The strongest disinfectants are highly effective at killing bacteria, viruses, fungi, and even spores.

Here are some of the most powerful…

Sodium Hypochlorite (Bleach)

• Effectiveness – Kills bacteria, viruses, fungi, and C. diff spores.
• Applications – Used in hospitals, clinics, and homes for surface disinfection.

Hydrogen Peroxide

• Effectiveness – Broad-spectrum, kills bacteria, viruses, fungi, and spores.
• Applications – Common in healthcare for cleaning and medical equipment.

Glutaraldehyde

• Effectiveness – Kills a wide range of pathogens, including C. diff spores.
• Applications – Used to disinfect medical instruments, especially those that can’t be autoclaved.

Peracetic Acid

• Effectiveness – Kills bacteria, viruses, fungi, and spores.
• Applications – Used in food processing and healthcare settings.

Quaternary Ammonium Compounds (Quats)

• Effectiveness – Kills many bacteria and viruses, but less effective against spores.
• Applications – Widely used in hospitals and commercial cleaning.

Alcohol (Isopropyl or Ethanol)

• Effectiveness – Effective against bacteria and viruses, but not spores.
• Applications – Used for quick disinfecting of surfaces and skin.

Chlorine Dioxide

• Effectiveness – Kills bacteria, viruses, fungi, and spores.
• Applications – Used in water treatment and sterilization.

Steam Sterilization

• Effectiveness – Kills all pathogens, including spores.
• Applications – Sterilizes medical equipment in autoclaves.

Bleach and hydrogen peroxide are among the most powerful disinfectants, ideal for surface cleaning. For sterilizing equipment, glutaraldehyde and steam sterilization are preferred. Choose based on the specific pathogen and surface being disinfected.