POS Supply Solutions Blog


Why Do I Need an EPA-Registered Disinfectant?


Before we can answer that question, it’s important to clarify the difference between cleaning, sanitizing and disinfecting. Cleaning removes germs, dirt, and other impurities from surfaces, but doesn't necessarily kill them. Sanitizing lowers the number of germs on surfaces or objects—either by killing them or removing them—to a safe level, according to public health standards or requirements. Disinfecting kills germs on surfaces or objects.

In short, it's helpful to think of the relationship between cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting as a spectrum, with cleaning at one end and disinfecting at the other. Disinfecting kills the majority of viruses and bacteria, while sanitizing doesn’t kill everything.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) defines sanitizers as chemical products that can kill at least 99.9% of germs on hard surfaces. Disinfectants are, again, stronger, killing 99.999% of germs on hard, non-porous surfaces or objects. The difference really boils down to the fact that sanitizing solutions aren’t as strong as disinfecting solutions.

Since the coronavirus pandemic, everything has changed - including how businesses run their day-to-day operations. And sanitizing and disinfecting has never been so important at the Point of Sale (POS) and beyond. If you want to keep your employees and customers safe, and minimize exposure of the virus at the POS and other high-traffic areas, you will want to use an EPA-registered disinfectant, meaning one that meets the EPA’s criteria for use against SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19.)


They’re Effective

EPA-registered disinfectants for use against COVID-19 on their List N have been thoroughly tested and demonstrate either: efficacy in killing the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19), efficacy against a pathogen that is harder to kill than SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19); or efficacy against a different human coronavirus similar to SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19).

They’re Safe

EPA’s list of registered disinfectants are also safe when used according to label directions. And none of the products on EPA’s List N are restricted use pesticides (RUPs), so there are no federal requirements for users to be trained or certified to use them safely. Just remember that these products are for use on surfaces, NOT on humans. You can also check out the EPA’s infographic on how to use these products safely.


While many EPA-registered disinfectant wipes and sprays are in very short supply globally, POS Supply Solutions is fully stocked with these hard-to-find items. Check out our disinfecting product offerings that are EPA Approved, In Stock, and Ready to Ship!


CleanCide Canister Cleaning & Disinfecting Wipes (100 Wipes) - IN STOCK!

CleanCide disinfectant wipes are made with a powerful EPA-registered, citric acid based germicidal that cleans, sanitizes, and disinfects. Specially formulated using botanically derived ingredients, this ready-to-use formula is ideal for technology and safe to use on most hard, non-porous surfaces.

EPA registration number: 34810-36
Made in the USA.


3M™ TB Quat Disinfectant Ready-To-Use Cleaner, Quart (12 Bottles) - IN STOCK!

This ready-to-use cleaner is a genuine 3M product and a broad spectrum, EPA-registered surface disinfectant that combines cleaning and disinfecting in one simple step with its ammonia-based, non-acid formula.

EPA registration number: 1839-83-10350
Made in the USA.


SaniZide Pro 1 Surface Surface Disinfectant Wipes, 150 Wipes/Canister (12 Canisters) - IN STOCK!

These disinfecting wipes are saturated with a broad spectrum, EPA-Registered surface disinfectant that combines cleaning and disinfecting in one simple step with its ready-to-use, alcohol-based hospital-grade formula.

EPA registration number: 88494-4-67161
Made in the USA.


SaniZide Pro 1 Surface Disinfectant Spray (6 Bottles) - IN STOCK!

This disinfectant is a broad spectrum, EPA-registered surface disinfectant that combines cleaning and disinfecting in one simple step with its ready-to-use, alcohol-based, hospital-grade formula.

EPA registration number: 88494-3-67161
Made in the USA.


Whether you’re using these for a business like a restaurant or retail store, an institution like a school or daycare, or even at home - you can be certain that any EPA-approved disinfectant is safe and effective against killing the novel coronavirus / COVID-19 on commonly touched surfaces. Order yours today for Fast & Free Shipping from POS Supply Solutions!

Shop our other COVID-19 Products like face masks and shields, sneeze guards, bulk hand sanitizer and more to help you and your team members stay healthy and well.