Disinfectants: information for consumers

The purpose of disinfectants is to kill germs on surfaces. Disinfectants can be liquids, sprays, and wipes. They can play an important role in infection control.

Consider the surface you want to disinfect when picking a disinfectant.

Follow the instructions on the label

The label should tell you everything you need to know about using the disinfectant.

The disinfectant label includes information about the surfaces that it can be used on and the active ingredients It may also include:

• pre-cleaning advice, i.e. cleaning the surface to remove other contaminants or debris before applying the disinfectant
• dilution of the product
• the application method
• contact time (how long the product needs to be on the surface being disinfected to inactivate or kill the stated microorganisms)

The product may not be safe and effective if it doesn't include directions.

Remaining safe

You should never use disinfectants internally or on your skin.

Disinfectants work on inanimate surfaces, not people. They should not be applied on skin or ingested.

If your child ingests a disinfectant product, you should: 

• call the Poisons Information Centre or 
• contact a medical professional immediately.

Homemade disinfectants

Homemade disinfectants are not formulated specifically to be anti-viral and may not be effective Improper mixing of solutions could put people's health at risk. 

Mixing cleaning and disinfection products together can also result in fumes that may be very dangerous to breathe in.

Further, mixing chemicals may create new toxic chemicals, and a commercial disinfectant may lose its effectiveness when mixed with other products, including homemade cleaning products.

COVID-19

Approved disinfectants with claims against viruses including the COVID-19 virus are listed on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG). 

To ensure the disinfectant is effective, we encourage consumers to follow the instructions on the label and take appropriate care with respect to any hazard warnings.

Reporting a problem

If you want to make a complaint about advertising directed to the public, visit our making an advertising complaint web page.

More information

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