You’ve probably read antibacterial or antimicrobial on one of your product labels lately. But what exactly do these terms mean? Are they the same? Let’s break down what an antibacterial and antimicrobial product is and what each does for keeping your office clean.
Antibacterial Products
When a product is antibacterial, it means it slows the growth of bacteria. For example, when you use soap, you remove germs from your hands, but that doesn’t mean that it’s one wash and you’re done! Usually, these products require daily application to remain effective.
Antimicrobial Products
Antimicrobial products are actually regulated by the U.S. Environmental Protection (EPA) because they don’t just slow the growth of harmful organisms, they can continuously kill them. This is why you’ll often find an antimicrobial film on products you use daily, like a pen, calculator or even a keyboard!