In response to the growing emergence of new pathogens, alarming increases in the spread of infectious diseases, and in recognition of the vital role that premium disinfectants can play in containing and protecting the public from such hazards, the CDC published "The Properties of an Ideal Disinfectant," the summation of an exhaustive study that identifies the 13 Key Criteria that Constitute An Ideal Disinfectant. And PermaSafe CLEAN, STEP 1 Checks all the Boxes!

MOST DISINFECTANTS ARE FAR FROM IDEAL
BUT PERMASAFE CLEAN  CHECKS ALL THE BOXES … AND THEN SOME!

Armed with an understanding of antimicrobial product labels, as well as what properties constitute an ideal antimicrobial product and where that information can be found, the final step in identifying antimicrobial products that meet such standards is simply … reading their labels.

LABELS NEVER LIE

Even more important than knowing what properties constitute an Ideal Disinfectant is knowing where to find this information. To assist in this endeavor, we offer the following, with much more available here.

Antimicrobial products are defined as substances used to kill or inhibit the growth of one or more types of microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, mold and fungi. All disinfectants, sanitizers, and any other product that makes any type of germ-kill claim, are considered Antimicrobials, and are regulated by the U.S. EPA.

Before any antimicrobial can be sold in the US, it must successfully complete the EPA’s Antimicrobial Product Evaluation and Registration Process. To qualify, products undergo extensive, certified, third party testing, the results of which must support all performance and safety claims. Products that satisfy these requirements are ultimately issued an EPA Registration Number and a corresponding Product Label.

Antimicrobial product labels are very precise documents which include directions for use, first aid information, product efficacy and performance claims, precautionary statements and other vital product data, all of which has been analyzed and approved by the EPA, which creates, governs and strictly enforces antimicrobial product labeling regulations.

A key point to remember when reviewing an antimicrobial product’s label is: There are no "maybes." No matter what you may believe about a product’s capabilities, only performance claims, uses and other information specifically listed on its label can be considered true and accurate. No matter the task or goal, if what you seek is not clearly stated on the product’s label, it’s because the product is either not capable of achieving that goal, not safe for such use, or otherwise not approved for it.

The following chart is provided to help you quickly spot the properties of an ideal disinfectant. If an antimicrobial’s product label lacks any of the "Properties You Do Want to See" or lists any of the "Properties You Don’t Want to See," it’s probably NOT the best choice for your use.