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 5 June 2026

This guidance presents common active ingredients found in disinfectant products that are effective against infectious pathogens (Table 1). This approach organises pathogens according to their innate resistance to chemical agents, allowing for appropriate disinfection.

Pathogens vary significantly in their susceptibility to disinfection based on their structural and biological characteristics. 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.

Classification by Disinfection Resistance Level

This classification is based on the level of resistance that pathogens exhibit to disinfection protocols, based on scientific literature. This framework is for informational purposes only and does not constitute any product certification or endorsement.

Standard Resistance Pathogens: Pathogens which are readily inactivated, including most enveloped viruses with typical lipid membranes that can be easily compromised, most vegetative bacteria, and fungi. Examples include influenza viruses, coronaviruses (e.g., SARS-CoV-2), most paramyxoviruses, poxviruses (e.g., mpox virus) and common bacterial pathogens.

Intermediate Resistance Pathogens: Pathogens requiring higher disinfection concentrations or extended contact time. Examples include large non-enveloped viruses such as adenoviruses and reoviruses (e.g., rotavirus) and some enveloped viruses such as paramyxoviruses (e.g., Nipah virus) and filoviruses (e.g., Ebola virus)

High Resistance Pathogens: Pathogens with robust structural features that protect against disinfection and require the strongest protocols. These include small non-enveloped viruses (e.g., norovirus) and other highly resistant bacterial species such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis.


Table 1. Active Ingredients and Pathogen Resistance Types

Active IngredientExamplesStandard Resistance PathogensIntermediate Resistance PathogensHigh Resistance Pathogens Remarks
Alcohols
  • Ethanol
  • Isopropanol

60% - 70%

70% - 90%

May be less effective against these pathogens even at maximum concentrations

    Flammable at high concentration. Keep away from heat/sparks/open flames/hot surfaces

      Quaternary ammonium compounds
      • Alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride
      • Didecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride
      		0.05% - 0.1%May be less effective against intermediate and high resistance pathogens

      Commonly used for general cleaning

      Active chlorine
      • Sodium hypochlorite
      • Sodium dichloroisocyanurate (NaDCC)]
      • Calcium hypochlorite
      • Sodium tosylchloramide
      • Trichloroisocyanuric acid

      0.05% - 0.5% (Typical contact time of 1-5 min)

      		Higher concentrations (e.g., 1%) and/or extended contact time (e.g., >5 min) is requiredHigher concentrations (e.g., 5%) and/or extended contact time (e.g., 20 min) is required 

      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 and 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.

      5. Some microorganisms deviate from uniform susceptibility patterns, including variations within the same microbial family. For uncertain pathogen classification or categories, use protocols for the higher-tier resistance category for disinfection.

      6. This guidance will be reviewed and updated as new scientific evidence becomes available for emerging pathogens and their disinfection requirements.