Buying the Right Classroom Disinfection Products
Not all disinfection products work equally. Thus, choosing the right classroom disinfection products is equally important as adhering to a classroom cleaning checklist to ensure you effectively keep your classroom clean and safe.
This guide will provide an overview of the types of disinfectants available and help you choose the best products for your classroom's needs.
Types of disinfectant
Several types of disinfectants are available, each with advantages and disadvantages. Here are some of the most common disinfectants:
Quaternary Ammonium Compounds (Quats)
Quaternary Ammonium Compounds (QACs) kill bacteria, viruses, and mold. They're usually found in disinfectants and cleaning products used in schools, hospitals, daycare centers, restaurants, and homes. However, quats can irritate the skin and eyes, and some strains of bacteria have developed a resistance to them.
Sodium Hypochlorite (Bleach)
Sodium Hypochlorite is the active ingredient in bleach, routinely used to decontaminate surfaces and equipment. While it is relatively inexpensive and readily available, it is very reactive, and if it mixes with incompatible chemicals, it can produce high-hazard by-products and toxic gases.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen Peroxide is a non-toxic and environmentally friendly mild disinfectant. Most common uses include antiseptic liquid for preventing infection and in the mouth, rinsing to remove mucus or to relieve minor mouth irritation.
Phenolic Compounds
Phenolic compounds disinfectants are used for domestic purposes and are active against various micro-organisms, including some fungi and viruses. The most common example of this disinfectant includes phenol, which is used for medicine as a slimicide, antiseptic, and disinfectant.
Alcohol-based disinfectant
Alcohol-based disinfectants are often used to disinfect small surfaces and occasionally external surfaces of equipment (e.g., stethoscopes and ventilators). They are also quick-drying disinfectants and don't leave a residue. Common examples include Ethanol (effective against viruses) and Propanol (bactericidal alcohol).
Buying the right classroom disinfection products
Below are some important factors to consider when buying the right disinfectant products for the classroom.
Research your option
Researching different types of disinfectant products available in the market is always wise before deciding to purchase a particular product.
Reviewing customers' feedback and the brand’s reputation and discussing with friends and family is always beneficial in helping you decide to buy the most appropriate and effective disinfectant products for your classroom.
**Place your trust in the industry’s most reputable, trusted, and familiar hygiene brand and products, especially for a trusted level of protection.**
Look for odor-neutralizing products
When purchasing disinfectant products for a classroom, you can look for odor-neutralizing products such as lavender disinfectant spray and multipurpose floor cleaner with a pine fragrance to ensure there aren’t any stubborn odors left that might irritate students.
**Equip yourself with disinfectant products that guarantees fresh fragrance for a pleasant classroom cleaning and disinfecting experience.**
Ingredients and packaging
Be mindful of the ingredients listed on the product label, as avoiding potentially harmful chemicals is in the best interest of the students..
In addition, lightweight and efficient product packaging leads to less waste. Buying bulk packs and using them to refill products like hand wash and hand sanitizers helps cut down on waste.
**Purchasing classroom disinfectant products in bulk or bundles helps schools cut down on packaging waste and money compared to buying them individually.**
Ease of use
As teachers and staff members have busy schedules, using disinfectant products that are easy and convenient to use while still being effective is another important factor.
Ready-to-use products that don’t require mixing or diluting, such as disinfectant spray or antiseptic liquid, save a lot of time.
Additionally, products with simple application methods, such as multipurpose surface wipes, can be convenient. They allow for quick and easy application without additional equipment or tools.
Overall, selecting classroom disinfection products that are easy to use can ensure that teachers and staff members can keep their classrooms clean and safe without adding unnecessary stress to their already busy schedules.
**Buying the right classroom disinfection products is one part of keeping your classroom clean and hygienic. It is equally important to follow good hygiene practices, such as washing hands regularly with liquid hand wash and covering coughs and sneezes. Using the right disinfectant in combination with these practices can help create a clean and safe learning environment for everyone. **
10 All-important classroom cleaning & disinfecting supplies
- Hand Sanitizer
- Multipurpose Skin and Surface Wipes
- Tissues
- Paper Towels
- Microfiber Cloth
- Dettol Disinfectant (Liquid and Spray)
- Air Freshener
- Protective Gloves
- Insect Killer
- Nail Polish Remover
Final Thoughts
You can select the right classroom disinfection products by thoroughly researching all available options and considering factors such as ease of use, manufacturing ingredients, and packaging.
In addition, implementing other measures, such as regular hand washing and proper ventilation, can further enhance the effectiveness of the disinfection process.
FAQs
Can I use regular household cleaners to disinfect my classroom?
Yes, you can use regular household cleaners to disinfect classroom. However, it is recommended that you use disinfectant products to ensure maximum level of germs elimination.
Do I need to wear protective gear when using disinfection products?
Yes, wearing gloves and a mask when using disinfection products is advised to protect your skin and eyes from splashes.
Is buying school disinfectant products in bulk worth it?
Yes, purchasing disinfectant products in bulk helps you keep your inventory stocked, save money, and add value to your cleaning program.
Sources:
https://www.cdc.gov/infectioncontrol/guidelines/disinfection/disinfection-methods/index.html
Quats: https://www.chemicalsafetyfacts.org/chemicals/quaternary-ammonium-compounds/
Sodium Hyphoclorite: https://ehs.stanford.edu/reference/sodium-hypochlorite-bleach#:~:text=Sodium%20hypochlorite%2C%20the%20active%20ingredient,viruses%2C%20and%20other%20liquid%20specimens.
Hydrogen Peroxide: https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-76035/hydrogen-peroxide/details
Alcohol-based Disinfectant: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK214356/