Disinfectant vs. Detergent — What's the Difference?

A disinfectant is a chemical substance or compound used to inactivate or destroy microorganisms on inert surfaces. Disinfection does not necessarily kill all microorganisms, especially resistant bacterial spores; it is less effective than sterilization, which is an extreme physical or chemical process that kills all types of life.

A detergent is a surfactant or a mixture of surfactants with cleansing properties in dilute solutions. These substances are usually alkylbenzene sulfonates, a family of compounds that are similar to soap but are more soluble in hard water, because the polar sulfonate (of detergents) is less likely than the polar carboxylate (of soap) to bind to calcium and other ions found in hard water.

A chemical liquid that destroys bacteria

A water-soluble cleansing agent which combines with impurities and dirt to make them more soluble, and differs from soap in not forming a scum with the salts in hard water

Causing disinfection

Relating to detergents or their action

An agent, such as heat, radiation, or a chemical, that is applied to inanimate objects to destroy, neutralize, or inhibit the growth of disease-carrying microorganisms.

A cleansing substance that acts similarly to soap but is made from chemical compounds rather than fats and lye.

Serving to disinfect.

Having cleansing power.

Serving to kill germs or viruses.

Any non-soap cleaning agent, especially a synthetic surfactant.

A substance that kills germs and/or viruses.

Syn of cleansing.

That which disinfects, especially an agent for killing or removing the microorganisms which cause infection. Commonly used disinfectants are chlorine, sodium hypochlorite solution, hydrogen peroxide, and alcohol.

Cleansing; purging.

An agent (as heat or radiation or a chemical) that destroys microorganisms that might carry disease

A surface-active chemical widely used in industry and laundering

Preventing infection by inhibiting the growth or action of microorganisms

A cleansing agent that differs from soap but can also emulsify oils and hold dirt in suspension

Having cleansing power