Best COVID-19 Disinfecting Solutions: EPA List N Products That Work
Best COVID-19 Disinfecting Solutions: EPA List N Products That Work
Choosing a disinfectant that actually works against COVID-19 comes down to two things: verifying the product on EPA List N and following the label’s contact time for your surface. In this guide, we identify the best COVID-19 disinfecting solutions on EPA List N, explain how to verify by EPA Registration Number, and show how to balance speed, safety, and surface compatibility. If you need a quick answer: pick an EPA List N disinfectant, clean first, apply enough to keep the surface visibly wet for the full dwell time, and confirm the product is compatible with your surface. The sections below detail what to use and how to use it with confidence.
Cleaning Supply Review
Cleaning Supply Review evaluates cleaning products through lab research, hands-on field tests, and responsible sourcing criteria to translate technical data into practical, everyday guidance. We verify claims against primary sources first, then weigh performance, safety, cost per use, and sustainability. Our criteria are transparent—contact time, active ingredient class, and surface compatibility are always documented. You’ll see this approach across related content, from our top-rated all-purpose cleaners for 2025 to real-world paper towel durability testing and sustainability markers such as recycled content and B Corp status.
How we selected List N disinfectants
We shortlist disinfectants by confirming EPA List N status via the product’s EPA Registration Number, then evaluating contact time, active ingredient class, safety profile, surface compatibility, cost per use, and sustainability signals. To verify, check the EPA Reg. No. on the label and confirm it on EPA’s List N; inclusion signals expected efficacy against SARS‑CoV‑2 when used as directed. List N inclusion is not an endorsement—always follow label directions for dilution, application method, and dwell time. In our reviews, we document the exact EPA Reg. No. and stated SARS‑CoV‑2 contact time so you can match products to your surfaces.
What EPA List N means
“EPA List N is the U.S. database of surface disinfectants expected to inactivate SARS‑CoV‑2 when used per label directions. Products qualify via testing against the virus or related pathogens and are searchable by EPA Registration Number. Inclusion is not an endorsement.” See details on the EPA’s List N page.
How to match products: use the first two sets of numbers in the EPA Reg. No. to find equivalent products and formulations listed under a common master registration. Important: List N products are for surfaces, not humans.
How to use this guide
Start with your needs, then narrow by chemistry:
- Identify surface type (sealed stone, stainless steel, electronics exteriors).
- Decide acceptable contact time (1–10 minutes).
- Consider safety constraints (ventilation, PPE) and budget.
- Shortlist by active ingredient class and verify a specific product’s EPA Reg. No.
Quick comparison of common active classes
| Active ingredient (example) | Typical contact time range | Safety notes | Cost per 32 oz equivalent (est.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sodium hypochlorite (bleach) | 1–10 min | Corrosive; ventilate; avoid mixing with acids/ammonia | Low (<$1) |
| Alcohols (ethanol/isopropanol) | 30 sec–5 min | Flammable; can craze some plastics; ventilate | Low–Moderate ($1–$3) |
| Quaternary ammonium compounds (quats) | 2–10 min | Residue possible; check microfiber/food-contact rinse | Low–Moderate ($0.50–$3) |
| Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) | 1–10 min | Gentler oxidizer; stability varies by formulation | Low–Moderate (varies by generation) |
| Stabilized aqueous ozone (SAO) | ~1–5 min (label-specific) | On-site generation; minimal residue | Low per use; device cost |
| Botanical (e.g., thymol) | 5–10 min | Lower-toxicity profile; scent/residue varies | Moderate–High ($3–$6) |
| Broad-spectrum RTU (facility-grade) | 1–10 min | Simple compliance; confirm surface compatibility | Moderate–High ($3–$8) |
Ranges vary by brand; always follow the product label for SARS‑CoV‑2.
Sodium hypochlorite
Bleach (sodium hypochlorite) is broadly effective against enveloped viruses, including SARS‑CoV‑2, when used at label-directed dilutions and contact times, as supported by a peer‑reviewed literature review. Pros: rapid, inexpensive, and wide-spectrum. Cons: corrosive to metals and some finishes, irritating to skin/eyes/respiratory tract; ensure ventilation and use on compatible, nonporous surfaces. Tips: never mix with acids or ammonia; wear PPE; pre-clean, then apply enough solution to keep surfaces visibly wet for the full dwell time.
Alcohol-based disinfectants
Ethanol and isopropanol in proper concentrations inactivate SARS‑CoV‑2 quickly, making them ideal for point-of-use tasks like door hardware, touchscreens’ exteriors, and small fixtures. Because alcohol evaporates fast, re-wet as needed to maintain the full contact time; avoid ignition sources and ensure ventilation. Some plastics (e.g., acrylics) may craze—heed any label warnings and test inconspicuous spots.
Quaternary ammonium compounds
Quats are widely used in facilities and are effective against SARS‑CoV‑2 when applied per label. Adhere to dwell time precisely; residues can accumulate, so consider a rinse on food-contact surfaces and confirm compatibility with microfiber. Because formulations vary, verify each product’s EPA Reg. No. on List N and follow the specific instructions provided.
Hypochlorous acid
Evidence indicates hypochlorous acid (HOCl) inactivates SARS‑CoV‑2, offering an oxidizing option that’s often gentler on surfaces than concentrated bleach. HOCl may be generated on-site or purchased as a stabilized formulation; stability, concentration, and contact time are label-specific. Hypochlorous acid is a weak acid and potent oxidizer made from salt and water; verify List N status and use directions for your exact product.
Stabilized aqueous ozone
Some stabilized aqueous ozone (SAO) systems and solutions claim 1‑minute kills on hard nonporous surfaces for SARS‑CoV‑2, with residue‑free performance and reduced floor slippage; these benefits typically require on-site generation equipment and cartridge schedules. Treat such claims as vendor data points—cross-check List N registration if a product is marketed as a disinfectant and confirm the exact contact time on its label.
Benefect Decon 30
Benefect Decon 30 is a botanical disinfectant that advertises EPA registration, bacterial kill in 30 seconds, and a 10‑minute COVID‑19 contact time; always defer to the product label for use directions. It suits sensitive environments seeking lower-toxicity actives, but the 10‑minute dwell time can slow throughput. Verify the EPA Reg. No. on List N to confirm current status.
Fiberlock ShockWave RTU
ShockWave RTU is positioned as an EPA‑registered, ready‑to‑use disinfectant with 120+ organism claims; check the label for the specific SARS‑CoV‑2 contact time and application method. RTU simplifies compliance for high-traffic sites (restrooms, doorknobs, rails), reducing dilution errors. As always, confirm the EPA Reg. No. on List N and ensure surface compatibility before broad deployment.
GenEon systems
GenEon offers on-site generation systems and states its disinfectants are EPA‑registered and listed on List N under registration number 91112‑2; validate the registration in the EPA database. Pros include reduced chemical storage and potentially lower toxicity; tradeoffs include equipment costs, training needs, and maintenance. Follow the product label for application method and contact time to meet List N expectations.
Contact time and real-world throughput
Dwell time drives labor planning. Some SAO systems report 1‑minute contact times, while certain botanical formulas require 10 minutes—shorter times enable faster room turns, whereas longer times can build margin for application variability. Standardize a simple workflow:
- Pre-clean to remove soils.
- Apply enough disinfectant to keep the surface visibly wet.
- Start a timer; re‑wet if needed to maintain coverage.
- Document completion per area. Choose tools by area size—trigger sprays for small zones; pump sprayers or electrostatics for larger surfaces to maintain even wet contact.
Safety and surface compatibility
During the pandemic, U.S. poison centers saw a rise in exposures linked to cleaners and disinfectants; 25% of cases reported at least one health effect, including nose/sinus irritation (11%), skin (8%), eye (8%), headache/dizziness (8%), and breathing problems (6%), underscoring the need for good controls. Do not mix chemicals, ventilate spaces, and use appropriate PPE. Surface notes: bleach can corrode metals and damage stone; alcohols may craze certain plastics; quats are generally surface-friendly but can leave residue—always test an inconspicuous area.
Cost and supply considerations
Per-use costs vary: diluted bleach and alcohol tend to be lowest, while commercial RTU products and on-site generation introduce higher upfront or per-bottle costs that may be offset by safety and environmental benefits over time. Maintain multiple approved sources and monitor availability via List N–focused retailer categories for quick supply snapshots.
Estimated cost and logistics by product type
| Product type | Dilution or RTU | Typical contact time | Est. cost per 1,000 sq ft | Storage/transport needs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bleach (sodium hypochlorite) | Dilute | 1–10 min | Low (<$1) | Light-sensitive; ventilate; corrosive |
| Alcohol sprays/wipes | RTU | 0.5–5 min | Low–Moderate ($1–$4) | Flammable; cap securely |
| Quat concentrates | Dilute | 2–10 min | Low–Moderate ($1–$3) | Standard chemical storage |
| Botanical RTU | RTU | 5–10 min | Moderate–High ($3–$8) | Avoid freezing; check scent tolerance |
| HOCl (on-site/stabilized) | RTU or generated | 1–10 min | Low–Moderate (device or shelf-life) | Freshness/stability management |
| SAO (generated) | Generated RTU | ~1–5 min | Low per use; device amortization | Generator + cartridges |
| Broad-spectrum RTU (facility) | RTU | 1–10 min | Moderate–High ($3–$8) | Standard RTU storage |
Values are indicative; confirm with suppliers and your coverage rates.
Sustainability criteria and safer choices
Screen List N candidates against safer chemistry frameworks and eco-labels, and consider packaging impacts. Look for recycled content in bottles, B Corp certification among vendors, and EPA’s Design for the Environment logo where applicable. Oxidizers (bleach, chlorine dioxide) are potent but may require ventilation and rinsing; botanical actives can reduce hazard signals but sometimes carry longer dwell times; HOCl and SAO offer low-residue options that may improve indoor air quality. Safer disinfectant choice means meeting List N efficacy while minimizing hazards to users, surfaces, and indoor air, and considering packaging waste and supply chain credentials. Cleaning Supply Review applies these screens in our reviews to balance efficacy with practical safety.
When to clean versus disinfect
Clean visibly dirty surfaces with soap and water before disinfecting; soil removal improves disinfectant contact and performance. In routine conditions without illness, cleaning may be sufficient; add disinfection for high-touch surfaces, shared equipment, or during outbreak response according to industry guidance.
Cleaning only vs. Clean + disinfect
- Cleaning only: private offices with minimal traffic; low-touch furniture; areas without shared equipment.
- Clean + disinfect: doorknobs, elevator buttons, shared keyboards, restrooms, breakrooms, gyms, retail checkout areas.
Prioritize high-touch surfaces
SARS‑CoV‑2 is an enveloped virus and susceptible to many disinfectants, but consistent attention to high-touch points yields outsized risk reduction. Focus on handles, rails, elevator buttons, faucets, payment terminals, light switches, and shared electronics. Build checklists by zone (office, retail, gym), assign responsibility, and timestamp rounds to maintain consistency.
Verification and compliance checklist
- Verify EPA Reg. No. on List N; use the first two number sets to identify equivalent products.
- Confirm label contact time, dilution, application method, and re-wet requirements; document SOPs.
- Train staff on PPE, ventilation, no‑mix rules, and incident reporting; perform periodic refresher training.
- Maintain a binder or digital log with product labels, SDS, List N screenshots, training records, and audit notes.
Related resources: top-rated all-purpose cleaners for 2025
Cleaning first makes disinfection faster and more reliable. See our top-rated all-purpose cleaners for 2025 for high-soil removal and low residue, which improve disinfectant coverage and reduce rework in the “clean then disinfect” workflow.
Method note: paper towel durability testing
Our wipe evaluation measures wet tensile strength, absorbency rate, and abrasion resistance under standardized loads, with pass/fail thresholds tied to maintaining wet contact without linting. Stronger, more absorbent towels improve soil pickup, reduce streaking, and help keep surfaces visibly wet for full dwell time during disinfection passes.
Frequently asked questions
How do I verify a product is on EPA List N?
Check the product’s EPA Registration Number on EPA List N and match the first two number sets to find equivalent products; Cleaning Supply Review includes these numbers in our reviews for easy matching.
What contact time should I follow for SARS-CoV-2?
Follow the SARS‑CoV‑2 contact time on the product label; our guides highlight typical ranges, but the label controls. Keep the surface visibly wet for the full dwell time, re‑wetting as needed.
Are List N disinfectants safe to use around people and pets?
List N confirms efficacy, not overall safety; Cleaning Supply Review flags safer-chemistry options where applicable. Wear PPE, ventilate, avoid mixing chemicals, and consider lower-toxicity actives and recognized eco-labels where appropriate.
Do I need to disinfect daily, or is cleaning enough?
Clean daily, and add disinfection for high-touch areas, shared equipment, or illness response; Cleaning Supply Review recommends cleaning first so the disinfectant can work as intended.
What should I avoid mixing or doing when disinfecting?
Don’t mix chemicals, don’t apply surface disinfectants to skin, and avoid poorly ventilated spaces. Always wear appropriate PPE and verify products on EPA List N; Cleaning Supply Review’s checklist above covers these basics.