WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A SANITIZER AND DISINFECTANT?

We’ve all heard that a surface that looks clean can still be infected with microorganisms. This warning goes to the heart of the difference between products termed cleaners, sanitizers, and disinfectant surface cleaners. Using a degreaser or cleaner to clean flooring, kitchen counters, bathrooms, and other surfaces removes large particles, but does not have an impact on any microscopic particles that are present on the surface. Those microscopic particles include viruses, bacteria, and pathogens, which can remain behind and continue to pose a health threat.

A product labeled as a sanitizer has been tested and proven to kill bacteria, making it more powerful than a basic cleaning product. While this is valuable and is sufficient for many household and commercial applications, it is not tested to kill viruses, a major concern in healthcare settings.

If a product carries the term disinfectant, it is registered with the EPA as a product that kills both bacteria and viruses. Not all disinfectants are equally powerful or target the same microorganisms, of course, but they carry a certification for a high degree of effectiveness against the pathogens listed on their product labels. Hydrolyte®, the branded disinfectant offered by PCT, is listed to kill such important pathogens as C. diff, salmonella, TB, and norovirus, among others. Additionally, Hydrolyte® is a potent fungicide cleaner and disinfectant, ensuring its effectiveness against various types of fungi as well.

hydrolyte
Paradigm Convergence Technologies Corp (PCT)

Is a Surface Disinfectant Safe?

Clearly the major differences between surface disinfectant products have to do with their chemical composition. Some disinfectants rely on the inclusion of toxic chemicals to kill microorganisms. The disinfectant products offered by PCT, however, do not contain these chemicals, instead relying on the mechanism of hypochlorous acid (HOCl) to attack and kill pathogen cells. This revolutionary approach is quickly gaining popularity for its effective yet non-hazardous functionality.

The primary disinfectant product manufactured by PCT is Hydrolyte®, an anolyte solution that occurs as a result of the electrolysis of water and sodium chloride. The electrolysis process generates HOCl, which is a powerful disinfectant that targets many of the deadly pathogen strains found in hospital environments. HOCl is naturally made by the human body’s white blood cells to destroy invading pathogen cells as one of the immune system’s most important defenses. Water electrolysis and the resulting anolyte solution make it possible to harness this natural mechanism to kill disease causing viruses and bacteria outside the body by attacking them on hard, nonporous surfaces before they can cause infection.

Health Advantages of PCT’s Surface Disinfecting Solutions

Why choose PCT’s disinfectant surface cleaner solutions over other options? A major factor that has been largely overlooked in the past but is now gaining more attention is the presence of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) in the atmosphere within healthcare settings. These chemical compounds are often impossible to detect by odor and thus go unnoticed by employees; however, they pose a number of both immediate and long-term threats to the health of these critical frontline workers.

VOCs and QACs are released into the air when many common cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting products are used, and they tend to remain suspended in the atmosphere for a long time–particularly in the indoor environment of a hospital. As the consequences of inhaling these compounds on an extended basis become more clear, hospital administrators become more focused on finding disinfecting alternatives that do not produce VOCs and QACs as byproducts.

PCT’s surface sanitizer disinfecting solutions, including our fungicide cleaner and disinfectant, are entirely VOC and QAC free. Employees do not need to wear PPE while spraying PCT’s anolyte disinfectant, and there are no special storage requirements associated with it. Switching to the PCT disinfectant system helps hospital staff avoid the many respiratory issues associated with prolonged exposure to harmful chemical compounds in the air.

Paradigm Convergence Technologies Corp (PCT)
Paradigm Convergence Technologies Corp (PCT)

PCT’s Surface Disinfectant

The hospital grade surface disinfectant produced by PCT, Hydrolyte®, meets all criteria for disinfecting hard and nonporous surfaces in medical environments. Application is very simple, there are few storage requirements, and its low toxicity makes it a versatile option for areas where patients are frequently present. Hydrolyte® is even safe to use around children and pets, so it is a good choice for pediatric practices and veterinary clinics as well.

THE ANNIHILYZER® SURFACE DISINFECTANT GENERATOR

The Annihilyzer® is a powerful tool, developed by PCT to provide on-site generation for surface disinfectant. The Annihilyzer® is easy for employees of schools, hotels, industrial facilities, and agricultural environments to use and store, and it eliminates the need to reorder bulk disinfectant, wait for it to arrive, receive it at the loading dock, store it until it is used, and finally dispose of used containers. The unit generates both a disinfectant and a general purpose cleaner/degreaser, meeting the disinfecting needs of organizations in a variety of industries more conveniently than ever before. In addition, both products are eco-friendly, giving companies and non-profits the chance to both reduce waste and switch to a more environmentally responsible method of cleaning and disinfecting surfaces.

Electrostatic Sprayer for Surface Disinfectant

PCT offers an additional piece of equipment for use in a wide variety of industries, the electrostatic cart sprayer. The sprayer, equipped with an adjustable spray head and rotating base to allow 360-degree coverage of the room, is designed to dispense disinfectant surface cleaner. This innovative solution is specifically engineered to distribute evenly, thanks to the electrostatic charge of the disinfectant. As a result, it provides coverage that is more complete than what could be achieved through the manual application of sanitizing solution by environmental services workers.

Paradigm Convergence Technologies Corp (PCT)

ADDITIONAL APPLICATIONS FOR SURFACE DISINFECTANT/SANITIZER

A hospital represents a huge challenge for disinfectant products, and PCT’s offerings are more than adequate to meet that challenge. But there are many other potential applications for this non-hazardous, eco-friendly solution. In the hospitality industry, it can be used to disinfect flooring, high contact surfaces such as counters, tables, and door handles. Skilled care facilities can use it to combat the propagation of MRSA and other antibiotic resistant pathogens. Dental, veterinary, and other medical practices can use the disinfectant in exam rooms and waiting areas to disinfect all hard, nonporous surfaces. As a non-hazardous product, Hydrolyte® is even a good choice for household use in the kitchen, bathroom, and areas with nonporous flooring.

CONTACT PCT FOR MORE INFORMATION ON SANITIZER/DISINFECTANT

While hypochlorous acid (HOCl) is not as well known in the healthcare industry as other sanitizing products yet, it promises to become a relied-upon solution for hospitals and other facilities that need a comprehensive, convenient way to disinfect spaces reliably. Registered with the EPA as highly effective against MRSA, C. diff, salmonella, and norovirus, just to name a few, Hydrolyte® is a great asset for any large healthcare facility. PCT works hard to spread the word about the power of HOCl for infection prevention and its ability to provide disinfection without producing fumes or other unwanted side effects. You can contact us through our website with any questions about PCT’s products and their applications in healthcare.

FAQs

Our surface disinfectant is certified to kill product list pathogens with over 99% efficacy. This certification applies to hard, nonporous surfaces, including countertops, desks, many wall and flooring materials, and others. Importantly, when applied with the spray cart offered by PCT, our disinfectant also covers the undersides of desks and counters, examples of surfaces often overlooked by manual spraying techniques.

Due to our surface sanitizer low toxicity, our surface disinfectant does not require any PPE during application. In addition to being better for people and animals, this benefit also saves money for facilities, eliminating the need to purchase disposable PPE items for the disinfection and sanitizing process.

Supply chain dependence has arisen as a common problem for large institutions and facilities, and by generating fungicide cleaner and disinfectant on site rather than reordering it as needed, clients can greatly reduce their reliance on external partners to process orders and deliver product on time.

PCT’s fungicide cleaner and sanitizer disinfectant is a fantastic choice for use in grow rooms, labs, and the other facilities that make up the cannabis industry. This field is plagued by difficult contaminant challenges, and the convenience, low toxicity, and high degree of effectiveness of PCT’s products make them a perfect fit for this exciting and growing field.

A sanitizer is designed to kill bacteria on surfaces, making it more potent than standard cleaning products. However, it doesn’t necessarily kill viruses. In contrast, a disinfectant surface cleaner is registered with the EPA to eliminate both bacteria and viruses, ensuring a higher level of effectiveness against a broader range of microorganisms. Disinfectant surface cleaners are crucial for areas requiring stringent hygiene, like healthcare settings, due to their ability to target and destroy pathogens.

In healthcare environments, the risk of pathogen transmission is high, necessitating the use of products that can eliminate both bacteria and viruses. A disinfectant surface cleaner is essential in these settings because it is EPA-registered to kill a wide range of harmful microorganisms, including viruses, which sanitizers may not target. This ensures a safer environment for patients, healthcare workers, and visitors by significantly reducing the risk of infection.

Hydrolyte® distinguishes itself as a potent disinfectant surface cleaner by being EPA-registered to kill key pathogens like C. diff, salmonella, TB, and norovirus, among others. Its effectiveness extends to fungi, making it a comprehensive solution for environments requiring stringent microbial control. This broad-spectrum efficacy makes Hydrolyte® an ideal choice for healthcare facilities, commercial kitchens, and other areas where the highest standards of cleanliness and disinfection are required.

Hydrolyte®, unlike other disinfectants that rely on toxic chemicals, uses hypochlorous acid (HOCl) derived from the electrolysis of water and sodium chloride, ensuring its safety. This method mirrors the natural defense mechanism of the human immune system, making Hydrolyte® a non-hazardous yet effective fungicide cleaner and disinfectant. Its composition allows for the safe elimination of pathogens on surfaces without posing health risks, making it a preferred choice in environments where safety and efficacy are paramount, such as hospitals and food preparation areas.

Hydrolyte® stands out in hospital settings due to its powerful disinfectant properties, attributed to its active ingredient, hypochlorous acid (HOCl). This compound is a natural part of the human immune response, effectively targeting and eliminating pathogen cells. As a fungicide cleaner and disinfectant, Hydrolyte® is capable of destroying a wide range of deadly pathogens found in healthcare environments, ensuring a high level of sanitation on hard, nonporous surfaces. Its safety and efficacy make it an ideal solution for preventing infections in areas that demand strict hygiene standards.

PCT’s disinfectant surface cleaner solutions are deemed safer for healthcare settings primarily because they do not emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) or quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs), which are common in many traditional disinfectants and can linger in the air, posing health risks. These solutions, including PCT’s fungicide cleaner and disinfectant, provide effective sanitation without the associated respiratory dangers of VOCs and QACs, making them a preferred choice for hospitals looking to protect the health of their staff and patients while maintaining high standards of cleanliness.

Utilizing a VOC and QAC-free fungicide cleaner and disinfectant like PCT’s offers significant benefits in hospital environments by reducing the risk of respiratory issues among healthcare workers. These solutions ensure a safer atmosphere by avoiding the release of harmful chemicals into the air, which can result from the use of traditional disinfecting products. This approach not only contributes to a healthier work environment for frontline workers but also supports overall patient care by minimizing the potential for chemical-induced health complications within healthcare facilities.

The absence of personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements when using PCT’s disinfectant surface cleaner underscores its safety and user-friendliness. This characteristic facilitates easier and more frequent use by hospital staff, ensuring a consistently high level of sanitation without the added burden of wearing cumbersome protective gear. It simplifies the disinfection process, making it more efficient and less intrusive, thereby enhancing overall safety protocols in the hospital and reducing the time and resources spent on managing and disposing of PPE, all while maintaining effective disinfection and protection against pathogens.

Hydrolyte® is designed as a hospital-grade fungicide cleaner and disinfectant that combines safety with efficacy, making it an excellent choice for use in pediatric and veterinary settings. Its simple application process, minimal storage requirements, and low toxicity ensure that it can be safely used around sensitive populations such as children and pets. This balance of effectiveness in eliminating pathogens on hard, nonporous surfaces and safety for humans and pets alike allows facilities like pediatric offices and veterinary clinics to maintain high standards of hygiene without compromising the health or comfort of their patients.

The Annihilyzer® Surface Disinfectant Generator transforms cleaning and disinfecting practices by enabling on-site production of a surface cleaner and disinfectant, streamlining the supply chain and reducing logistical challenges. This innovative system eliminates the need for ordering, waiting, receiving, storing, and disposing of traditional disinfectant containers, offering a more efficient and sustainable solution. Its ease of use and storage, coupled with the generation of smart cleaning products, make it an ideal choice for schools, hotels, industrial, and agricultural settings, aligning with the growing demand for environmentally responsible cleaning practices while meeting the diverse needs of different industries.

The electrostatic cart sprayer by PCT revolutionizes the application of surface cleaners and disinfectants across diverse environments, from healthcare to hospitality. Its unique design, featuring an adjustable spray head and rotating base, ensures 360-degree coverage, crucial for comprehensive disinfection. The sprayer imparts an electrostatic charge to the disinfectant, causing it to cling uniformly to surfaces, including hard-to-reach areas. This method surpasses traditional manual cleaning by ensuring a more thorough and even distribution of the disinfectant, significantly improving the overall effectiveness of sanitization practices and contributing to higher standards of hygiene and safety.

Hydrolyte®, with its non-hazardous formulation, serves as a versatile surface cleaner and disinfectant across multiple sectors. In the hospitality industry, it ensures clean and safe environments by disinfecting high-contact surfaces like counters, tables, and door handles. Skilled care facilities utilize it to prevent the spread of MRSA and other antibiotic-resistant pathogens. Additionally, its safety profile makes it suitable for dental and veterinary practices, as well as for household use in kitchens, bathrooms, and on nonporous flooring, providing a comprehensive solution for maintaining hygiene and preventing infection.

Hydrolyte® stands out as a preferred fungicide cleaner and disinfectant in skilled care facilities due to its effectiveness against antibiotic-resistant pathogens like MRSA. Its EPA registration underscores its efficacy against a range of harmful microorganisms, including those resistant to traditional antibiotics. The product’s non-hazardous nature ensures it can be safely used in sensitive environments, providing reliable disinfection without adverse side effects, making it an essential tool in the fight against the spread of dangerous infections in care settings.

Hypochlorous acid (HOCl), the active ingredient in Hydrolyte®, represents a breakthrough in infection prevention due to its potent efficacy as a surface cleaner and disinfectant against a wide array of pathogens, including MRSA, C. diff, salmonella, and norovirus. Registered with the EPA, HOCl’s strength lies in its ability to provide comprehensive disinfection without producing harmful fumes or side effects, making it an increasingly relied-upon solution in healthcare and beyond. PCT’s advocacy for HOCl highlights its potential to revolutionize sanitation practices, ensuring safer environments across various settings.