Since the COVID-19 pandemic, many cleaning products have heavily marketed their disinfectant properties. However, not all deliver as promised. Combining cleaning and disinfecting agents in one formula can compromise effectiveness, as expert tests reveal.
In supermarket cleaning aisles, products boldly claim to "Kill Germs," "Antibacterial," "Kills Bacteria," or "Kills 99% of Household Germs." Beyond basic cleaning, they promise disinfection too. A August 26, 2021, article by 60 Million Consumers tested four multi-purpose products: "Green House Bi-Active Floors and Surfaces, Floor Disinfectant and Cleaner"; "Sanytol Eucalyptus Floor and Surface Disinfectant Cleaner"; "Cillit Bang Super Cleansing Bleach"; and "Carolin Essential Oils, Antibacterial Eucalyptus & Tea Tree."
The results were underwhelming. While biocidal ingredients appeal for germ-killing, they often reduce cleaning power. Only Carolin performed adequately on cleaning; all four lagged far behind traditional cleaners in degreasing—essential for tackling grease and grime.
These findings align with chemistry basics, per 60 Million Consumers. Surfactants (key for cleaning) and biocides (disinfectants) can interfere when combined, leading to lower surfactant levels or concentrations. This stems from their chemical properties.
"Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, an 'enveloped virus,' is relatively easy to kill," the report notes.
Since ANSES's March 2020 press release, we've known simple bleach effectively eliminates surface viruses, including coronaviruses. Liquid household cleaners must meet NF EN 13 697 (bactericidal/fungicidal) and/or NF EN 14 476 (virucidal) standards, with virucidal products listing targeted viruses.
