Disinfectant

Disinfectants: effectively combating pathogens

Microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses and fungi occur everywhere in the environment, and most of them are harmless. However, a few can cause diseases, some of them serious. Disinfectants can be used to render these pathogens harmless before infection occurs. Regular disinfection is important wherever there are increased hygiene requirements, first and foremost in the healthcare sector. High-quality, tested disinfectants such as Sterillium products can be ordered online at low prices in our store. In our assortment you will find:

• Hand disinfectant
• Agent for surface disinfection
• Disinfectant wipes
• Disinfection dispenser

Disinfectants: an overview

Disinfection aims to kill microorganisms or put them into an inactive state so that they cannot cause disease. The risk of infection also depends on the population density. Disinfectants reduce the number of germs to such an extent that there is no longer any danger to humans. If complete sterility is to be achieved, this is referred to as sterilization.

The manufacture and approval of disinfectants is regulated by law. The relevant legal standards can be found in medical device law, pharmaceutical law and biocide law. Among others, the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) and the Association for Applied Hygiene (VAH ) are involved in the inspection and certification of disinfectants. Both institutions publish lists of certified products for surface or hand disinfection.

Most common applications

Healthcare

Special hygiene requirements prevail in medical and nursing facilities, where many sick or immunocompromised people come together in a confined space, i.e. in

• Hospitals
• Medical practices
• Outpatient clinics and day clinics
• Rehab Facilities
• Old people's and nursing homes
• Rescue and mobile care services

Public facilities

Disinfectants are also justified in places where many people regularly gather and pathogens are particularly easily passed on. Regular surface dis infection or dispensers for hand disinfectants can be useful in these places, for example:

• Schools and daycare centers
• Authorities
• Gyms
• Swimming pools
• Cultural institutions

Body-related services

High hygiene requirements also prevail where personnel and customers come very close together physically, for example in:

• Hairdressing salons
• Nail salons
• Tattoo studios
• Massage parlors

Gastronomy and food sector

Regular surface and hand disinfection is also important in catering establishments, large kitchens, and agricultural or food-processing operations. Comprehensive hygiene concepts are required by the authorities in these areas.

Disinfection in the private sector: only sparingly and specifically

In contrast, disinfectants are less useful in the household sector. Their widespread and uncontrolled use poses health risks and can promote the formation of resistance. In normal cases, conventional household cleaners, water and soap are sufficient to ensure the necessary level of hygiene. However, surface or hand disinfection is justified when caring for sick relatives or those in need of care.

What do disinfectants work against?

Not every disinfectant is automatically effective against every type of pathogen. The manufacturer indicates which spectrum of activity the respective product covers by the following terms:

• bactericidal: acts against bacteria
• fungicide: acts against fungi
• sporocidal: acts against spores
• virucidal: effective against all types of viruses (i.e. enveloped and non-enveloped viruses)
• limited virucidal: only effective against enveloped viruses (e.g. novel corona viruses, influenza, HIV, hepatitis B and C viruses)
• limited virucidal PLUS: effective against enveloped viruses and some important non-enveloped viruses (e.g. norovirus)
• tuberculocidal: acts specifically against tuberculosis bacteria

Many disinfectants are effective against a broad spectrum of pathogens: they are simultaneously bactericidal, fungicidal, tuberculocidal and (limited) virucidal.

Hand disinfectants: What is important with Sterillium & Co.

Our hands are true germ slingers: Around 80 percent of all pathogens are transmitted via the hands! Especially in the healthcare sector, hand disinfection is therefore a key component of the hygiene concept. High demands are placed on hand disinfectants: They must be effective against pathogens, but at the same time should irritate the skin as little as possible. Especially in continuous use, it is important that the barrier function of the skin is not impaired by hand disinfection. When buying hand disinfectants, therefore, pay attention to these criteria:

Active ingredients

Hand disinfectants such as Sterillium contain alcohol (ethanol, propanol) in a concentration of 60 to 95 percent as their main ingredient. To extend the spectrum of action, some manufacturers also use substances such as chlorhexidine, ammonium compounds or hydrogen peroxide. However, these dry out the hands much more than alcohol, which is usually better tolerated by the skin.

Perfume and dyes

It is often not the active ingredient itself that is to blame if the skin reacts irritably to hand disinfectants. Added perfumes and dyes can cause irritation or even allergic reactions of the skin and should therefore be avoided during regular hand disinfection.

Replenishing and nourishing ingredients

Dry, chapped hands don't have to be: Many popular hand disinfectants contain caring ingredients such as glycerin. These provide the hands with moisture and renew the skin's protective lipid layer.

Surface disinfection: These criteria are important

Some pathogens remain on surfaces for weeks or months and can cause infections on contact. Regular surface disinfection is therefore part of a comprehensive hygiene concept. Depending on the hygiene plan, it is carried out routinely and preventively or as needed when surfaces come into contact with infectious material. For surface disinfection, you have a choice of different preparations, which you should select according to the following criteria:

Spray or wipe disinfection

Surface disinfection agents can be distributed by spraying or wiping. With spray disinfection, even hard-to-reach areas can be reached easily and with little effort. A disadvantage is the aerosols produced, which can irritate the skin, mucous membranes and respiratory tract. From a health point of view, wipe disinfection is therefore preferable wherever possible.

Material compatibility

Many surface disinfectants contain alcohol, which destroys pathogens quickly and effectively. However, sensitive surfaces can be damaged by alcohol. Alcohol is not suitable for

• Plastics
• Faux leather
• Plexiglass and acrylic
• painted or coated surfaces
• Aluminum and linoleum (alcohol-based disinfectant wipes suitable to a limited extent)

Some agents contain aldehydes, which also work well against pathogens such as bacteria and viruses. However, surface disinfection containing aldehyde is not suitable for

• Glass
• Metal
• Ceramics

Skin compatibility

Aldehydes can also be problematic for a second reason: they dry out the hands relatively strongly. To protect the skin, therefore, use aldehyde-free surface disinfectants wherever possible. It also makes sense to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) such as disposable gloves and gowns when disinfecting. It prevents the skin and hands from coming into direct contact with the disinfectant solution. You can obtain high-quality personal protective equipment (PPE) in our online store.

For convenient hand or surface disinfection: disinfectant wipes

Disinfectant wipes are an alternative to surface or hand disinfectants. They usually come pre-soaked in practical dispenser boxes on the market. However, there are also dry wipes that you soak yourself in disinfectant solution. Disinfection wipes are well suited for time-saving disinfection of smaller surfaces such as door handles, toilet seats or treatment chairs. For sensitive surfaces (artificial leather, plastics, plexiglass and acrylic glass), make sure that the disinfectant wipes are alcohol-free!

Essential accessories: disinfection dispenser

To ensure that hand disinfectants are easily available at all times, disinfection dispensers have proven their worth. They can be fixed or mobile at certain "neuralgic points", such as directly at the patient's bedside or in the entrance area of hospitals, schools and other public buildings. The products available on the market differ in the following points:

Material

Disinfection dispensers made of plastic are usually the cheapest option. Somewhat more expensive, but also higher quality and more durable are products made of metal or aluminum.

Reusable or disposable containers

You can choose between disinfection dispensers for refilling and those that are simply filled with a standardized disposable Euro bottle. The latter variant is more convenient and safer, but increases the amount of waste.

Type of operation

For hygienic hand disinfection, disinfection dispensers should be as touch-free as possible. Ideally, the dispenser should have a motion sensor. However, products with levers that can be operated with the elbow are also suitable. Direct contact of the hands with the dispenser should be avoided if possible!

Buy Sterillium and other popular disinfectants online

We offer you proven, tested agents for surface or hand disinfection such as products of the Sterillium brand at a fair price. The products are permanently available and available in different packaging sizes. If you want to be informed about news and special offers promptly, simply subscribe to our newsletter!