In a world of heightened awareness around cleaning and disinfecting, a person can feel like they need a degree in organic chemistry to figure out which is the right cleaner to buy. Understanding the science behind antimicrobial germ-killing technology is complex. But rest assured, you are not alone. This post will talk about antimicrobial cleaners, what they are, how they work, and their benefits.

What Does Antimicrobial Mean?

Antimicrobial is the broad term for any product or ingredient or a mixture of substances that kills or inhibits the growth of bacteria, viruses, or molds. Antimicrobial definitions can differ based on how they are produced, regulated and their particular use and benefits. 

Some examples of where to use antimicrobials include medicine, cleaning products, textiles, durable medical products, and foodservice equipment. In short, antimicrobials play a crucial role in preventing the spread of disease. They are often in everyday products like countertops, toys, surface coatings, textiles, and hospital equipment. 

How do Antimicrobials Work?

Antimicrobials can either leave a surface coating or integrate into a product’s framework. Antimicrobials work at a cellular level by attacking the cell wall causing micro-organisms to explode while consuming bacterial resources, thereby preventing bacterial multiplication. 

When integrated into a product, antimicrobials prevent pathogens from adhering to surfaces and stopping them from growing or becoming viable. Both of these methods continually disrupt and prevent the growth or multiplication of micro-organisms like bacteria, mold, and mildew by creating inhospitable environments.

What Are Microbes and Pathogens?

Microbes

Microbes are bacteria and viruses that are too small to see with the naked eye. They are in the air, water, soil, and on every surface and every environment imaginable. They include bacteria, protozoa, fungi, algae, amoebas, and slime molds.

Pathogens

Most microbes are harmless, and many are beneficial to both the environment and people. Pathogens are the few that are harmful. Pathogens include different kinds of bacteria, fungus, viruses, and parasites that can cause disease.

How is Antimicrobial Technology Different From Disinfectants?

For non-living surfaces, such as countertops, inert objects, technology, and other inorganic objects, use disinfectants. They are chemicals that are applied to surfaces to kill or inactivate microbes.

Disinfectants will kill microorganisms on contact but have limited residual activity. As soon as the surface is dry, it can be re-contaminated immediately.

Antimicrobials are substances that are either applied to surfaces or integrated into the matrix of the surface material to kill micro-organisms. They will target unwanted microbes and prohibit their growth and viability. Antimicrobials work to continuously reduce the number of microbes on a treated product throughout its expected lifecycle.

While a disinfectant kills pathogens, an antimicrobial prevents the viability and future growth of unwanted microbes in a longer-term way by suppressing the growth of the harmful micro-organism.

What are the Benefits of Using AntiMicrobial Technology?

  • Antimicrobials kill all forms of microorganisms.
  • Prevent pathogens from adhering to surfaces.
  • Reduce the need for time-consuming deep cleans.
  • Actively kill bacteria and viruses, like COVID-19, long after they are applied.
  • Help prevent cross-contamination from the use of high touchpoints, especially in high-risk environments such as hospitals and medical clinics.

It is best to include both disinfectants and antimicrobials in your cleaning arsenal to keep your environment safe. Using products containing antimicrobial ingredients can help keep our homes, schools, offices, and other public places clean and hygienic.

Integrity Janitorial Cleaning Services offers Deep Cleaning Solutions for commercial offices, restaurants, gyms, and other businesses in the Atlanta area and nationwide. If you have questions about our antimicrobial products or other products, please give us a call, 404-530-0811, and speak with one of our specialists today or click here to schedule a free consultation. Integrity Janitorial Cleanings Services is here to assist you with all of your antimicrobial germ-killing technology needs.