Generally speaking, disinfectants can be placed into six broad categories according to the specific active ingredient (the chemical or combination of chemicals in the product that actually kill the target microorganisms) they contain. All of these have varying degrees of efficacy and speed of kill, and may also carry drawbacks ranging from (minor) the need to mix or a mild odor to (major) staining, extreme toxicity, or loss of efficacy under imperfect conditions. These categories are as follows:

(NOTE: Sani-Cloth HB contains no Alcohol)
1. Quaternary and/or Alcohol Based Products appear to be the safest and fastest products on the market today. They also kill a wide range of pathogens and don't typically contain any staining or corrosive characteristics. They are fairly cheap, especially for a ready-to-use product, and don't appear to present any health hazards. They do tend to contain an odor, although it usually dissipates rather quickly. The higher the level of alcohol found within the particular product, the faster the kill rates will be. Another benefit of these products is that they can be found in both the traditional ready-to-use liquid and convenient presaturated towelette delivery forms.

2. Glutaraldehyde-based products are generally cheap and are not known to stain or corrode surfaces that they are applied to. Where the disadvantages lie is in their need to be mixed, the foul odor they produce, their toxicity, and their need for contact times up to 20 minutes. These products are more specifically meant to be used as cold sterilants, not as hard-surface disinfectants.

3. Phenol-based products generally don't have much of an odor and do not stain or corrode the surfaces that they are applied to, and have the increased benefit of low price when concentrated formulas are purchased. Where these products lose points is in the fact that they are not very fast-acting (typically 10 minutes), a residue will eventually build-up on the surfaces in your operatory, and they are found to be extremely toxic, often causing sinus and respiratory problems, as well as headaches and nausea due to overexposure and lack of proper ventilation. Visit the EPA's Web site at (www.epa.gov/ttn/atw/hlthef/phenol.html) for more information regarding the toxicity of phenol-based products.

4. Iodophore-based products are generally low odor, non-corrosive, and extremely cheap, but they lack speed of kill and the dilution and contact times are far too critical for their efficacy to be consistent and practical in most healthcare settings.

5. Bleach-based products are well-known for their killing power, speed, and safety, but they tend to be extremely corrosive and damaging to surfaces and usually contain a heavy odor. They are not typically recommended for use on most surfaces.

6. Quat-based products are the most commonly used type of hard-surface disinfect for both the healthcare and consumer industries and, aside from the speed of kill (also typically 10 minutes), they have been found to be very effective and safe. One drawback is the potential for staining and residue to be left behind, depending on the amount of quat found in the particular products formulation. The higher the level of quat, the more it will lead to staining.