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Disinfecting products play a critical role in the prevention and spread of the infectious virus that causes COVID-19. Depending on the type of surface and environmental conditions such as temperature or humidity, the virus can survive on surfaces for anywhere from a few hours to several days. Therefore, using the correct products is imperative.

Disinfection is effective against COVID-19 because the virus is enveloped. Enveloped viruses are more vulnerable to inactivation by disinfection. Viruses like these include a lipid covering, which is easily broken down by most disinfectants. Once the lipid envelope is damaged, the integrity of the virus is weakened, thereby neutralizing its ability to infect.

According to the CDC, the best practice for the prevention of COVID-19 is to clean visibly dirty surfaces and then thoroughly disinfect them. If hard surfaces appear dirty, they should be cleaned using a detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.

The Environmental Protection Agency provides a list of products that are effective for use against SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. Target Specialty Products partners with trusted manufacturers and suggests the following products that contain chemical bases that are EPA pre-approved for COVID-19:

BioSentry 904 Disinfectant - broad-spectrum disinfectant for use on hard nonporous surfaces for poultry, swine, farm, and veterinary practice disinfection.

Nisus DSV Deodorizer - a disinfectant, sanitizer and virucide that also can prevent and eliminate mildew.

Sniper Hospital Disinfectant - a hospital-grade disinfectant that cleans and disinfects hard and nonporous surface areas.

Bioesque Botanical Disinfectant Solution - broad spectrum disinfectant that kills 99.9% of bacteria, viruses, fungi and mold.

You may also be interested in these products:

Companion Disinfectant Wipes - citric acid disinfectant wipes that kill viruses/bacteria and disinfect medical equipment, doorknobs, floors and other hard surfaces.

Surekill Hand Sanitizer - foaming hand sanitizer that kills 99.9% of bacteria on contact.

When using these EPA-registered disinfectants, make sure to follow the label directions for safe and effective use. Additionally, disposable gloves and gowns should always be worn when cleaning and disinfecting any surfaces. Additionally, it is important to check in with your local health department to make sure the appropriate local protocols and guidelines, such as updated/additional instruction for cleaning and disinfection, are followed, including for identification of potential new cases of COVID-19. For any questions about these coronavirus disinfectant products, please contact your local Target Specialty Products Office, or send us your comments or questions though our form.