As infection prevention concerns continue to move mainstream into our communities, so too does the increased usage of cleaning chemicals and disinfectants. The increased usage of many of these chemistries has the potential to negatively impact the environment and therefore, many end users are searching for “greener” alternatives. A major concern in this trend is the implementation of cleaning products that are simply ineffective in killing certain microorganisms. The increasing prevalence of hydrogen peroxide, an environmentally preferable ingredient with limited antimicrobial efficacy on its own, has the potential to exacerbate this concern. Many manufacturers of hydrogen peroxide based cleaners are positioning their products as effective disinfectants without validation leading to potential misperception. This article also highlights the results of an evaluation of Green Cleaning Products (GCPs) and Traditional Surface Disinfectants (TSDs) and their respective efficacy against common respiratory viruses and mold.
