A product we use regularly around the office and home during the flu season, as well as for a few select jobs throughout the year, is biokleen Power23 RTU. Biokleen Power23 RTU is a neutral germicidal cleaner: A one-step disinfectant cleaner that is effective against a broad spectrum of bacteria, viruses, fungi and inhibits the growth of mold and mildew and their odors.
During this season we’re mostly concerned with the virucidal properties against influenza, or the flu. And most importantly this season with protection against the Swine Flu Influenza A H1N1. The biokleen Power23 RTU is safe to use in confined spaces, such as small offices, and is approved by the EPA to kill Influenza A H1N1 among a long list of other icky stuff.
I have to stress though, we use the Ready To Use (RTU) dilution of the Power23, not the concentrate which needs to be handled with a bit more precaution because it’s sooo concentrated. I wouldn’t recommend the concentrate for home of office use. First of all, it’s a SUPER concentrated product. 1oz will make 1 gallon of the RTU dilution. The smallest size the product comes in is a 32oz, so that’s 32 gallons of product! Way more than anyone should need for the home or office.
Plus, in order for the product to do what it says it does, it must be used at the ready to use dilution. Rather than having to make that dilution myself, I’d rather just purchase the ready to use dilution so I know what I get is right. Apparently there has also been some confusion on the labeling between the ready to use and the concentrate, which comes down to the EPA, since the labels are written and mandated by them.
We use it around the office once every week or two, sometimes more, during the flu season or if someone has recently been sick. Misting down doorhandles, faucets, light switches, toilet handles… pretty much anything that gets handled a lot.
I think the directions recommend spraying down the area and letting it set for at least 10 minutes. Otherwise the active ingredient will not have ample time to kill all viruses. Then wipe off any excess product left behind. Its a pretty simple and quick process and I think helps keep the spread of sickness down and our staff healthy.
There is really only a mild lemon scent to the product and it doesn’t seem to affect anyone’s sensitivities.
So what makes it work and why is it safe?
Biokleen says the active ingredient in Power23 is a Quaternary ammonium type disinfectant and is considered a safe alternative to other disinfectants. The label, uses, claims and directions are all written and mandated by the EPA, not biokleen. The EPA recommends its use in hospitals, medical and dental offices, nursing homes, public restrooms, institutions, schools, colleges, athletic facilities, food processing plants, food storage areas, kitchens, restaurants and bars, airports, transportation terminals, hotels, and motels.
Biokleen also says this product is used by: professional cleaning companies contracted to clean and disinfect hospitals and rooms in-between patients, large kennel companies to reduce the spread of sickness among animals, and professional mold remediation companies.
A Quaternary vs. Common Household Bleach
- A Quaternary disinfects and sanitizes: which means it not only removes germs from bacteria, but it also kills: viruses, fungi, mold, mildew and more. That’s something bleach just cannot do.
- Power23 deodorizes with a fresh lemon scent, bleach… well, we all know what bleach smells like, even if you mask it with a heavy fragrance.
- Power23 is an EPA Registered product proven to kill more pathogens than Bleach, yet reduces allergic reactions associated with the use of Bleach.
- Power23 is a quaternary ammonium type disinfectant, a type which is frequently used in hospitals, and it kills the organisms necessary to qualify as a “hospital grade” disinfectant. In addition, “Power23” has a EPA registration number. Both elements are required for a product to be considered for use in child care facilities.
