Most homes do not need routine disinfection: the CDC says regular cleaning is usually enough unless someone is sick or at higher risk. And “natural” is not proof that a product disinfects. Use the first four supplies below to clean and prepare surfaces; when disinfection is warranted, choose a product registered by the EPA for the specific germ and surface, then follow its label exactly.
Cleaning is not the same as disinfecting
Cleaning removes dirt and organic matter. Sanitizing reduces bacteria, while disinfecting kills viruses and bacteria on surfaces. Those are distinct claims, and a plant-based ingredient or “natural” description does not establish that a product disinfects. The EPA explains the distinctions in its guide to cleaning, sanitizing and disinfecting.
For most household situations, cleaning with soap or detergent and water is the baseline. The CDC says home disinfection is likely unnecessary unless someone is sick or at higher risk. If you do need to disinfect, clean the surface first: dirt and other soil can interfere with a disinfectant’s effectiveness. The CDC’s household cleaning guidance recommends cleaning before disinfecting.
Eight supplies for cleaning and disinfection
The first four items help with ordinary cleaning or surface preparation. The final four are categories of EPA-listed formulated disinfectants; their effectiveness depends on the exact product and its label, not simply its ingredient.
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- Disinfecting Multi-Surface Cleaner kills 99.9% of bacteria and viruses* and COVID-19 virus** on hard non-porous surfaces (refer to product label for details)
- 4 capped bottles with 2 spray heads
- No rinse required, even on food contact surfaces and children’s toys
- Eliminates odors produced by odor causing bacteria
- For use in pet areas
1. Soap or detergent cleaner
Use a suitable household soap or detergent cleaner for routine cleaning and to remove soil before disinfecting. Household cleaners containing soap or detergent can remove dirt and germs from surfaces, but ordinary detergent is not automatically a disinfectant. Check the product label if you need a disinfectant claim.
2. Reusable cleaning cloth
A reusable cloth helps apply cleaner and lift loosened soil. It is a tool, not a disinfectant. Wash or replace it as appropriate, and use a clean cloth when moving to another surface to avoid spreading soil.
Rank #2
- Contains (1) 28oz spray bottle of antibacterial all-purpose cleaner.
- Antibacterial all purpose cleaner. Made with citric acid.
- Kills 99.9% of household germs, including staphylococcus aureus, influenza a flu virus, rhinovirus, escherichia coli, enterobacter aerogenes and salmonella enterica.
- Clean and sanitize in one easy step.
- All-purpose cleaner is tough on grease and grime and easy on surfaces
3. Baking soda
Baking soda can be used as a household cleaning aid, but do not rely on it to disinfect. CDC technical guidance says baking soda is not an EPA-registered disinfectant and should not be relied on to disinfect against S. aureus. See the CDC disinfection and sterilization guideline.
4. Vinegar
Vinegar is not an EPA-registered disinfectant and should not replace one when disinfection is needed. CDC technical guidance likewise says it should not be relied on to disinfect against S. aureus. Never mix vinegar with bleach or other cleaning products.
Rank #3
- AUTHENTICALLY BOTANICAL: All Benefect products are formulated with botanical ingredients – no harsh or synthetic chemicals. Identified by the EPA as having no known adverse effects to human health or the environment.
- KILLS 99.99% OF GERMS and bacteria in just 30 just seconds, making it perfect for use on high-touch surfaces, such as countertops, children’s toys, cutting boards and much more. Leaves behind a light lemon and thyme scent.
- SAFE & EFFECTIVE: Benefect Decon 30 is safe for use on food-contact surfaces without the need for rinsing or wiping. It’s the ideal choice for restoring water damage in the kitchen or combating a school virus outbreak.
- 1-GALLON BOTTLE: This ready-to-use botanical disinfectant comes packaged in a 1-gallon bottle. No mixing or diluting required. Certified 100% biobased by the USDA BioPreferred Program and UL EcoLogo Certified.
- WHEN SAFETY AND EFFICACY MATTER MOST, restoration and remediation professionals turn to Benefect. Shop our full range of plant-derived and environmentally friendly products.
5. EPA-registered thymol botanical disinfectant
If you prefer a plant-derived active ingredient, an EPA-listed product containing thymol is one option to investigate. EPA’s DfE-certified disinfectant list includes Benefect Botanical Daily Cleaner Disinfectant Spray, with listed use on hard, nonporous residential surfaces. Confirm the current label for the specific surface, target germ, directions and contact time before using it.
6. EPA-registered hydrogen peroxide disinfectant
EPA lists ready-to-use hydrogen peroxide disinfectants for residential use. Choose a formulated product whose label covers the germ and surface in question; the listing is not permission to treat any bottle of household hydrogen peroxide as a general-purpose disinfectant.
Rank #4
- Contains (1) 28 ounce bottle of antibacterial bathroom cleaner
- Antibacterial all purpose cleaner and disinfectant spray.
- Kills 99.9% of household germs including influenza a flu virus, staphylococcus aureus, rhinovirus and salmonella enterica.
- Antibac bathroom cleaner is tough on grime and easy on surfaces.
- Use on bathroom surfaces, sinks and fixtures, tubs, glazed tile, toilet seats and toilet bowls.
7. EPA-listed citric-acid disinfectant
EPA lists disinfectant products formulated with citric acid, including products with residential use. That does not mean lemon juice or an arbitrary citric-acid mixture is an equivalent disinfectant. Verify the product’s label for approved uses and directions.
8. EPA-listed lactic-acid disinfectant
EPA’s DfE list includes lactic-acid disinfectants, including an entry for residential use. As with other active ingredients, efficacy and directions belong to the registered formulation and its label—not to lactic acid in general.
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Best Value
- KILLS 99.9% OF COLD & FLU VIRUSES & BACTERIA: Botanical Disinfectant harnesses the power of nature to clean and disinfect surfaces on contact while effectively eliminating cold and flu viruses, Hantavirus, and 99.9% of all bacteria and viruses
- POWERFUL NATURAL CLEANER & DISINFECTANT: This unique multi-surface spray is formulated to safely clean and deodorize surfaces with natural plant-based ingredients that work just as well as their chemical counterparts in a fraction of the time
- FAST-ACTING RINSE-FREE, STREAK-FREE FORMULA: Our heavy-duty EPA-Certified formula is ready to use and requires absolutely zero rinsing, scrubbing, or wiping - simply spray onto any porous or hard surface and watch the cleaning magic happen!
- FRESH MODERN CITRUS LIME SCENT ELIMINATES ODORS IN SECONDS: Instantly banish viruses, bacteria, and stubborn, lingering odors on concrete, drywall, fiberglass, fabric, and more with our all-natural modern citrus and lime-scented cleaner/deodorizer
- PREMIUM QUALITY PRODUCTS MADE IN THE USA: RMR’s cleaning, deodorizing, disinfecting, and sanitizing products are proudly made by cleaning and stain removal experts in the USA using top-quality, highly effective ingredients
How to choose a disinfectant that fits the job
EPA registration is specific to a product and its approved uses; it is not a blanket claim for every germ or surface. EPA says its lists identify registered products, and the product label controls where and how they may be used. Check the EPA list of selected registered disinfectants and the current product label.
- Target germ: Confirm that the label names the microorganism or pathogen you need to address. Do not infer an unlisted pathogen claim from a product’s ingredient or EPA listing.
- Surface and location: Check that the exact surface and residential use are covered. A product approved for one surface or setting may not be appropriate for another.
- Contact time: Keep the surface visibly wet for the full contact time on the label. The required time varies by product and claim; wiping the product dry early can prevent the labeled use from being followed.
- Application and cleanup: Follow label directions for ready-to-use application or dilution, whether a rinse is required on food-contact surfaces, and how to dispose of the product.
- Protection and ventilation: Use any protective equipment and ventilation the label requires.
EPA’s List H of registered disinfectants and its other product lists can help identify registered products, but the label remains essential: EPA evaluates the microorganisms listed for each product, and a pathogen use is not established when the label lacks directions for it.
What EPA’s DfE label does—and does not—tell you
EPA’s Design for the Environment (DfE) label is an additional screening signal for antimicrobial products reviewed against pesticide-registration requirements and the DfE standard. EPA says inclusion on its list is not an endorsement. DfE is not a substitute for checking a product’s germ, surface, contact time or other label directions.
DfE and Safer Choice are different programs: DfE applies to antimicrobial products, while Safer Choice applies to cleaning products. Neither “natural,” “plant-based,” “green” nor DfE wording means a product is “chemical-free,” universally safe or suitable for every use. EPA explains these distinctions in its pages on DfE-certified disinfectants and identifying greener cleaning products.
Use and store products safely
- Follow the exact label for dilution, target pathogen, surface, wet contact time, rinsing, protective equipment, ventilation and disposal.
- Never mix disinfectants or household chemicals. Mixing can create hazards and is not a way to improve cleaning or disinfection.
- Keep products away from children and pets. Do not apply disinfectants to skin or animals.
- Clean the surface first when disinfection is needed, and do not wipe the disinfectant away before its labeled contact time is complete.
The CDC summarizes the purpose of these products this way: “Disinfecting products are chemicals that work by killing any remaining germs on surfaces.”
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