Editing Hygiene (section)

== Definition and overview ==
Hygiene is a practice<ref>{{Cite book |title=Hygiene and its role in health|year=2008|publisher=Nova Science Publishers|editor-first=Patrick L.|editor-last=Anderson |editor-first2=Jerome P.|editor-last2=Lachan|isbn=978-1-60456-195-1|location=New York|oclc=181862629}}</ref> related to [[Lifestyle (sociology)|lifestyle]], [[cleanliness]], [[health]], and [[medicine]]. In medicine and everyday life, hygiene practices are preventive measures that reduce the incidence and spread of germs leading to [[disease]].<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Aiello |first1=Allison E. |last2=Coulborn |first2=Rebecca M. |last3=Perez |first3=Vanessa |last4=Larson |first4=Elaine L. |date=2008 |title=Effect of Hand Hygiene on Infectious Disease Risk in the Community Setting: A Meta-Analysis |journal=American Journal of Public Health |volume=98 |issue=8 |pages=1372–1381 |doi=10.2105/AJPH.2007.124610|pmid=18556606 |pmc=2446461 |hdl=2027.42/61196 |hdl-access=free }}</ref>

Hygiene practices vary from one [[culture]] to another.<ref>{{Cite book |title=WHO guidelines on hand hygiene in health care: first global patient safety challenge clean care is safer care|year=2009|publisher=World Health Organization |isbn=978-92-4-159790-6|location=Geneva|oclc=854907565}}</ref>

In the manufacturing of food,<ref>{{Cite book |title=Hygiene in food processing: principles and practice|year=2014 |editor-first=H.L.M.|editor-last= Lelieveld |editor-first2=J.T.|editor-last2=Holah |editor-first3=D.|editor-last3=Napper|isbn=978-0-85709-863-4|edition=2nd|location=Oxford |publisher=Woodhead |oclc=870650548}}</ref> pharmaceuticals,<ref>{{Cite book |title=Containment in the pharmaceutical industry|year=2020|editor-first=James P.|editor-last= Wood|isbn=978-0-429-07494-3|location=Boca Raton |publisher=CRC Press |oclc=1148475943}}</ref> cosmetics,<ref>{{Cite book |title=Cosmetic microbiology: a practical approach|year=2020|editor-first=Philip A. |editor-last=Geis|isbn=978-0-429-52443-1|edition=Third|location=Boca Raton |publisher=CRC Press |oclc=1202989365}}</ref> and other products, good hygiene is a critical component of [[quality assurance]].

The terms cleanliness and hygiene are often used interchangeably, which can cause confusion. In general, hygiene refers to practices that prevent spread of disease-causing organisms. Cleaning processes (e.g., [[Hand washing|handwashing]]<ref name="UNICEF WHO 2021">{{citation|author=UNICEF and WHO|title=State of the World's Hand Hygiene: A global call to action to make hand hygiene a priority in policy and practice|publisher=UNICEF|location=New York|year=2021}}</ref>) remove infectious microbes as well as dirt and soil, and are thus often the means to achieve hygiene.

Other uses of the term are as follows: ''body hygiene'', ''[[Personal care|personal hygiene]]'', ''[[sleep hygiene]]'', ''[[mental hygiene]]'', ''[[Oral hygiene|dental hygiene]],'' and ''[[occupational hygiene]]'', used in connection with [[public health]].

=== Home hygiene overview ===
Home hygiene pertains to the hygiene practices that prevent or minimize the spread of disease at home and other everyday settings such as social settings, public transport, the workplace, public places, and more. Hygiene in a variety of settings plays an important role in preventing the spread of infectious diseases.<ref name="globalburden">{{cite web|vauthors=Bloomfield SF, Exner M, Fara GM, Nath KJ, Scott EA, Van der Voorden C|title=The global burden of hygiene-related diseases in relation to the home and community|url=https://www.ifh-homehygiene.org/review/global-burden-hygiene-related-diseases-relation-home-and-community|publisher=International Scientific Forum on Home Hygiene|year=2009}}</ref> It includes procedures like hand hygiene, respiratory hygiene, food and water hygiene, general home hygiene (hygiene of environmental sites and surfaces), care of domestic animals, and home health care (the care of those who are at greater risk of infection).<ref>{{Cite web |title=Surface Hygiene {{!}} HARTMANN SCIENCE CENTER |url=https://www.hartmann-science-center.com/en/hygiene-knowledge/surface-hygiene |access-date=2024-07-23 |website=www.hartmann-science-center.com |language=en}}</ref>

At present, these components of hygiene tend to be regarded as separate issues, although based on the same underlying microbiological principles. Preventing the spread of diseases means breaking the chain of infection transmission so that infection cannot spread. "Targeted hygiene" is based on identifying the routes of pathogen spread in the home and introducing hygiene practices at critical times to break the chain of infection.<ref name="ISFHH 2021">{{cite book|title=Developing and promoting hygiene in home and everyday life to meet 21st Century needs|publisher=the International Scientific Forum on Home Hygiene|date=July 2021|url=https://www.ifh-homehygiene.org/sites/default/files/publications/2021%20IFH%20White%20Paper%2038pp%20%281%29.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220517010101/https://www.ifh-homehygiene.org/sites/default/files/publications/2021%20IFH%20White%20Paper%2038pp%20%281%29.pdf |archive-date=2022-05-17 }}</ref> It uses a [[probabilistic risk analysis|risk-based approach]] based on Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point ([[HACCP]]).<ref>{{Cite web |title=Environmental hygiene in healthcare |url=https://www.sahealth.sa.gov.au/wps/wcm/connect/Public+Content/SA+Health+Internet/Clinical+Resources/Clinical+Programs+and+Practice+Guidelines/Infection+and+injury+management/Healthcare+associated+infections/Prevention+and+management+of+infections+in+healthcare+settings/Environmental+hygiene+in+healthcare |access-date=2024-07-23 |website=Government of South Australia}}</ref>

The main sources of infection in the home are people (who are carriers or are infected), foods (particularly raw foods), water, pets, and domestic animals.<ref name="bloomfield2012" /> Sites that accumulate stagnant water – such as sinks, [[toilet]]s, waste pipes, cleaning tools, and face cloths – readily support microbial growth and can become secondary reservoirs of infection, though species are mostly those that threaten "at risk" groups. [[Pathogens]] (such as potentially infectious bacteria and viruses – colloquially called "germs") are constantly shed via mucous membranes, feces, vomit, skin scales, and other means. When circumstances combine, people are exposed, either directly or via food or water, and can develop an infection.<ref>{{Cite web |title=environmental hygiene — European Environment Agency |url=https://www.eea.europa.eu/help/glossary/eea-glossary/environmental-hygiene#:~:text=Practical%20prevention%20and%20control%20measures,quality%20of%20the%20human%20environment. |access-date=2024-07-23 |website=www.eea.europa.eu |language=en}}</ref>

The main "highways" for the spread of pathogens in the home are the hands, hand and food contact surfaces, and cleaning cloths and utensils (e.g. [[fecal–oral route]] of transmission). Pathogens can also be spread via clothing and household linens, such as [[towels]]. Utilities such as toilets and wash basins were invented to deal safely with human waste but still have risks associated with them. Safe disposal of human waste is a fundamental need; poor [[sanitation]] is a primary cause of diarrhea disease in low-income communities. Respiratory viruses and fungal spores spread via the air.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Environmental health |url=https://www.who.int/health-topics/environmental-health |access-date=2024-07-23 |website=www.who.int |language=en}}</ref>

Good home hygiene means engaging in hygiene practices at critical points to break the chain of infection.<ref name="ISFHH 2021" /><ref name="bloomfield2012" /> Because the "infectious dose" for some pathogens can be very small (10–100 viable units or even less for some viruses), and infection can result from direct transfer of pathogens from surfaces via hands or food to the mouth, nasal mucous, or the eye, "hygienic cleaning" procedures should be adopted to eliminate pathogens from critical surfaces.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Around home – household hygiene – Hygiene for Health |url=https://hygieneforhealth.org.au/home/ |access-date=2024-07-23 |language=en-US}}</ref>
[[File:Pupil washes hands during COVID-19 pandemic in Ghana.jpg|thumb|Hand washing during pandemic ]]

===Hand washing===
[[File:Hand Hygiene Sign in Public Restroom.jpg|thumb|Hand hygiene sign in public restroom]]
{{excerpt|Hand washing|paragraphs=1,2|file=no}}Regular handwashing with soap is one of the most effective ways to prevent the transmission of pathogens. It significantly reduces the risk of gastrointestinal and respiratory infections.[[File:Finished UDDT in Pumpuentsa (5630907486).jpg|thumb|A tippy tap for handwashing after using a [[urine-diverting dry toilet]] in Pumpuentsa, Ecuador]]
[[File:Hand washing bowl.jpg|thumb|Washing hygiene ]]

===Respiratory hygiene===
{{see also|Cough etiquette}}
Correct respiratory and [[hand hygiene]] when coughing and sneezing reduces the spread of pathogens particularly during the [[cold]] and [[flu]] season:<ref name="globalburden" />
* Carry tissues and use them to catch coughs and sneezes, or sneeze into your elbow.
* Dispose of tissues as soon as possible.

===Hygiene in the kitchen, bathroom and toilet===
[[File:かやく (41976193705).jpg|thumb|Hygiene in the kitchen]]
[[File:Small Bathroom Renovation in Wellington.jpg|thumb|Hygiene in the bathroom ]]
Routine cleaning of hands, food, sites, and surfaces (such as [[toilet seat]]s and [[Flush toilet|flush]] handles, door and tap handles, work surfaces, and bath and basin surfaces) in the kitchen, [[bathroom]], and [[Toilet (room)|toilet rooms]] reduces the spread of pathogens.<ref name="hygiene procedures">{{cite web|url=https://www.ifh-homehygiene.org/best-practice-review/hygiene-procedures-home-and-their-effectiveness-review-scientific-evidence-base|title=Hygiene procedures in the home and their effectiveness: a review of the scientific evidence base|year=2008|publisher=International Scientific Forum on Home Hygiene|vauthors=Beumer R, Bloomfield SF, Exner M, Fara GM, Nath KJ, Scott EA}}</ref> The infection risk from [[flush toilet]]s is not high, provided they are properly maintained, although some splashing and [[aerosol]] formation can occur during flushing, particularly when someone has diarrhea. Pathogens can survive in the scum or scale left behind on baths, [[shower]]s, and washbasins after washing and [[bathing]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Hygiene in the Kitchen |url=https://www.hansgrohe.com/magazine/health/kitchen-hygiene |access-date=2024-07-23 |website=www.hansgrohe.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Cushelle |title=10 Important Bathroom Rules – With Printable Toilet Rules! |url=https://www.cushelle.com/hygiene-and-care/personal-hygiene/10-toilet-hygiene-rules/ |access-date=2024-07-23 |website=Cushelle |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Proper use of the toilet |url=https://lessonotes.com/v2/primary-1/lesson-notes-for-primary-1-3rd-term-week-3-prevocational-studies-topic-is-toilet-hygiene.html#:~:text=NOTE-,Toilet%20hygiene%20means%20the%20proper%20and%20safe%20use%20of%20the,hand%20to%20remove%20the%20waste |access-date=2024-07-23 |website=lessonotes.com}}</ref>
[[File:Citron Hygiene sanitary bin in a disabled toilet.jpg|thumb|Hygiene in the toilet]]
Thorough cleaning is important to prevent the spread of fungal infections. Molds can live on wall and floor tiles and on shower curtains. Mold can be responsible for infections, cause allergic reactions, deteriorate/damage surfaces, and cause unpleasant odors. Primary sites of fungal growth are inanimate surfaces, including carpets and soft furnishings.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Australia |first=Healthdirect |date=2023-10-31 |title=Personal hygiene |url=https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/personal-hygiene |access-date=2024-07-25 |website=www.healthdirect.gov.au |language=en-AU}}</ref><ref name="Cole2000">{{cite journal|vauthors=Cole E|title=Allergen control through routine cleaning of pollutant reservoirs in the home environment|journal=Proceedings of Healthy Building|year=2000|volume=4|pages=435–36}}</ref> Airborne fungi are usually associated with damp conditions, poor ventilation, or closed air systems.<ref>{{Citation |last1=Saad-Hussein |first1=Amal |title=Health Impact of Airborne Fungi |date=2019 |work=Handbook of Healthcare in the Arab World |pages=1–16 |editor-last=Laher |editor-first=Ismail |url=https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-74365-3_59-1 |access-date=2024-07-23 |place=Cham |publisher=Springer International Publishing |language=en |doi=10.1007/978-3-319-74365-3_59-1 |isbn=978-3-319-74365-3 |last2=Ibrahim |first2=Khadiga S.}}</ref>
[[File:Cleaning corridor.jpg|thumb|Hygiene cleaning]]
Hygienic cleaning can be done through:<ref>{{Cite web |title=Types of Hygiene – Humanitarian Global |url=https://humanitarianglobal.com/types-of-hygiene/ |access-date=2024-07-23 |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Hygiene cleaning |url=https://www.thejanitorialstore.com/public/What-are-the-3-types-of-cleaning-2598.cfm |website=[[The janitorial store]]}}</ref>
* Mechanical removal (i.e., cleaning) using a [[soap]] or [[detergent]]. To be effective as a hygiene measure, this process must be followed by thorough rinsing under running water to remove pathogens from the surface.
* [[File:Musoke Deo MDK-MUSO CAN IMPROVED HYGIENE &SANITATION LEAD TO BETTER HEALTH IN KAMPALA?.png|thumb|Hygiene cleaning to improve sanitation in Kampala ]]Using a process or product that inactivates the pathogens ''in situ''. Pathogen kill is achieved using a "micro-biocidal" product, i.e., a [[disinfectant]] or [[antibacterial]] product; [[hand sanitizer|waterless hand sanitizer]]; or by application of heat.
* In some cases, combined pathogen removal with kill is used, e.g., laundering of clothing and household linens such as towels and bed linen.
* House deep-cleaning an intensive cleaning process targeting often-neglected areas, enhancing aesthetics, and improving health by reducing allergens and bacteria. It typically includes tasks like detailed dusting, appliance cleaning, and carpet shampooing, recommended biannually to maintain a home's hygiene and air quality.

===Laundry hygiene===
[[Laundry]] hygiene involves practices that prevent disease and its spread via soiled clothing and household linens such as towels.<ref name="bloomfield2011">{{cite web |vauthors=Bloomfield SF, Exner M, Signorelli C, Nath KJ, Scott EA|title=The infection risks associated with clothing and household linens in home and everyday life settings, and the role of laundry|year=2011|publisher=International Scientific Forum on Home Hygiene |url=https://ifh-homehygiene.org/review-best-practice/infection-risks-associated-clothing-and-household-linens-home-and-everyday-life/}}</ref> Items most likely to be contaminated with pathogens are those that come into direct contact with the body, e.g., underwear, personal towels, facecloths, nappies. Cloths or other fabric items used during food preparation, or for cleaning the toilet or cleaning up material such as feces or vomit are a particular risk.<ref name="bloomfield2012">{{cite web |vauthors=Bloomfield SF, Exner M, Signorelli C, Nath KJ, Scott EA|year=2012 |title=The chain of infection transmission in the home and everyday life settings, and the role of hygiene in reducing the risk of infection |publisher=International Scientific Forum on Home Hygiene |url=https://ifh-homehygiene.org/review/chain-infection-transmission-home-and-everyday-life-settings-and-role-hygiene/}}</ref>

Microbiological and epidemiological data indicates that clothing and household linens are a risk factor for infection transmission in home and everyday life settings as well as institutional settings. The lack of quantitative data linking contaminated clothing to infection in the domestic setting makes it difficult to assess the extent of this risk.<ref name="bloomfield2011" /><ref name="bloomfield2012" /><ref name="larson2004">{{cite journal |vauthors=Larson EL, Lin SX, Gomez-Pichardo C |title=Predictors of infectious disease symptoms in inner city households |journal=Nurs Res |volume=53 |issue=3 |pages=190–97 |year=2004 |pmid=15167507 |doi= 10.1097/00006199-200405000-00006|s2cid=46126212 }}</ref> This also indicates that risks from clothing and household linens are somewhat less than those associated with hands, hand contact and food contact surfaces, and cleaning cloths, but even so these risks need to be managed through effective laundering practices. In the home, this should be carried out as part of a multibarrier approach to hygiene which includes hand, food, respiratory, and other hygiene practices.<ref name="bloomfield2011" /><ref name="bloomfield2012" /><ref name="larson2004" />

Infectious disease risks from contaminated clothing can increase significantly under certain conditions - for example, in healthcare situations in hospitals, care homes, and the domestic setting where someone has diarrhoea, vomiting, or a skin or wound infection. The risk increases in circumstances where someone has reduced immunity to infection.

Hygiene measures, including laundry hygiene, are an important part of reducing spread of antibiotic-resistant strains of infectious organisms.<ref name="reccom">{{cite web |title=Recommendations for future collaboration between the U.S. and EU |publisher=Transatlantic Taskforce on Antimicrobial Resistance |year=2011 |url=http://ecdc.europa.eu/en/activities/diseaseprogrammes/TATFAR/Documents/210911_TATFAR_Report.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120708131641/http://ecdc.europa.eu/en/activities/diseaseprogrammes/TATFAR/Documents/210911_TATFAR_Report.pdf |archive-date=2012-07-08 }}</ref><ref name="bloomfield2013">{{cite web |vauthors=Bloomfield SF |year=2013 |title=Spread of Antibiotic Resistant Strains in the Home and Community|publisher=International Scientific Forum on Home Hygiene |url=http://www.ifh-homehygiene.org/review/spread-antibiotic-resistant-strains-home-and-community-review-preparation}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Maillard|first1=Jean-Yves|last2=Bloomfield|first2=Sally F.|last3=Courvalin|first3=Patrice|last4=Essack|first4=Sabiha Y.|last5=Gandra|first5=Sumanth|last6=Gerba|first6=Charles P.|last7=Rubino|first7=Joseph R.|last8=Scott|first8=Elizabeth A.|date=September 2020 |title=Reducing antibiotic prescribing and addressing the global problem of antibiotic resistance by targeted hygiene in the home and everyday life settings: A position paper |journal=American Journal of Infection Control|language=en|volume=48|issue=9|pages=1090–1099|doi=10.1016/j.ajic.2020.04.011 |doi-access=free|pmc=7165117|pmid=32311380}}</ref> In the community, otherwise-healthy people can become persistent skin carriers of [[Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus|MRSA]], or faecal carriers of enterobacteria strains which can carry multi-antibiotic resistance factors (e.g. [[New Delhi metallo-beta-lactamase 1|NDM-1]] or [[Beta-lactamase#Extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)|ESBL]]-producing strains). The risks are not apparent until, for example, they are admitted to hospital, when they can become "self infected" with their own resistant organisms following a surgical procedure. As persistent nasal, skin, or bowel carriage in the healthy population spreads "silently" across the world, the risks from resistant strains in both hospitals and the community increases.<ref name="bloomfield2013" /> In particular the data indicates that clothing and household linens are a risk factor for spread of [[Staphylococcus aureus|''S. aureus'']] (including MRSA and [[Panton–Valentine leukocidin|PVL]]-producing MRSA strains), and that effectiveness of laundry processes may be an important factor in defining the rate of community spread of these strains.<ref name="bloomfield2011" /><ref name="bllomfield2006">{{cite web |vauthors=Bloomfield SF, Cookson BD, Falkiner FR, Griffith C, Cleary V |year=2006 |title=Methicillin resistant ''Staphylococcus aureus'' (MRSA), Clostridium difficile and ESBL-producing Escherichia coli in the home and community: assessing the problem, controlling the spread |publisher=International Scientific Forum on Home Hygiene |url=https://ifh-homehygiene.org/review-best-practice/methicillin-resistant-staphylococcus-aureus-mrsa-clostridium-difficile-and-esbl/}}</ref> Experience in the United States suggests that these strains are transmissible within families and in community settings such as prisons, schools, and sport teams. Skin-to-skin contact (including unabraded skin) and indirect contact with contaminated objects such as towels, sheets, and sports equipment seem to represent the mode of transmission.<ref name="bloomfield2011" />

During laundering, temperature and [[Laundry detergent|detergent]] work to reduce microbial contamination levels on fabrics. Soil and microbes from fabrics are severed and suspended in the wash water. These are then "washed away" during the rinse and spin cycles. In addition to physical removal, micro-organisms can be killed by thermal inactivation which increases as the temperature is increased. Chemical inactivation of microbes by the surfactants and activated oxygen-based bleach used in detergents contributes to the hygiene effectiveness of laundering. Adding hypochlorite bleach in the washing process achieves inactivation of microbes. A number of other factors can contribute including drying and ironing.

Drying laundry on a line in direct sunlight is known to reduce pathogens.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Hanging your clothes under sun OR using laundry dryer |website=SiOWfa15: Science in Our World: Certainty and Controversy|date=2015-10-21|url=https://sites.psu.edu/siowfa15/2015/10/21/hanging-your-clothes-under-sun-or-using-laundry-dryer/|access-date=2020-10-04}}</ref>

In 2013, the International Scientific Forum on Home Hygiene reviewed 30 studies of the hygiene effectiveness of laundering at temperatures ranging from room temperature to {{convert|70|C|F}}, under varying conditions.<ref>{{cite web |vauthors=Bloomfield SF, Exner M, Signorelli C, Scott EA |title=Effectiveness of laundering processes used in domestic (home) settings |year=2013|publisher=International Scientific Forum on Home Hygiene |url=https://www.ifh-homehygiene.org/review/effectiveness-laundering-processes-used-domestic-home-settings-2013}}</ref> A key finding was the lack of standardization and control within studies, and the variability in test conditions between studies such as wash cycle time, number of rinses, and other factors. The consequent variability in the data (i.e., the reduction in contamination on fabrics) in turn makes it extremely difficult to propose guidelines for laundering with any confidence. As a result, there is significant variability in the recommendations for hygienic laundering given by different agencies.<ref>{{multiref2
|1={{cite web |title=Clothing, household linens, laundry and hygiene Factsheet |year=2013
|url=https://www.ifh-homehygiene.org/factsheet/clothing-household-linens-laundry-and-home-hygiene |publisher=International Scientific Forum on Home Hygiene}}
|2={{cite web|title=Laundry treatments at high and low temperatures|url=https://www.hse.gov.uk/biosafety/blood-borne-viruses/laundry-treatments.htm|publisher=UK health and Safety Executive|year=2013}}
}}</ref>

===Medical hygiene at home===
Medical hygiene pertains to hygiene practices that prevent or minimize disease and the spreading of disease in relation to administering medical care to those who are infected or who are more at risk of infection in the home. Members of "at-risk" groups are cared for at home by a carer who may be a household member and who requires a good knowledge of hygiene. People with reduced immunity to infection, who are looked after at home, make up an increasing proportion of the population ({{as of|2009|alt=as of 2009}}, up to 20%).<ref name="globalburden" /> The largest proportion are the elderly who have co-morbidities that reduce their immunity to infection. It also includes the very young, patients discharged from hospital, taking immuno-suppressive drugs, or using invasive systems, etc. For patients discharged from hospital, or being treated at home, special "medical hygiene" procedures may need to be performed for them, such as catheter or dressing replacement, which puts them at higher risk of infection.

[[Antiseptic]]s may be applied to cuts, wounds, and abrasions of the skin to prevent the entry of harmful bacteria that can cause sepsis. Day-to-day hygiene practices, other than special medical hygiene procedures,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://ifh-homehygiene.org/best-practice-training/home-hygiene-prevention-infection-home-training-resource-carers-and-their/|title=Home Hygiene: Prevention of infection at home and in everyday life: a learning and training resource|year=2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220702153748/https://www.ifh-homehygiene.org/training-best-practice/home-hygiene-prevention-infection-home-and-everyday-life-learning-and-0|archive-date=2022-07-02|website=Home Hygiene & Health}}</ref> are no different for those at increased risk of infection than for other family members. The difference is that, if hygiene practices are not correctly carried out, the risk of infection is much greater.

===Disinfectants and antibacterials in home hygiene===
{{More citations needed|section|date=January 2022}}

[[disinfectant|Chemical disinfectants]]<ref>{{multiref2
|1={{cite web|title=Cleaning and disinfection: Chemical Disinfectants Explained|year=2014|url=https://www.ifh-homehygiene.org/factsheet/cleaning-and-disinfection-chemical-disinfectants-explained|website=Home Hygiene & Health}}
|2={{Cite book|title=Russell, Hugo & Ayliffe's principles and practice of disinfection, preservation and sterilization|year=2013|publisher=Wiley-Blackwell |editor-first1=Adam P.|editor-last1= Fraise |editor-first2=J.Y.|editor-last2=Maillard |editor-first3=Syed |editor-last3=Sattar|isbn=978-1-118-42587-9|edition=5th |location=Chichester|oclc=825550689}}
}}</ref> are products that kill [[pathogens]]. If the product is a disinfectant, the label on the product should say "disinfectant" or "kills" pathogens. Some commercial products, e.g. bleaches, even though they are technically disinfectants, say that they "kill pathogens" but are not actually labelled as "disinfectants". Not all disinfectants kill all types of pathogens. All disinfectants kill bacteria (called bactericidal). Some also kill fungi (fungicidal), bacterial spores (sporicidal), or viruses (virucidal).

An [[antibacterial soap|antibacterial]] product acts against bacteria in some unspecified way. Some products labelled "antibacterial" kill bacteria while others may contain a concentration of active ingredient that only prevents them from multiplying. It is, therefore, important to check whether the product label states that it "kills bacteria". An antibacterial is not necessarily anti-fungal or anti-viral unless this is stated on the label.

The term [[disinfection|sanitizer]] has been used to define substances that both clean and disinfect. More recently this term has been applied to alcohol-based products that disinfect the hands ([[hand sanitizer|alcohol hand sanitizers]]). Alcohol hand sanitizers however are not considered to be effective on soiled hands.<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Pickering|first1=Amy J.|last2=Davis|first2=Jennifer|last3=Boehm|first3=Alexandria B.|date=2011-09-01|title=Efficacy of alcohol-based hand sanitizer on hands soiled with dirt and cooking oil|url=https://iwaponline.com/jwh/article/9/3/429/19807/Efficacy-of-alcoholbased-hand-sanitizer-on-hands|journal=Journal of Water and Health|language=en|volume=9|issue=3|pages=429–433|doi=10.2166/wh.2011.138|pmid=21976190 |s2cid=11800640 |issn=1477-8920|doi-access=free}}</ref>

The term [[biocide]] is a broad term for a substance that kills, inactivates or otherwise controls living organisms. It includes [[antiseptics]] and disinfectants, which combat micro-organisms, and [[pesticides]].