Know the Difference Between Cleaning, Disinfecting and Sanitizing

Cleaning removes germs, dirt, and impurities from surfaces or objects. Cleaning works by using soap (or detergent) and water to physically remove germs from surfaces. This process does not necessarily kill germs, but by removing them, it lowers their numbers and the risk of spreading infection.

Disinfecting kills germs on surfaces or objects. Disinfecting works by using chemicals to kill germs on surfaces or objects. This process does not necessarily clean dirty surfaces or remove germs, but by killing germs on a surface after cleaning, it can further lower the risk of spreading infection.

Sanitizing lowers the number of germs on surfaces or objects to a safe level, as judged by public health standards or requirements. This process works by either cleaning or disinfecting surfaces or objects to lower the risk of spreading infection.

General Questions

What is a virus?

A virus is a microscopic piece of genetic material surrounded by a coat made of proteins. It enters healthy cells and hijacks them, creating copies of itself

How do you disinfect properly?

Wash surfaces with a general household cleaner to remove germs. Rinse with water and follow with an EPA-registered disinfectant to kill germs. Read the label to make sure it states that EPA has approved the product for effectiveness against influenza A virus.

What does PPM Mean?

This is a way of expressing very dilute concentrations of substances. Usually describes the concentration of something in water or soil. One ppm is equivalent to 1 milligram of something per liter of water (mg/l) or 1 milligram of something per kilogram soil (mg/kg).

How many Liters are in a Gallon?

3.8 liters are equal to 1 gallon.

PH Levels in Water matter when Diluting a product?

PH is how acidic or basic a water solution is. Acidic solutions have a low PH and basic are more elevated.

What does PPE stand for?

Personal Protective Equipment. Equipment worn to minimize exposure to a variety of hazards. Examples of PPE include such items as gloves, foot and eye protection, protective hearing devices (earplugs, muffs) hard hats, respirators and full body suits.

Who is the EPA?

It is an agency of the United States federal government whose mission is to protect human and environmental health. EPA stands for Environmental Protection Agency

Who is the CDC?

It is an agency that works to protect the nation from health, safety and security threads, both in the U.S. and foreign. CDC stands for Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Who is the FDA?

It is an agency responsible for protecting the public health by assuring the safety, efficacy, and security of human and veterinary drugs, biological products, medical devices, our nation’s food supply, cosmetics, and products that emit radiation. FDA stands for Food and Drug Administration.

Who is NIOSH?

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health is responsible for conducting research and making recommendations for the prevention of work-related injury and illness.

Selectrocide Questions

Is Selectrocide effective against Coronavirus and other infectious diseases?

Yes. Chlorine Dioxide is one of the only chemicals indicated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for use in cleaning hard, non-porous surfaces from biohazardous contaminates at respiratory droplets and other fluids that would transmit pathogens. No cleaning agent is totally effective, though, if not used properly and in accordance with the package instructions. Please read through the documentation carefully to ensure the effective application of Selectrocide.

Is Selectrocide safe to handle without protective equipment?

Before it is diluted with water, the Selectrocide powder is caustic and likely to irritate your skin. Your order of Selectrocide will include instructions for what to do in case of contact. After it’s activated, however, Selectrocide causes fewer irritations than other products. As a matter of fact, the use of gloves and respirators is not necessary when applying the activated product.

The resulting concentrations of chlorine dioxide are still shown by the EPA to be effective for decontaminating and sanitizing surfaces. The concentration level is so low, the Food and Drug Administration has even recommended the use of chlorine dioxide for food applications.

What does Selectrocide smell like?

After it’s diluted and activated in water, the scent is similar to pool water. With a much lower VOC level than other products like bleach, Selectrocide does not leave behind obnoxious odors.

What else can Selectrocide do?

In addition to decontaminating hard, non-porous surfaces, Selectrocide is also used in humidifiers, hydroponic and horticultural applications, and water systems. Chlorine dioxide inhibits the growth of algae, bacteria and slime, making it ideal for keeping moist or wet environments free from pathogens.

How are your products different from other chlorine dioxide?

The ultra-pure ClO₂ is generated via our patented membrane system. A proprietary membrane contains the pre-cursor chemistry necessary to generate chlorine dioxide. When that “micro-reactor” is added to water, the membrane only allows water vapor to pass through. That condenses inside the reactor and fuels the chemical reaction which creates the ClO<sub>2</sub> gas molecule. Only that gas molecule is allowed to pass out of the micro-reactor into the water which gives us a 99.9% pure solution with a neutral pH.

Are you products EPA registered?

Yes, our Selectrocide line of products have been tested according to current guidelines, and results verified by the United States Environmental Protection Agency. Our product is classified as a hospital grade disinfectant, which can also be used to sanitize and deodorize.

Are you products organic?

Yes, many of our products have been review by the Organic Materials Review Institute, or OMRI, according the National Organic Program. Our products can be used for a variety of applications in the manufacture of organic products.

Can you apply your products directly to food?

Yes, our products have approvals and clearances from both the EPA and FDA as a direct antimicrobial rinse/wash for raw agricultural commodities and processed foods such as fruits, vegetables, red meat, poultry, and sea food.

Is your product approved by the FDA?

Yes, our products have many Food Contact Notifications that allow direct washing of food products.

What is chlorine dioxide used for?

Chlorine dioxide can be used to disinfect or sanitize surfaces in virtually any area such as hospitals, labs, or food processing facilities. It can also be used as very effective space deodorizer for cars, boats, or RVs.