure safe and effective use.  One of the most important terms to understand on a disinfectant product label is contact time. Contact time—or “wet time”—is how long a disinfectant needs to stay wet on a surface to be effective.

Disinfectants have varying contact times needed to kill microorganisms or inactivate viruses, ranging from 15 seconds to 10 minutes or longer. While it is tempting to immediately wipe the surface dry after applying the disinfectant, make sure you meet the respective contact time before drying or rinsing the surface to disinfect properly.

Reading the Label

First and foremost, you should read the information on the front of the product label. This typically contains information about which surfaces it can be used on, scents, the active ingredients, and any warnings or hazards. There may also be health and safety information such as whether to use the product around flames and what to do if you accidentally ingest or the product comes into contact with eyes.

Product Label Front

The back of the label may contain step-by-step use directions, which can vary according to the product. Some products require a specific amount of time to be left on the surface. Some products require wiping off or rinsing, while others do not. You may also find instructions on the back label about how to properly dispose of the product - whether to throw it away, recycle it, or dispose of it in another way. These instructions protect the environment, people, and animals.

Product Label Back

Directions for disinfectants will include...

  • Which surfaces or fabrics to use the product on—it’s important to only use disinfecting products on surfaces as described on the label
  • How much of the product to use, if it should be diluted, and how to do that
  • How long the surface needs to stay wet after using the product (contact time)
  • If you should rinse or wipe the surface after treatment— including how to handle food contact surfaces or children’s toys after disinfecting
  • Which pathogens the product is effective against, including specific bacteria, viruses, and/or fungi

Learn more about how to read product labels in the related video and podcast, available on the Center for Biocide Chemistries’ website Good Chemistry Lives Here.

American Chemistry Council

The American Chemistry Council’s mission is to advocate for the people, policy, and products of chemistry that make the United States the global leader in innovation and manufacturing. To achieve this, we: Champion science-based policy solutions across all levels of government; Drive continuous performance improvement to protect employees and communities through Responsible Care®; Foster the development of sustainability practices throughout ACC member companies; and Communicate authentically with communities about challenges and solutions for a safer, healthier and more sustainable way of life. Our vision is a world made better by chemistry, where people live happier, healthier, and more prosperous lives, safely and sustainably—for generations to come.