At EPA, products used to kill viruses and bacteria on surfaces are registered as antimicrobial pesticides. Sanitizers and disinfectants are two types of antimicrobial pesticides.
| Action | What does it do? | Does EPA regulate the product? |
|---|---|---|
| Cleaning | Cleaning removes dirtand organic matterfrom surfaces using soap or detergents. | EPA regulates cleaning products only if they sanitize or disinfect. Learn more about EPA's role. |
| Sanitizing | Sanitizing kills bacteria on surfaces using chemicals. It is not intended to kill viruses. | Yes, EPA registers products that sanitize. |
Disinfecting | Disinfecting killsviruses and bacteria on surfaces using chemicals. | Yes, EPA registers products that disinfect. To find disinfectants for use against SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19), see List N. |
Using hand sanitizer | Using hand sanitizer kills pathogens on skin. | No, hand sanitizers are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). |
Surface disinfectant products are subject to more rigorous EPA testing requirements and must clear a higher bar for effectiveness than surface sanitizing products. Many products are registered with EPA asbothsanitizers and disinfectants because they've been tested using both methods.
List N: Disinfectants for use Against SARS-CoV-2
EPA-registered sanitizers and disinfectants may also contain cleaning agents. Learn more about claims that fall under EPA's regulatory authority.
WhenusingEPA-registered products, always follow the label directions. Pay close attention to the contact time, which is how long the surface must remain wet.To learn more about using products safely and effectively, see: EPA’s Best Practices During the COVID-19 Pandemic.
To learn more about when to clean and when to disinfect against COVID-19, see theCDC’s website.
Return to Frequent Questions about Disinfectants and Coronavirus (COVID-19).
Related Questions
- What is the process for EPA approval of disinfectant products related to COVID-19?
- Are there any changes to the registration of disinfectants due to COVID-19?
- Do I need to register disinfectant products with EPA in order to import them?
- Does EPA regulate companies that require cleaning services claiming to disinfect for SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19)?
- Will EPA take enforcement action against companies making false claims that their disinfectants work against SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19)?
- What is an emerging viral pathogen claim?
- Why aren’t hand sanitizers listed on List N?
