Table 2. Properties of an ideal disinfectant

• Broad spectrum: should have a wide antimicrobial spectrum
• Fast acting: should produce a rapid kill
• Not affected by environmental factors: should be active in the presence of organic matter (e.g., blood, sputum, feces) and compatible with soaps, detergents, and other chemicals encountered in use
• Nontoxic: should not be harmful to the user or patient
• Surface compatibility: should not corrode instruments and metallic surfaces and should not cause the deterioration of cloth, rubber, plastics, and other materials
• Residual effect on treated surfaces: should leave an antimicrobial film on the treated surface
• Easy to use with clear label directions
• Odorless: should have a pleasant odor or no odor to facilitate its routine use
• Economical: should not be prohibitively high in cost
• Solubility: should be soluble in water
• Stability: should be stable in concentrate and use-dilution
• Cleaner: should have good cleaning properties
• Environmentally friendly: should not damage the environment on disposal