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.
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.
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
Front of Product Label
- Type of Product: Is it a disinfectant, detergent, or soap cleaner?
- Surfaces: What surfaces is this safe for use on (wood, granite, glass, or plastic, etc.)
- Key/Active Ingredients: These are the ingredients that provide the disinfecting action. Active ingredients will change depending on product type and the type of product (e.g. aerosol vs liquid vs solid). Other ingredients in the product are referred to as “Inert Ingredients”. These ingredients provide other functions in the product such as cleaning, stabilizers, and fragrance.
- Danger/Safety Labels: What are the dangers or cautions that you should know before using this product?
Back of Product Label
- EPA Registration Number: This number indicates that the EPA has reviewed it for safety.
- Step-by-Step Use Directions: This tells you the directions for use.
- Hazard and Precaution Statements: This tells you if there are any hazards or precautions that you should be aware of.
- First Aid Instructions: What should you do if it comes in contact with your hands, mouth, or eyes? Follow any first aid instructions on the label. Have the product container or product label with you when calling a Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222), or doctor, or going for treatment.
- Safe Storage and Disposal: How should you recycle or dispose of this product?
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.
