Cleaning and Disinfection

  1. The National Environment Agency
  2. Our Services
  3. Public Cleanliness
  4. Environmental Cleaning Guidelines
  5. Cleaning and Disinfection
  6. List of active ingredients for general disinfection

List of active ingredients for general disinfection

Updated 7 October 2024

This list (Table 1) presents common active ingredients found in disinfectant products that are effective against infectious pathogens such as COVID-19 and Mpox viruses. 

Viruses vary in their susceptibility to disinfection. For example, enveloped viruses are the easiest to kill as they are no longer infectious once their lipid envelope is damaged. On the other hand, small, non-enveloped viruses are more resistant to disinfection. An example in this category includes Norovirus. For such viruses, a stronger chlorine-based disinfectant with higher concentration and/or longer contact time may be required.


Table 1. List of common active ingredients for general disinfection

Active IngredientExamples Remarks
Alcohols
  • Ethanol
  • Isopropanol
  • Typical working concentration:
    60% – 90%
  • Flammable at high concentration. Keep away from heat/sparks/open flames/hot surfaces
  • May be less effective against harder to kill pathogens
Quaternary ammonium compounds
  • Alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride
  • Didecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride
  • Typical working concentration:
    0.05% - 1.0%
  • Commonly used for general cleaning
  • May be less effective against harder to kill pathogens
Sodium hypochlorite or active chlorine generated from other precursors
  • Sodium dichloroisocyanurate (NaDCC)]
  • Calcium hypochlorite
  • Sodium tosylchloramide
  • Trichloroisocyanuric acid
  • Typical working concentration:
    0.05% - 0.5%
  • Corrosive to metals, wipe away residues with wet cloth after required contact time
  • Effective and fast acting against a broad spectrum of pathogens

Important points to note when using disinfectants:

1. Check the labels and use according to instructions. Be aware of the potential hazard of each product. 

2. Avoid contact with eyes and skin when handling disinfectant products and keep them away from children.

3. Do not mix different disinfectant products and use in a well-ventilated area.

4. For disinfection of highly contaminated surfaces or materials, avoid the use of spray, and allow appropriate contact time needed for disinfection.