What's the best household disinfectant?

The best household disinfectant depends on your needs, surface type, and safety preferences, but several options are widely recommended for effectiveness and safety when used correctly. Diluted household bleach solution, typically about one third cup bleach per gallon of water, is very effective against bacteria, viruses, and fungi on hard non-porous surfaces, inexpensive, but requires proper ventilation, careful mixing, and can damage some materials and fabrics. EPA-registered quaternary ammonium compound sprays and wipes are convenient for kitchens and bathrooms, effective against many pathogens with moderate contact times. Hydrogen peroxide based disinfectants, often at three to seven percent, are effective and break down into water and oxygen, with less strong odor than bleach. Alcohol solutions at sixty to seventy percent isopropyl alcohol are good for quick disinfection of small surfaces. For general household use, a product that is EPA registered, has clear contact time instructions, and is suitable for your surfaces is best, and always clean surfaces before disinfecting for maximum effectiveness.