Cleaners, Sanitizers, and Disinfectant Products: Selection considerations for state agencies

September 2018

Introduction

The agencies and operations of the State of Minnesota are large consumers of chemicals and consumer products. To help ensure that products used in State agencies and operations provide optimal performance while also protecting human health and the environment, Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) completed a brief evaluation of cleaners, sanitizers, and disinfectants.

Sources consulted during the evaluation included Minnesota Statutes, Minnesota Rules, MDH staff from several programs, recently published scientific journal articles, and websites from the U.S. Centers for Disease Prevention and Control, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Hennepin County Human Services and Public Health Department, and others. The report also suggests additional contacts for information about best practices for cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting in various settings.

Overview

The document below summarizes the findings of the evaluation. Overall, the best product choices may vary by the type of organization for which the product is being purchased (i.e., child care, food service, health care, etc.), the location to be cleaned (i.e., restroom, food service area, public areas, etc.), and cleaning requirements under Minnesota law.

General findings include:

• A product with high-level or Healthcare Environmental disinfecting claims is not required for everyday use, particularly for counters, floors, and other low-contact surfaces.
• The method of cleaning and disinfection is important for optimal results.
• Pathogen resistance is a concern. Products should be selected appropriately to help reduce possibility of pathogen resistance.

An Evaluation of Cleaners, Sanitizers, and Disinfectants for Surfaces (PDF)

Information sheet
Cleaning and Disinfecting Public Restrooms (PDF)

Sustainable Purchasing

The State’s Sustainable Purchasing Program (a joint effort of Department of Administration – Office of State Procurement and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency) has developed environmental specifications to better protect human and environmental health for products included on the cleaners and disinfectants contract as well as in other product areas. 

State agency purchasers and others who are eligible to purchase from Minnesota state contracts (other states, local government, public schools, certain non-profits) can find information about these specifications on the Purchasing resources for government webpage.