Using hydrogen peroxide-based products for cleaning and disinfection
Hydrogen peroxide is the simplest peroxide (a chemical substance with a single oxygen-oxygen bond). It is a colorless liquid at room temperature. Products based on hydrogen peroxide are a strong oxidizing agent, characterized by a chemical structure that possesses unpaired electrons. This makes it highly reactive and gives it the ability to damage cellular macromolecules, including proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids.
Any hydrogen peroxide is a natural disinfectant that bubbles when it comes into contact with an enzyme called catalase. Catalase is found in most cells, including blood cells and some bacteria. In addition to being antifungal and antibacterial, hydrogen peroxide is non-toxic and does not irritate the lungs.
Table of Contents
- What is hydrogen peroxide?
- Benefits of hydrogen peroxide-based products
- Alcohol-based products vs. hydrogen peroxide for killing germs
- What is the best alternative for eliminating germs?
- Precautions
Hydrogen peroxide has always been one of the most frequently used disinfectants worldwide. Over the last decade, it has become an increasing favorite for commercial cleaning companies.
And for good reason, this hydrogen peroxide is versatile and extremely cost-effective due to its ability to do the job of multiple cleaning agents. Its strong oxidizing properties make it a very effective disinfectant and cleaning solution. And when used correctly, it can kill more germs, toxins, and bacteria.
1. What is hydrogen peroxide?
Hydrogen peroxide has almost the same chemical composition as water, but with one extra oxygen atom. This allows it to break down quickly and harmlessly.
It works well as a degreaser, cleans streaks off mirrors, and can be used on countertops and floors as a disinfectant. Here are some of the surfaces you can clean with hydrogen peroxide:
- Floors
- Appliances
- Countertops
- Mirrors
- Walls
- Glass
- Carpets
Any product based on hydrogen peroxide is one of the easiest and safest ways to clean an office building, a school, or healthcare facilities. This is because it provides a clean working environment, but without the toxic ingredients found in most cleaning products.
2. Benefits of hydrogen peroxide-based products
But what makes hydrogen peroxide such a powerful and effective cleaner/disinfectant? Let's analyze the biggest benefits of using hydrogen peroxide for commercial cleaning:
- Effectiveness: Hydrogen peroxide is incredibly effective because it cleans, disinfects, and deodorizes surfaces. It also has antibacterial, antifungal, anti-mold, and anti-mildew action. This is especially useful in healthcare facilities fighting infections and other emerging threats. Using a solution based on hydrogen peroxide can help healthcare facilities provide a healthier environment for care, minimizing the risk of infections.
- Safety: A common challenge faced by both hospitals and many commercial agents, especially those in HoReCa, is finding a cleaning and disinfecting solution that works but does not damage expensive equipment. Solutions based on hydrogen peroxide are not only effective but also gentle enough to ensure that no equipment will be damaged during the cleaning process.
- Eco-friendly: Many products marketed on the market are harmful to the environment and contribute to indoor air pollution. For example, cleaning solutions with fragrances can cause respiratory irritation, headaches, and increased sensitivity in people who suffer from allergies. Other chemicals are associated with long-term problems. However, because hydrogen peroxide degrades into the eco-friendly natural components of water and oxygen, it is safe and non-toxic to the environment.
-
Simplicity: One of the biggest benefits of a product based on hydrogen peroxide is the simplicity it offers. Instead of using dozens of different types of cleaning products, we have one universal solution. This simplified approach will also make training cleaning staff more efficient.
3. Alcohol-based products vs. hydrogen peroxide for killing germs
Alcohol-based solutions and hydrogen peroxide are two commonly used household products. Chances are you have probably come into contact with one or both chemical compounds at some point.
One is not necessarily more effective than the other. That said, their effectiveness can vary depending on how you use them and the types of germs that need to be removed.
Let's take a closer look at the key differences between alcohol-based products and hydrogen peroxide, as well as how they are effectively used.
What is the difference between alcohol-based products and hydrogen peroxide?
The active ingredient in alcohol-based products is isopropanol, also known as isopropyl alcohol. Alcohol has many uses. It is a powerful germicide, meaning it has the ability to kill a wide variety of germs, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Alcohol-based products are used in healthcare facilities for disinfecting hands and surfaces, but it can also be used as a household cleaning agent.
Products based on hydrogen peroxide
Unlike isopropanol, hydrogen peroxide is not a type of alcohol. The difference lies in the fact that hydrogen peroxide has two oxygen atoms instead of one. That extra oxygen atom makes it a powerful oxidant.
When you buy hydrogen peroxide from the pharmacy, you receive a solution containing 3 percent hydrogen peroxide dissolved in water. This formula is strong enough to kill harmful microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and spores.
Although hydrogen peroxide is an excellent disinfectant, it is not gentle enough to be used on skin. That is why we will not find it in hand sanitizer.
Klintensiv Tip: EROKLIN®, a product based on hydrogen peroxide, can be successfully used for disinfecting surfaces that are not used in direct contact with food or animal feed, in healthcare facilities, disinfecting medical devices before sterilization, and disinfecting surfaces and inventory objects in public and private institutions.
4. What is the best alternative for eliminating germs?
There is no categorical answer as to which one is better at killing germs. The effectiveness of alcohol and hydrogen peroxide varies depending on:
- the surface that requires cleaning
- the type of targeted germs
- the speed at which microbe elimination is needed
- disinfecting skin, surfaces, and fabrics
In general, alcohol-based products are a better option for the skin. This is not necessarily because they are more effective, but because hydrogen peroxide is too harsh to be used on the skin.
Both can be used effectively on hard surfaces, such as door handles, countertops, porcelain, stainless steel, and glass. However, repeated use of either substance can affect the finish of these surfaces.
Alcohol-based products can also be used to disinfect some fabrics, but not for synthetic or sensitive fabrics. Using hydrogen peroxide on fabrics can cause yellowing.
Both alcohol-based and hydrogen peroxide-based products have the ability to kill many types of bacteria, including:
- Acinetobacter baumannii: can cause infections in the blood, urinary tract, and lungs.
- E. coli: can lead to infections and intestinal illnesses
- Enterococcus faecalis: can lead to infections in the blood, heart lining, brain and spinal cord, urinary tract, gums, and open wounds
- Listeria monocytogenes: usually found in contaminated food, a listeria infection usually causes mild symptoms but can lead to bacterial meningitis, endocarditis, and sepsis in some people
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa: can cause many types of infections in people with weakened immune systems
- Salmonella: a common cause of food poisoning, this bacterium affects the small intestine
- Staphylococcus aureus: can cause food poisoning
Both types of products are also effective in deactivating many enveloped viruses, which have a fatty outer membrane. These include:
- coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV-2
- influenza viruses, such as H1N1
- herpes simplex
- Ebola
- Zika
Isopropanol is less effective at killing some types of viruses, such as hepatitis A and rotavirus. Hydrogen peroxide is also ineffective against the hepatitis A virus.
Hydrogen peroxide is most effective when left to sit on surfaces for at least 10 minutes at room temperature. If time is of the essence, alcohol-based products may be a better option for disinfecting surfaces.
How to use alcohol-based products to kill germs
- Make sure you use an alcohol product that contains at least 70 percent alcohol. Do not dilute rubbing alcohol with water.
- First, clean the surface you want to disinfect with soap and water.
- Then, use a wipe, towel, or spray bottle to apply the disinfectant product evenly.
- Let it act for at least 30 seconds.
How to use a product based on hydrogen peroxide to kill germs
- Solutions with at least 3 percent hydrogen peroxide make effective household disinfectants. These should never be diluted.
- As with alcohol-based products, first clean the surface with soap and water.
Klintensiv Tip: We recommend using ready-to-use solutions based on hydrogen peroxide, both for ease of handling and to avoid risks related to incorrect dosage. PEROKLIN® is a hydrogen peroxide-based disinfectant with disinfecting properties and a broad spectrum of biocidal action.
5. Precautions
- Do not ingest either rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide. These are intended for external use only.
- Avoid contact of the substances with eyes.
- Ensure any indoor area is well-ventilated when using either product.
- Try to avoid hand and skin contact with hydrogen peroxide, as it can cause irritation.
- Store both products in a cool, dry place that is out of the reach of children and pets.
- Alcohol is flammable and must be kept away from flames.
- Both products have an expiration date. Once expired, they may no longer kill germs as effectively. Always check the expiration date on the product label before using it.
Conclusion
Alcohol-based products and hydrogen peroxide kill most bacteria, viruses, and fungi. In general, alcohol is better for killing germs on the hands because it is gentler on the skin than hydrogen peroxide.
Hydrogen peroxide is most effective when left to sit on surfaces for at least 10 minutes at room temperature. Alcohol has the ability to kill pathogens on skin and surfaces in less time.
When disinfecting a surface with either product, always follow the instructions on the product label carefully.
Sources:
Types of Disinfectants: What to Consider While Choosing your Disinfect
22 Hydrogen Peroxide Uses You Can Try Today
Rubbing Alcohol vs. Hydrogen Peroxide for Disinfecting
