There are several different disinfection options available on the market today. Each type has its own strengths and weaknesses. Not every type will be a good choice for the Microshield Mat. The most common types are alcohol based disinfectants, chlorine compounds, super oxidized water, hydrogen peroxide based disinfectants, and quaternary ammonium based disinfectants. Each is described briefly below.
Alcohol-Based Disinfectants
Alcohol based disinfectants can vary in safety and toxicity. Some are non-toxic and safe for the environment like ethyl alcohol, which is found in most hand sanitizers. Others, such as formaldehyde, are highly toxic and require the use of respirators and protective gear. Alcohol-based products tend to evaporate when exposed to the air and can damage some materials, including the materials used in your Microshield Mat. It is for this reason we don’t recommend choosing this type of disinfectant.
Chlorine Compound Disinfectants
This type of disinfectant utilizes chlorine compounds to kill bacteria and viruses. A common example of this type of product would be household bleach. While these products are highly effective, they may also be corrosive, toxic, and may often give off fumes that can irritate the lungs. Due to the corrosive nature of these products, they may damage your Microshield mat over time and cause discoloration. We don’t recommend the use of these products for your new mat.
Super Oxidized Water
This is a very simple, safe, and eco friendly disinfectant. It is made by putting salt water through an electrolysis process. Super oxidized water is a highly effective disinfectant capable of killing bacteria and viruses of all types. However, it tends to have a short shelf life and can lose effectiveness when exposed to light. It also needs a longer contact time in order to disinfect surfaces. Be sure to purchase this disinfectant in a light proof bottle. Read the product’s labeling carefully to make sure it will suit your purposes.
Hydrogen Peroxide-Based Disinfectants
This family of disinfectants is safe, eco friendly, and effective at killing germs. They are a great choice if you are concerned about using non-toxic cleaning options. However, they do have a couple of drawbacks which make them unsuitable for the Microshield Mat. The biggest drawback is that they break back into hydrogen and water when exposed to air and light for any length of time. This means you would need to change out the disinfectant in the mat very frequently. Peroxide-based cleaners also tend to be combined with peracetic acid which can be corrosive and can potentially damage your Microshield Mat.
Phenol-Based Disinfectants
Phenol-based disinfectants are found in some common household cleaners such as Lysol disinfectant. On the whole they are less toxic to the environment than other options. Phenols are most effective on enveloped viruses such as the coronavirus, but less effective on non-enveloped viruses. It is very important that these disinfectants are used in strict accordance with their labels to prevent injury. Make sure you always dilute the product exactly as specified on the label. Do not over concentrate it. Also be sure to completely rinse all of your mat components well and refill the mat at least every couple of days. Water evaporates at a faster rate than the phenols do so if you just constantly top up the mat, the phenol concentration will increase. If the concentration becomes too high you can sustain serious chemical burns on your skin. For this reason, we strongly recommend you always wear rubber gloves when filling and cleaning the mat. Be sure to read the label and follow the directions for contact time for disinfection.
Quaternary Ammonium Disinfectants
Quaternary Ammonium disinfectants, or QUATS for short, are non-corrosive. These disinfectants will not damage your Microshield mat nor most shoes. They are most effective on enveloped viruses such as the coronavirus, but less effective on non-enveloped viruses. With QUATS, it is also very important that you follow the directions on the labeling and use gloves or wash your hands thoroughly after coming in contact with these products. Be sure to read the label and follow the directions for contact time for disinfection.
A Note On Labeling:
We can’t emphasize it enough to read the label for the products you choose very carefully and follow the instructions. Doing so will prevent injury, damage to property, and provide good disinfection. When reading the label you want to look for the instructions for disinfection not sanitization. Sanitization is a shorter process, but is not long enough to kill viruses. It only kills bacteria. Viruses take a longer contact time than sanitization does.
Should you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us at 888.777.2389.
