How Does Disinfection Work?

Disinfectants work by destroying the cell wall of microbes or interfering with their metabolism. ... Disinfectants kill more germs than sanitizers. Disinfectants are frequently used in hospitals, dental surgeries, kitchens, and bathrooms to kill infectious organisms.

What is the process of disinfection?

Disinfection describes a process that eliminates many or all pathogenic microorganisms, except bacterial spores, on inanimate objects (Tables 1 and 2). In health-care settings, objects usually are disinfected by liquid chemicals or wet pasteurization. ... Unlike sterilization, disinfection is not sporicidal.

How does chemical disinfection work?

Disinfectants are chemical products that kill germs after a surface is cleaned. If these products claim to kill any pathogen, they must be registered with the EPA. Bleach and alcohol are common disinfectants. In order for disinfectants to work, you need to start with a clean surface.