Is Hydrogen Peroxide a Disinfectant?

Decision-making within the cleaning industry during the purchase of disinfectants is challenging, but it is essential. The available listed active ingredients are packed with trade-offs and lengthy. To protect the environment, staff, and building occupants’ health, the process encompasses balancing the real prevention properties.

Disinfectants are produced with a single goal: killing pathogens and microbes. That means destroying cells that are entirely harmless and safe for human health. Common old-style active ingredients used include chlorine, alcohol, and phenol.

If you are wondering if hydrogen peroxide is a disinfectant, the answer is yes. For that matter, it is a strong one and is often used in hospitals or in any first aid practice as a sterilizer to clean wounds, scrapes, and minor cuts to prevent infections. Many types of disinfectants are available, but it is important to note that not all can be used to kill every kind of pathogen. Because some pathogens can be resistant to specific disinfectants, here is an answer to the question, is hydrogen peroxide a disinfectant?

What kind of pathogens can hydrogen peroxide kill?

You may be asking this question; what kind of pathogens can this specific disinfectant kill? This question may arise, especially now that the world is dealing with a pandemic, and it’s a good question. It is essential to know your options if you will keep your loved ones and yourself safe. The answer is that hydrogen peroxide is a pretty strong disinfectant; actually, it is as strong as they come. And it has been proven operational against various microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses.

But they are among pathogens that are resistant to many disinfectants, that is because they have a robust defense mechanism. The spores coat and cortex act as a barrier that prevents disinfectant from entering, therefore rendering it ineffective. However, hydrogen peroxide does not recognize this barrier, and it can break through it and destroy these fungi, which makes it very reliable in disinfection practice.

How to use hydrogen peroxide for disinfection

Before using hydrogen peroxide to disinfect surfaces, you should ensure that the surface is clean. One reason is that disinfectants are not usually good at removing dirt from a surface solely. Generally, before using any decontaminator, you should use water and soap or detergent to clean the surface. Only after that should you apply a disinfectant for better results. Note that 3% concentration hydrogen peroxide sold in stores can be used as a disinfectant. It is vital, though, that you follow instructions given by the manufacturer; it’s usually stated on the label.

After cleaning the surface with water and soap, you can pour or spray hydrogen peroxide on a surface and then wipe it dry with a paper towel or sponge, but microfiber towels are mostly recommended for this kind of jobs. Another thing to note is that, before you wipe the surface dry, you should ensure that the product has reached its dwell time and eliminated all pathogens.

Bactakleen’s Safety precaution when handling hydrogen peroxide

In high concentration, as usually used in industrial settings or laboratories, hydrogen peroxide poses severe safety and health hazards. With adverse effects being evident in the respiratory system, eyes, and skin, its household-level concentration is considered generally safe for use. This chemical should be used carefully, avoiding ingestion under any circumstance. It’s always advised that you should not mix chemicals, and this one is no exception; you should not combine it with any other household cleaning agents like bleach or vinegar. Mixing with vinegar can create a peracetic acid that can irritate your eyes, nose, and respiratory system.