August 24, 2009
How effective is non-chlorine bleach as a disinfectant? If it isn't, what green product would you recommend?
Dear S. Keefe,
The antimicrobial effectiveness of non-chlorine bleach depends on the active ingredient, the conditions of use, and the microorganisms being targeted. Many non-chlorine bleaches, including ours, use hydrogen peroxide as an active ingredient, which is able to kill microbes when used at appropriate concentrations and applied in appropriate ways. Proper use of an antimicrobial is key to its effectiveness. That is why products registered for use as antimicrobials contain specific instructions that must be followed for the product to be used safely and effectively.
Our Free & Clear Chlorine-Free Bleach is intended for stain removal in laundry, and has not been tested for its antimicrobial properties. Therefore we cannot recommend it as a disinfectant or sanitizer. I am not aware of any non-chlorine bleaches that are also approved for sanitizing or disinfecting surfaces, but that doesn’t mean they don’t exist. Look for products specifically labeled as disinfectants or sanitizers that have hydrogen peroxide or sodium percarbonate as the active ingredients. In addition to non-chlorine bleaches, there are sanitizers and disinfectants that kill microbes using plant-based ingredients, such as thyme and natural acids such as lactic acid. Again, look for the EPA registration information to assure that the products are safe and effective as disinfectants.
Before buying any disinfecting or sanitizing product for your home you should ask yourself if eliminating microbes is absolutely critical.[1] In cases where food is involved or there is someone with a delicate immune system, eliminating microbes is important.[2-3] Otherwise, using a non-antimicrobial household cleaner may be a better option as disinfection or sanitization may not provide a health benefit.[4-5]
The antimicrobial effectiveness of non-chlorine bleach depends on the active ingredient, the conditions of use, and the microorganisms being targeted. Many non-chlorine bleaches, including ours, use hydrogen peroxide as an active ingredient, which is able to kill microbes when used at appropriate concentrations and applied in appropriate ways. Proper use of an antimicrobial is key to its effectiveness. That is why products registered for use as antimicrobials contain specific instructions that must be followed for the product to be used safely and effectively.
Our Free & Clear Chlorine-Free Bleach is intended for stain removal in laundry, and has not been tested for its antimicrobial properties. Therefore we cannot recommend it as a disinfectant or sanitizer. I am not aware of any non-chlorine bleaches that are also approved for sanitizing or disinfecting surfaces, but that doesn’t mean they don’t exist. Look for products specifically labeled as disinfectants or sanitizers that have hydrogen peroxide or sodium percarbonate as the active ingredients. In addition to non-chlorine bleaches, there are sanitizers and disinfectants that kill microbes using plant-based ingredients, such as thyme and natural acids such as lactic acid. Again, look for the EPA registration information to assure that the products are safe and effective as disinfectants.
Before buying any disinfecting or sanitizing product for your home you should ask yourself if eliminating microbes is absolutely critical.[1] In cases where food is involved or there is someone with a delicate immune system, eliminating microbes is important.[2-3] Otherwise, using a non-antimicrobial household cleaner may be a better option as disinfection or sanitization may not provide a health benefit.[4-5]
- Levy SB. Antibacterial household products: cause for concern. Emerging Infectious Diseases. 2001;7(3):S512-S515.
- Courtenay M, Ramirez L, Cox B, Han Inyee, Jiang X, Dawson P. Effects of various hand hygiene regimens on removal and/or destruction of Escherichia coli on hands. Food Service Technology. 2005;5(2-4):77-84.
- Bobolia J. Infection control for the family of the home hospice patient. Home Healthcare Nursing. 2006;24(10):624-626.
- Larson E, Aiello A, Lee LV, Della-Latta P, Gomez-Duarte C, Lin S. Short and long-term effects of handwashing with antimicrobial or plain soap in the community. Journal of Community Health. 2003;28(2):139-150.
- Larson E, Gomez Duerte C. Home hygiene practices and infectious disease symptoms among household members. Public Health Nursing. 2001;18(2):116-127.
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