Let’s be honest: COVID has made many of us hyper aware of our health and the cleanliness of our homes/high-traffic areas. While disinfecting your space is always important, is there such thing as doing it too much?
To get to the bottom of it, we asked multiple experts for the facts on what actually needs to be disinfected regularly, where you should avoid disinfecting, best practices and more.
Why you shouldn't over-disinfect
The degradation of surfaces, objects and even flooring is common when over-disinfected. Stronger, harsher chemicals can weaken plastics and discolor fabrics and wood over time, according to Dr. Zuri Dale, an epidemiologist and data analyst at Texas Southern University.
Many disinfectants contain chemicals and fragrances that can irritate the skin, eyes and respiratory system. “People with asthma or other respiratory conditions may be especially sensitive,” explains Dr. Nicole Deziel, an environmental health specialist at Yale University. “Other effects may be less obvious. For example, some cleaning products contain chemicals that are known or suspected carcinogens or reproductive and developmental toxicants.”
Both Deziel and Dale note concerns around over-disinfecting and antibiotic resistance (aka “superbugs”). “Products specifically labeled as antibacterial or antimicrobial products may contribute to antibiotic resistance,” explains Deziel. Additionally, “some disinfectants contain substances that could negatively affect ecosystems when washed down the drain.”
Which areas should be disinfected more than others?
“High-traffic areas and high-touch surfaces are more likely to harbor harmful pathogens,” according to Dale. Some of the areas you'll want to disinfect regularly can include “remote controls, doorknobs, shared equipment in the workplace, gym equipment and cellular devices.”
It’s also important to disinfect kitchen counters after handling raw meat and anything that comes into contact with someone who is sick.
Which areas don't need to be disinfected often?
Unless you’ve got a toddler with sticky hands or a dog that thinks your couch is his personal napkin, furniture and walls don’t need much disinfecting, according to Jacqueline Stein, a professional cleaner.
“Dusting and wiping them down with a damp cloth is usually enough. Over-disinfecting painted walls or upholstered furniture can actually ruin the finish or fabric," she says. If you really feel like your fabrics need a little extra love, she recommends using a laundry sanitizing solution to wash the items when needed or using a fabric-safe cleaner.
“Typically, we do not disinfect personal items like purses and wallets as frequently either,” adds Dale.
What types of disinfectants should you use and avoid?
For general use, hydrogen peroxide-based cleaners and alcohol-based sprays (at least 70%) are great. Quaternary ammonium compounds (like Clorox or Lysol wipes) are also effective, but be mindful of buildup and the integrity of the surface itself, warns Stein. “If you’re disinfecting anything food-related, go for something gentler like diluted white vinegar or hydrogen peroxide,” she says.
Additionally, there are some disinfectants that should not be used on certain areas of the home. For example, “bleach-based products and ammonia can strip wood floors, and excessive water can cause wood to swell,” explains Dale. “Similarly, bleach can dull the appearance of marble and products that are too abrasive can scratch the surface.”
Best disinfectants, according to experts and editors
Lysol All-Purpose Cleaner Spray
- "Kills 99.9% of germs"
- Works well on heavy grime
- Slight chemical smell
Scent: Lemon Breeze | Size/amount: 32 oz.
This disinfectant took home best overall in our testing of multipurpose cleaners. Associate editor Shannon Garlin says it "worked well on most surface types and getting up dried-food messes from my stoves and countertops."
Seventh Generation Disinfecting Wipes
- Efficient
- Safe to use around kids & pets
- Scent may be strong for some
Scent: Lemongrass Citrus | Size/amount: 70 wipes
“Seventh Generation also has solid plant-based disinfecting wipes,” says Stein. These wipes are a USDA Certified Biobased Product and don’t use dyes or synthetic fragrances to make your home smell good, according to the brand. Instead, the formula relies on essential oils and botanical ingredients to create a nice but subtle scent.
Clorox Disinfecting Wipes
- "Scent is not too overbearing"
- Convenient to use
- Some say they dry out quickly
Scent: 2 Crisp Lemon and 2 Fresh Scent | Size/amount: 75 wipes each
“These wipes are great for a standard disinfectant,” says Stein. They can be used on non-porous surfaces like sealed granite, finished wood, stainless steel and non-food contact surfaces, too.
Shop TODAY editor Vivien Moon says she's pretty sure she uses Clorox wipes on a daily basis and has "one bottle in every room of my apartment in case of an emergency. I love how easy they are to use, how great they smell and how I can just grab one in an instant. Overall, 10/10."
Lysol Disinfectant Spray
- Versatile
- "Effective and reliable"
- Some say the scent is strong
Scent: Crisp Linen | Size/amount: 19 fl oz each
Stein recommends this pick for general household cleaning and disinfecting. To use it, hold the can about 6-8 inches from the surface you want to disinfect, then spray for 3-4 seconds until the surface is covered with a mist. Let it sit for the recommended time, depending on whether you want to sanitize or disinfect (usually 10 seconds for sanitizing and 3 minutes for disinfecting) before allowing it to air dry.
Force of Nature Multipurpose Cleaner, Disinfectant & Deodorizer Starter Kit
- Doesn't have a strong smell
- Works on multiple surfaces
- Formula is best within 2 weeks
- Some had issues with sprayer
Scent: Unscented | Size/amount: 1 bottle and 5 refill capsules
If you are looking for a more natural option, Stein says the Force of Nature Multipurpose Cleaner is “a game-changer.” This innovative product uses electricity (plus a capsule of salt, water and vinegar) to convert tap water into an organic multipurpose cleaner, deodorizer, federal EPA-registered disinfectant and sanitizer, according to the brand.
Frequently asked questions
“Cleaning refers to the physical removal of dirt from surfaces, but cleaning does not necessarily kill microbes,” explains Dale. “Disinfecting refers to the killing of germs and pathogens, and this is typically done with a chemical.”
“Natural stone like marble and granite? They can get etched and damaged [with disinfectants],” warns Stein. “Only use a cleaner that is safe for them! Raw or unfinished wood? It’ll dry out and crack.”
There are a number of signs that you may be over-disinfecting. One of the most apparent signs is dry, cracked skin that results from frequent use of harsh chemicals and solutions that are alcohol-based.
“Another very apparent sign is damage caused to objects and surfaces in your home. You may also notice a disinfectant residue on frequently cleaned surfaces,” says Dale.
“If your home constantly smells like a chemical experiment instead of, well, a home, then that’s another clue that you’re disinfecting too much,” adds Stein. “Disinfecting has its place, but if you’re wiping down every inch of your house like it’s a hospital ward, it’s time to take a step back. You don’t have to disinfect everything and every day, I promise.”
- Follow contact time. Most disinfectants need to sit for a few minutes to actually work. “Spraying and immediately wiping? That won’t do anything,” says Stein.
- Ventilate, ventilate, ventilate. Open a window or turn on a fan when using strong disinfectants. Wear a mask and gloves, too!
- Don’t mix chemicals. Bleach and vinegar equals toxic gas. “Avoid mixing chemicals all together and the best rule of thumb is to never mix anything with bleach,” warns Stein.
- Clean first, then disinfect. If a surface is visibly dirty, dust it and then wipe it down with soap and water or a light cleaner first. “Disinfecting over grime is like putting perfume on without showering; it’s not doing what you think it is,” says Stein.
- Less is more. You don’t need to disinfect every day unless someone is sick. Regular cleaning is usually enough.
How we chose
The Shop TODAY editors and writers search the internet to find the best products out there. We interview expert sources and use our own personal experiences with the product and brand to make shopping easier for our readers.
Meet the experts
- Dr. Zuri Dale, MWM, MPH is an epidemiologist and data analyst at Texas Southern University.
- Jacqueline Stein is a professional cleaner and the owner of Home Reimagined in Austin, Texas.
- Dr. Nicole Deziel, PhD, MHS is an environmental health specialist at Yale University.
