ANTIMICROBIALS: What Are They and Why Do They Matter?

If you’re anti-odor, anti-spoil or anti-spread (and who isn’t?), antimicrobials are here to protect you in countless ways each day.

“Antimicrobials” may sound complicated, but what they do is simple: They help stop the growth and spread of microbes that could harm you or your family.

Every day, these tiny superheroes are used to help kill or prevent the growth of bacteria, virus and fungi. These good chemistries touch many aspects of our daily lives, helping to clean and disinfect our homes, medical facilities and public spaces.

Would you like to see the many places and ways that antimicrobials help keep you safe from harmful germs?

Check out our Antimicrobials 101 video below.

Antimicrobial =
Anti-Germ

Anywhere there are people or surfaces people frequently touch, there are germs. To reduce the spread of germs, we rely on antimicrobial disinfectants and sanitizers.

Often used to clean sinks, countertops, doorknobs and floors.

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Antimicrobial =
Anti-Infection

Antimicrobials are among the first lines of defense in the battle against infection. Disinfectants and sterilizers are essential to killing germs and viruses that would otherwise pose real dangers to you and your family.

Often used for medicines, sterilizers, and disinfectants.

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Antimicrobial =
Anti-Waste

Did you know antimicrobials help make products more sustainable and last longer? Many surprising household items, from paints and textiles to the wood in your home, would decay or spoil if it weren’t for the power of antimicrobials.

Often found in wood, paints, and textiles.

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Are you anti-spoil or anti-germ? Take our quiz to find out!

What Kind of Anti Are You?

1 / 11

Before we begin, what's your name?

Antimicrobials are used to help prevent the spread of germs and disease.

2 / 11

First question. On a scale of 1-5, how frequently do you use antibacterial hand soaps, gels, or foams?

5 – Always

4 – Very Frequently

3 – Occasionally

2 – Rarely

1 – Very Rarely

3 / 11

On a scale of 1-5, how frequently do you disinfect your bathroom?

5 – Always

4 – Very Frequently

3 – Occasionally

2 – Rarely

1 – Very Rarely

4 / 11

On a scale of 1-5, how frequently do you disinfect your kitchen counters?

5 – Always

4 – Very Frequently

3 – Occasionally

2 – Rarely

1 – Very Rarely

5 / 11

Did you know that antimicrobials help disinfect, sterilize, or sanitize surfaces?

Yes

Not Sure

6 / 11

Do you think that antimicrobial products are used to help protect doctors, patients, staff, and other visitors in healthcare settings?

Yes

Not Sure

Antimicrobials help extend the life of products we use and preserve our precious resources.

7 / 11

On a scale of 1-5, how important is it for you to have wood products be protected from decay caused by mold and mildew.

5 – Very important

4 – Important

3 – Fairly important

2 – Slightly important

1 – Not important

8 / 11

It’s important to me that products last longer.

5 – Very important

4 – Important

3 – Fairly important

2 – Slightly important

1 – Not important

9 / 11

On a scale of 1-5, how important is it for you to have laundry detergent and household products be protected from spoiling?

5 – Very important

4 – Important

3 – Fairly important

2 – Slightly important

1 – Not important

10 / 11

It is important for me to have paint products that do not need to be refrigerated.

Yes

Not Sure

11 / 11

Antimicrobial preservatives are typically used to preserve which type of products?

Wood Products and Materials

Paints and Coatings

Fabrics and Textiles

Personal Care Products

All of the above

ANTIMICROBIALS: What Are They and Why Do They Matter?

Would you like to see the many places and ways that antimicrobials help keep you safe from harmful germs?

Check out our Antimicrobials 101 video below.

Antimicrobial = Anti-Germ

Antimicrobial = Anti-Infection

Antimicrobial = Anti-Waste

Are you anti-spoil or anti-germ? Take our quiz to find out!

Antimicrobial =
Anti-Germ

Antimicrobial =
Anti-Infection

Antimicrobial =
Anti-Waste