Disinfectants vs. Sanitizers: How To Choose The Right One For A Facility

Bill Bestmann

By Bill Bestmann, Vice President of Sales at Nyco Products Company

With an increasing number of disinfectants and sanitizers available, choosing the right one for your facility can be overwhelming. Whether you manage a healthcare facility, school, office, or restaurant, selecting the proper disinfectant or sanitizer is essential for maintaining a safe and healthy environment.

However, not all disinfectants are created equal — some are more effective against specific pathogens, while others may not provide the level of protection you need. Understanding the key differences, proper usage, and critical selection factors can help you make informed decisions and avoid common mistakes.

Disinfectants vs. Sanitizers: What’s The Difference?

One of the most common sources of confusion is the difference between disinfectants and sanitizers. While both reduce harmful microorganisms, disinfectants undergo a more rigorous testing process and generally have broader pathogen kill claims than sanitizers.

• Disinfectants: Used on hard, non-porous, non-food contact surfaces, disinfectants kill or inactivate bacteria, viruses, and fungi listed on the product label.
• Sanitizers: Primarily used for food-contact surfaces, sanitizers reduce bacteria to safe levels but may not be effective against all viruses or fungi.

Some products have both disinfecting and sanitizing claims, but their directions, dilution ratios, and contact times will differ. Always read the label carefully to ensure proper use.

Key Factors In Selecting The Right Disinfectant

Before choosing a disinfectant or sanitizer, consider these five critical factors:

1️. Target Pathogens —

• Identify the specific germs or viruses you need to control. Not all disinfectants kill the same pathogens, and claims like “kills 99.9% of germs” only apply to those germs listed on the label.
• For healthcare environments, choose a disinfectant effective against bloodborne pathogens and one that can handle organic soil and hard water conditions.
• Schools and offices should opt for broad-spectrum disinfectants that are safe for various surfaces and free from harsh fumes.

2. Safety & Surface Compatibility —

• Some disinfectants — like bleach, phenols, and iodophors — can be corrosive, cause staining, or produce harmful fumes.
• Choose products that are safe for your facility’s surfaces and pose minimal risk to employees and visitors.

3️. Contact (Dwell) Time —

• Some pathogens can be killed in as little as 30 seconds, while others may require up to 10 minutes of surface contact time.
• A disinfectant with a 1-minute kill claim may not apply to all organisms, only the ones listed for that specific contact time — always check the label for the required dwell time for specific microorganisms.

4️. Concentrated vs. Ready-to-Use (RTU) Formulations —

• Concentrated disinfectants are economical but require accurate dilution for proper efficacy. Facilities without dispensing systems may prefer RTU products for consistent application and ease of use.
• If using a concentrated disinfectant in an area with hard water, ensure the product is validated for hard water tolerance.

5️.  Remediation & High-Level Disinfection Needs —

• If you work in remediation, a high-level disinfectant with a 6-7 log reduction (99.9999% kill rate) is essential to combat mold, fungi, bacteria, and viruses.
• Not all disinfectants meet this standard, so carefully review product claims before selecting one for biohazard cleanup or disaster recovery.

The Importance Of Reading Labels

The EPA regulates disinfectants, and manufacturers cannot make false or misleading claims on product labels. Labels contain critical information, including:

• Pathogens the product is effective against;
• Proper dilution and application instructions;
• Required dwell times for different organisms; and,
• Safety precautions and first aid information.

If you’re ever unsure whether a disinfectant is appropriate for an emerging pathogen, check with the manufacturer or verify if the EPA has authorized it for use against that specific threat.

Final Thoughts

Selecting the right disinfectant or sanitizer is more than just choosing a product with strong marketing claims. By understanding key differences, identifying target pathogens, and ensuring proper use, you can significantly improve the effectiveness of your cleaning program while keeping people safe.

Want to learn more? Check product labels, consult with manufacturers, and always stay informed about regulatory updates to make the best choices for your facility.

Bill Bestmann is Vice President of Sales at Nyco Products Company, a leading manufacturer of high-performance national cleaning brands and private branded chemicals, including premium disinfectants and sanitizers. Visit nycoproducts.com.