Many people aren’t aware that some of today’s leading cleaners and disinfectants are formulated with toxic chemicals that emit foul, noxious odors and use harsh, potentially harmful ingredients to kill germs.
It’s more important than ever that you and your janitorial crew are aware of exactly what’s in the products you’re using and the potential effects associated with long-term exposure to their ingredients. More than that, it’s critical to know how to effectively use products to safely eliminate germs on common touch points in your facility.
What’s in the products you’re using?
In any industry, your crew may feel obligated to rely on multiple commercial cleaners and disinfectants to maintain a safe, clean environment. But many of those “popular” products can cause unnecessary problems, especially when used long-term.
The first step in ensuring you and those around you are safe from the spread of illness is to understand what ingredients to be aware of and avoid in your products. Common active ingredients in antimicrobial products that are potentially harmful include:
- Sodium Hypochlorite (Bleach). One of the most commonly used antimicrobial ingredients, bleach, is widely known for its ability to kill tough germs. However, due to its chlorine-based nature, this ingredient doesn’t react well with other chemicals and can generate toxic fumes with incompatible materials. Bleach can also be highly corrosive to the skin, eyes, and many surfaces it’s used on.
- Quaternary Ammonium Chlorides (Quats). Many all-purpose cleaners, disinfectant sprays and wipes, and other antimicrobial cleaners are quat-based. Unfortunately, Quats can lead to multiple issues when used improperly or over a long period of time, including asthma, contact dermatitis, and irritation to the eyes, mouth, mucous membranes, or gastrointestinal system.
- Peracetic Acids. According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information’s database, peracetic acids can irritate the eyes, skin, and mucous membranes in the respiratory tract. Possible side effects of using products with peracetic acids range from minor discomfort to difficulty breathing.
- Fragrances & Dyes. Though many fragrances and dyes smell appealing, they can also add potentially harmful chemicals to the mix. For example, a few common ingredients in products with fragrances and dyes are acetone, ethanol, and formaldehyde (among others). Long-term use of these ingredients can cause minor reactions, such as skin irritation, or more severe reactions, such as respiratory issues.
The many benefits of hydrogen peroxide-based formulas.
Hydrogen peroxide is making waves as a safer alternative to potentially harmful cleaning chemicals and harsh odors. With their strong oxidizing properties, hydrogen peroxide-based cleaners and disinfectants are tough enough to kill germs, but gentle enough for safer use around those in your facility.
In addition to the safety benefits associated with its gentle chemical properties, our hydrogen peroxide-based cleaner and disinfectant, Facility+ by Maxim, helps crews in all industries disinfect multiple surfaces even faster. At a 1:64 dilution (2 oz. of product per gallon of water), Facility+ is EPA-approved to kill SARS-CoV-2 (the cause of COVID-19) and the flu in just one minute.
Disinfecting your touch points safely and effectively.
Once you and your crew are aware of which ingredients come with the highest risks, you can make a safer, more informed decision regarding which products to use and where. In every industry, there are many touch points or “hot spots” where germs like to reside. Choosing the right products for your facility is key to preventing the spread of germs without exposing your crew or customers to potentially harmful chemicals.
To identify your facility’s most common touch points and learn how to safely and effectively prevent the spread of illnesses, click the industry below that applies to you.
- Office Buildings
- Educational Facilities
- Long-Term Care Facilities
- Restaurants
- Hotels
- Retail & Grocery Stores
To stock up on Facility+ by Maxim, our gentle, hydrogen peroxide-based disinfectant, call (800) 467-6294 or email us at info@maximfacilityplus.com.
Maxim is a proud brand of the Midlab family. A leader in cleaning chemical manufacturing, Midlab’s Everything Clean mission enables their customers to do what they do better. That’s the Midlab difference.
