EPA assigns a registration number for each product and that number must be clearly displayed on every container of the product. Companies submitting disinfectants for registration are required to include current efficacy data to prove that their product kills ALL of the microorganisms listed on the product label. For instance, if the product label claims to kill staphylococcus aureus , then test data must be submitted to EPA to prove that the product when diluted according to label directions kills the staphylococcus aureus bacteria. Use Dilution Confirmation Test. The data should include a listing of the microorganisms it effectively kills.
Disinfectants require the removal of soils from a surface before they are effective.
A disinfectant-cleaner is diluted and then used to remove soils and kill germs all in one application. One step disinfectant-cleaners save labor time and money. If you are uncertain if your product is a disinfectant or disinfectant-cleaner, read the product label carefully. Chlorinated compounds such as sodium hypochlorite when diluted in water form hypochlorous acid. This acid is extremely effective against many types of microorganisms including bacteria, fungi and viruses.