None of the above, but like all of the above, SHIELD is an Antimicrobial. The EPA, which regulates antimicrobial products in the U.S., defines them as chemical agents that kill or inhibit the growth of one or more types of microorganisms on inanimate surfaces. Two of the most commonly known types of antimicrobials are “Sanitizers,” which the EPA stipulates must eliminate a minimum of 99.9% of bacteria; and “Disinfectants,” which the EPA stipulates must eliminate no less than 99.9% of both bacteria and viruses on hard, nonporous surfaces. There are many other types of antimicrobials, but all are required to be, and must definitively prove they are effective against the microorganisms listed on their labels.

Unlike conventional sanitizers, disinfectants, and other antimicrobials that are designed to eliminate or inhibit the growth of microorganisms that are alive and present on a surface at the time of their application, and then evaporate, SHIELD is a long-lasting antimicrobial “coating.” Upon application, SHIELD bonds to the surface it’s applied to, covering it with a uniquely textured barrier that’s completely inhospitable to, and continuously inhibits the growth and spread of, microorganisms for up to 3 months.

 As is required of all antimicrobial products before they can be offered for sale in the U.S., SHIELD is registered with the EPA, the government agency that manages and enforces Federal Laws regarding antimicrobial products. To qualify for an EPA registration, an antimicrobial must undergo extensive, certified testing to prove it performs as stated on its labels and meets the EPA's stringent health, safety, and germicidal performance standards. Failing to consistently comply with these standards can lead to registration suspension, fines, or for serious violators, even property seizures or arrest. Learn more about how the EPA regulates antimicrobial products.

From cell phones to mattress foam, diapers to ductwork, concrete to cookware, touchscreens to tabletops, roof tiles, floor tiles and almost everything in between, SHIELD is safe to use and antimicrobially effective on a virtually endless array of items, objects, materials, and surfaces, in just about every residential, commercial, industrial and institutional setting and environment, indoors and out. Click here for all use sites and surfaces.

Yes. SHIELD is EPA Registered and FDA Approved for use on all Food Contact Surfaces, including glassware, dishware, utensils, cookware, countertops, residential and commercial kitchen equipment and appliances, and more, with no need to rinse or wipe after it’s applied.

If purchased in our 3oz or 32oz spray bottles, it’s ready to go as received. Otherwise, our EPA approved application methods include trigger sprayers, hand pump sprayers, mechanical spray devices, electric airless and compression sprayers, auto scrubbers, electric mist generators, electric foggers, ULV foggers, electrostatic foggers, and by immersion, in combination with microfiber or other non-linting cloths, mops, sponges, brushes and rollers. For more information, see SHIELD’s Directions for Use.

While it’s tough to beat our 3oz or 32oz spray bottles for most common household uses, the fastest, most efficient and economical application method for more sizable jobs (schools, gyms, hospitals, entire homes, and other large spaces), is fogging. Utilizing a properly sized ULV or Electrostatic Fogger can reduce application times by as much as 80%, while increasing coverage rate per gallon of SHIELD by up to 300%. Learn More.

No PPE is required when applying SHIELD, however, we do recommend the use of appropriate PPE when treating large areas with a ULV or Electrostatic Fogger.

No. Gentle cleaning with mild soaps or detergents will not harm or remove SHIELD. However, it is important to note that aggressive scrubbing and/or the use of abrasive cleaners on treated surfaces can reduce SHIELD’s effectiveness, or even remove it, hence requiring reapplication.

SHIELD is one of the very few antimicrobials to earn a “Category IV” rating for toxicity from the EPA. Category IV is the very lowest toxicity rating any antimicrobial product can be awarded, and one that equates to “virtually non-toxic and not an irritant.” It also means no gloves, masks, or other personal protection equipment are necessary when applying SHIELD, no rinsing is required after it’s applied, even on Food Contact Surfaces, and no Precautionary Statements or Hazard Warnings are required on its labels.

Yes. SHIELD contains no harsh or hazardous ingredients, no CFC’s, VOC’s, enzymes, phosphates, added dyes or fragrances. It’s also certified food surface safe, 100% biodegradable, hypoallergenic, non-corrosive, non-abrasive, and EPA rated “Category IV” for toxicity. Learn More.

No, SHIELD will not stain any surface that plain water won’t stain. However, due to possibility of SHIELD reacting with soils or other contaminates that many be on a fabric’s surface, we recommend to always test fabrics for discoloration, in a small inconspicuous spot, before applying SHIELD to the entire surface. 

Store SHIELD in original, tightly closed containers, below 90°F (32°C) and above 32°F (0°C), in a secure, dry area inaccessible to children and away from food or feed.