At a glance
Table 2 from the Guideline for Disinfection and Sterilization in Healthcare Facilities (2008).
Properties of an ideal disinfectant
- Broad spectrum: should have a wide antimicrobial spectrum
- Fast acting: should produce a rapid kill
- Not affected by environmental factors: should be active in the presence of organic matter (e.g., blood, sputum, feces) and compatible with soaps, detergents, and other chemicals encountered in use
- Nontoxic: should not be harmful to the user or patient
- Surface compatibility: should not corrode instruments and metallic surfaces and should not cause the deterioration of cloth, rubber, plastics, and other materials
- Residual effect on treated surfaces: should leave an antimicrobial film on the treated surface
- Easy to use with clear label directions
- Odorless: should have a pleasant odor or no odor to facilitate its routine use
- Economical: should not be prohibitively high in cost
- Solubility: should be soluble in water
- Stability: should be stable in concentrate and use-dilution
- Cleaner: should have good cleaning properties
- Environmentally friendly: should not damage the environment on disposal
Modified from Molinari.1035