
How to Choose the Best Commercial Sanitiser for Your Facility
Choosing the right sanitiser for your business isn’t just about being clean—it’s about being healthy and worry-free. With so many options, the best one depends on your specific needs, from surface types to the level of protection required.
So, how do you choose the right one? Start by finding the best cleaner for your environment, then add it to your routine. Whether you need to order in bulk or something quick and effective, this guide will help you choose the right one for your business’s safety and cleanliness.
Ready to clean up your facility? Browse StellarChem’s full range of commercial cleaning products here!
TL;DR: Choosing the Best Commercial Sanitisers
- Purpose: Commercial sanitisers reduce bacteria and germs to safe levels, which is critical for high-traffic areas like restaurants and hospitals.
- Types of Sanitisers: Chemical (chlorine, quats, iodine), alcohol-based (quick use), eco-friendly (plant-based)
- Sanitiser vs Disinfectant: Sanitisers bring germ levels to safe standards; disinfectants kill almost all germs.
- Choosing Factors include facility type, surface compatibility, pathogen effectiveness, food contact surface safety, ease of use, and regulatory compliance.
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Industry-Specific Recommendations:
- Restaurants/Cafes: Food-safe quaternary ammonium compounds.
- Hotels/Accommodations: Alcohol or chlorine for various surfaces.
- Healthcare: Hydrogen peroxide for broad spectrum.
- Offices: Alcohol or quats with low odour.
- Retail: Alcohol for high-touch areas.
- Industrial: Iodine or peracetic acid for heavy-duty grime.
- Best Practices: Follow product instructions, clean the surface first, use the correct dilution, allow contact time, and avoid common mistakes like incorrect dilution or improper storage.
What is a Commercial Sanitiser?
Commercial sanitisers are tools to keep your business clean and safe. These products reduce bacteria and germs on surfaces to safe levels per public health standards. Commercial sanitisers are stronger than your everyday home cleaner, so they are perfect for high-traffic areas or where hygiene is critical, like restaurants and hospitals.
These sanitisers work by using chemicals that break down or destroy the cell walls of microorganisms. They are applied to surfaces after cleaning and left for a particular time to do their job correctly.
Types of commercial-grade sanitisers include:
- Chemical sanitisers: The most common are chlorine-based, quaternary ammonium compounds (quats), and iodine-based. They are effective but need to be handled with care.
- Alcohol-based sanitisers: Great for quick use, especially on hands. It is less effective on heavily soiled surfaces.
- Eco-friendly options: Plant-based ingredients or hydrogen peroxide. These are gentler on the environment but may need longer contact time.
Want to know more about how a disinfectant can fit into your sanitising routine? Read this.
Sanitiser vs Disinfectant
There must be more clarity between sanitising and disinfecting when cleaning. A sanitiser brings the germ levels on a surface to safe standards; a disinfectant kills germs (almost 100%).
Sanitisers are your everyday cleaners, perfect for regular use. They're often pH-neutral and gentle on surfaces.
A commercial-grade disinfectant is a heavy hitter. It uses more powerful chemicals to kill a broader range of nasties. You’d use a commercial-grade disinfectant to remove all the germs, like in hospitals or after someone’s been sick.
Need help with disinfectants and sanitisers? Read the key differences and usage tips here.
What to Consider When Choosing a Commercial Sanitiser
Choosing the correct commercial-grade sanitiser for your business isn't a one-size-fits-all decision. Consider a few key factors to ensure you get a product that will do the job and suit your needs.
Here’s what to think about:
- Facility type and specific needs: Different sites have different requirements. A hospital needs a more potent product than a small office.
- Surface compatibility: Make sure your sanitiser is safe for any surface you clean. Some products can be too harsh for specific materials.
- Effectiveness against pathogens: Look for a sanitiser that is effective against the germs you’re most likely to find in your environment.
- Safety for food-contact surfaces: If you work in the food industry, your sanitiser must be safe for any surface that comes into contact with food.
- Ease of use: Consider how you apply the product. Some sanitisers must be mixed with water; others are ready to use.
- Compliance with Australian standards: Ensure your chosen sanitiser meets all relevant safety and health standards.
- Scent: It's not essential, but some businesses prefer a pleasant scent like fruity or vanilla. Unscented options are available, too.
Looking for eco-friendly cleaning solutions for your business? Read how to choose the right products here.
Selection Tips Based on Your Commercial Facility
Choosing the right sanitiser for your commercial site maintains a clean and safe environment. Different industries have different needs, so tailoring your sanitising is essential. Let’s look at best practices for each sector.
Find the right sanitiser/cleaner for your site here.
Restaurants and Cafes
In eateries, choose sanitisers that are food-safe but effective on any surface, like quaternary ammonium compounds (quats). Look for products that work with a commercial-grade disinfectant or on hard surfaces in toilets, bathrooms, and floors. Many cafes prefer sanitisers with a popular fragrance like lemon or vanilla to keep the place smelling fresh while being clean.
Hotels, Motels, and Accommodations
For resorts and other accommodations, choose versatile sanitisers for bathrooms, floors, walls, and fabrics, such as alcohol- or chlorine-based products. The product should be suitable for cleaning and sanitising across your whole site and not compromise the work of a commercial-grade disinfectant—Prioritise safe options for guest areas that are strong enough for thorough sanitising.
Healthcare Facilities
Hospitals and clinics need strong sanitisers that kill many bacteria and germs. Choose commercial-grade products, like hydrogen peroxide-based sanitisers, that work with your cleaning and sanitising routines. Look for products proven to work in healthcare environments.
Get the benefits of top-level hygiene in healthcare environments here.
Office Buildings
In offices, choose commercial-grade sanitisers that clean surfaces and floors without disrupting work, like alcohol-based or quats with low odour. Choose products that clean and disinfect but aren’t overpowering. Look for quick-drying formulas that won’t leave residue on office equipment.
Retail Spaces
For shops, choose sanitisers (often alcohol-based) that are easy to apply, safe for frequent customer contact, and work with a commercial-grade disinfectant. A spray or wipe cleaner is a popular choice. They should be adequate for cleaning surfaces and high-touch areas.
Industrial Facilities
Solid and effective sanitisers, like iodine or peracetic acid-based, are ideal for industrial sites to tackle tough grime. Choose commercial-grade products that work on hard surfaces and withstand your site's demands. Look for sanitisers that are compatible with the chemicals used in your industry.
How to Use Sanitisers
Once you have chosen the proper sanitiser for your site, it’s important to use it correctly to ensure maximum effectiveness. Here are some essential tips on how to use commercial-grade sanitisers:
- Please review the product's label and follow its manufacturer's instructions.
- Clean the surface before applying sanitiser to remove visible dirt and grime.
- Use the correct dilution ratio when mixing with water if required.
- Apply the sanitiser evenly to cover the whole surface.
- Allow the correct contact time before wiping or rinsing.
- Use the right spray bottle or wipe for the area.
- Replace sanitiser solutions regularly to stay effective.
- Keep sanitisers out of customer reach and store them safely.
- When cleaning metals, choose a sanitiser that won’t rust.
- For scented options like lemon, ensure it doesn’t interfere with your business.
- Create a sanitising schedule to cover all areas.
- Keep sanitiser stock topped up so you don’t run out during peak periods.
- Sanitise the surface first to achieve maximum germ elimination, hygiene, and safety, then follow up with a commercial-grade disinfectant.
Get more out of your sanitising with our I-Fresh Hand Sanitiser. Learn more here.
Common Mistakes to Avoid with Commercial-Grade Sanitisers
Mistakes can quickly reduce effectiveness or pose a safety risk when using commercial-grade sanitisers. Here are some common errors to avoid:
- Not following the recommended dilution ratio when mixing with water.
- Applying sanitisers to dirty surfaces without cleaning them first.
- Not leaving enough contact time on the surface.
- Mixing different sanitisers or cleaners.
- Using too much sanitiser can lead to bacterial resistance.
- Not checking the expiration date on each sanitiser bottle.
- Storing sanitisers in the wrong place, like leaving them in hot areas.
- Filling spray bottles without cleaning them first.
- Adding fragrances like a lemon without checking compatibility.
- Not training staff on sanitiser use.
- Forgetting to close sanitiser containers after use.
- Ordering new stock too late and getting a gap in supply (late delivery time).
- Using sanitisers for something other than their intended purpose.
Use the proper surface cleaner for your commercial site. Check out the top options for different areas here.
Conclusion
Choosing a suitable commercial-grade sanitiser is vital to a safe and clean environment in any facility. By considering surface compatibility, effectiveness, and safety, you’ll know your commercial-grade cleaner is right for you.
Whether you need sanitiser or disinfectant for a busy office or high-traffic restaurant, fill your bottle with the best.
Buy now and protect your home or business—no reason to wait.
Weighing up options? Try this I-Fresh Multipurpose Sanitiser; it’s suitable for everything.
FAQs
What are the 3 approved sanitisers?
Australia's approved sanitisers are chlorine-based, quaternary ammonium compounds, and iodine-based sanitisers, all known for their germ-killing properties.
What type of sanitiser do restaurants use?
Restaurants use quaternary ammonium sanitisers because they are food contact surface friendly and kill many germs.
What are the most common chemical sanitisers used in commercial settings?
Chlorine bleach, quaternary ammonium compounds (quats), and alcohol-based products are common chemical sanitisers used in commercial areas because of their effectiveness and safety.
What is a commercial disinfectant?
A commercial-grade disinfectant is a strong cleaner that kills germs, bacteria, viruses, and fungi on surfaces to achieve high levels of cleanliness and hygiene.