Disinfectants vs. Cleaners: What Should You Use at Home?

Disinfectants vs. Cleaners: What Should You Use at Home?

Disinfectants vs. Cleaners: What Should You Use at Home? 

Walk down any cleaning aisle and you’ll find shelves full of sprays, wipes, and solutions labeled as cleaners, disinfectants, sanitizers, or degreasers. While they may all look similar, each has a different purpose—and using the wrong one could leave behind germs, damage surfaces, or waste your time. 
 
This guide breaks down the difference between disinfectants and general-purpose cleaners, explains when to use each around the house, and recommends products from OneSource Supply Co. that get the job done right. 

What Is a Cleaner? 

Cleaners are designed to remove dirt, dust, grease, and grime from surfaces. Most household cleaners contain surfactants (soap-like agents) that loosen particles so they can be wiped or rinsed away. 

However, cleaners don’t necessarily kill bacteria or viruses—they simply remove them. That’s why cleaning is often the first step before disinfection. 

What Is a Disinfectant? 

Disinfectants are EPA-registered chemicals formulated to kill germs, bacteria, and viruses on hard surfaces. They contain active ingredients like alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or quaternary ammonium compounds (quats). 

To be effective, disinfectants must be used correctly—typically requiring a wet contact time of several minutes before wiping or drying. 

When to Use a Cleaner vs. a Disinfectant 

  • **Cleaner Only:** Floors, windows, dusting furniture, greasy stovetops, handprints
  • **Disinfectant Only:** Bathroom surfaces, doorknobs, shared tools, trash can lids, toilet handles
  • **Both:** Kitchen countertops (clean first, then disinfect), light switches, cell phones 

Product Recommendations from OneSource 

Safe Use Tips 

  • Always read the label and follow application instructions
  • Don’t mix cleaning products—especially bleach and ammonia
  • Use gloves when handling disinfectants or strong cleaners
  • Ensure proper ventilation in enclosed spaces
  • Store products away from children and pets 

At-Home Use Cases 

  • After grocery shopping: disinfect doorknobs and countertop areas
  • Weekly cleaning: use all-purpose cleaner for surfaces and mirrors
  • During cold & flu season: sanitize high-touch points daily
  • Garage/workshop: clean tools with solvent cleaners; disinfect shared hand tools 

Conclusion 

Understanding the difference between disinfectants and cleaners helps you maintain a healthier, safer home. While cleaners remove visible messes, disinfectants are essential for stopping the spread of germs—especially on shared or high-contact surfaces. 

OneSource Supply Co. offers a complete line of professional-grade cleaners, disinfectants, and sanitizers perfect for home use. Visit https://onesourcesupplyco.com to stock up on dependable products that simplify your routine and protect your household. 

Bonus Tip: Build a Household Cleaning Kit 

To stay prepared for both everyday messes and high-contact cleaning, assemble a dedicated home cleaning kit. Include a general-purpose cleaner, a disinfectant spray or wipes, microfiber cloths, disposable gloves, and paper towels. Keep your kit in a portable caddy so it can move easily from room to room. A well-stocked, organized kit makes it easier to stick to your cleaning schedule and respond quickly to spills, smudges, or illnesses. 

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