In the world of cleaning and hygiene, choosing the right product makes all the difference. While many people use antiviral spray and antibacterial spray as if they’re interchangeable, they’re designed to tackle very different threats.
In this guide, we’ll break down what these sprays do, why they matter and how to choose the right one for your needs. By the end, you’ll know exactly when to reach for each type – and why it matters to your health and hygiene.
What Is an Antibacterial Spray?
An antibacterial spray is designed to kill or prevent the growth of bacteria on surfaces. These products are commonly used in homes, businesses and healthcare settings.
How Antibacterial Sprays Work:
- They contain ingredients that target bacterial cell walls or disrupt essential bacterial functions.
- This results in bacteria either dying or being unable to reproduce.
- Most sprays claim to kill 99.9% of bacteria on contact.
Common Ingredients:
- Triclosan
- Benzalkonium chloride
- Chlorhexidine
- Some alcohol-based blends also have antibacterial action.
Ideal Uses:
- Kitchen surfaces, especially after handling raw meat
- Bathroom sinks, taps and toilets
- Worktops and high-touch areas like door handles
- Remote controls and phones
Bacteria Commonly Targeted:
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E. coli (often found on raw food)
- Salmonella
- Listeria
- Staphylococcus aureus
However, antibacterial spray does not affect viruses. This is where confusion often arises.
What Is an Antiviral Spray?
Unlike antibacterial products, an antiviral spray is specifically formulated to kill viruses. Viruses differ from bacteria in structure and how they infect hosts. This means different chemical mechanisms are required to neutralise them.
How Antiviral Sprays Work:
- They destroy the outer protein coat or lipid envelope that protects viruses.
- This prevents the virus from infecting cells and replicating.
- Most sprays include alcohol, hydrogen peroxide or quaternary ammonium compounds (quats).
Typical Uses:
- Cleaning shared equipment in offices, gyms or clinics
- Disinfecting frequently touched areas during a viral outbreak
- Spraying public transport handrails or seating
- Protecting against seasonal viruses (the flu)
Viruses Commonly Targeted:
Using antiviral sprays during flu season or a pandemic is far more effective than relying on antibacterial options alone.
Key Differences Between Antiviral and Antibacterial Sprays
While both products are vital to maintaining hygiene, their targets and active ingredients vary significantly.
| Feature | Antibacterial spray | Antiviral spray |
| Targets: | Bacteria | Viruses |
| Active Ingredients: | Triclosan, Benzalkonium Chloride | Ethanol, Hydrogen Peroxide, Quats |
| Common Uses: | General household cleaning | High-risk environments (schools, clinics) |
| Kills Coronavirus? | ✗ | ✔ |
| Kills E. Coli? | ✔ | ✗ |
Knowing the difference helps you make the right hygiene choice and avoid spreading the very microbes you’re trying to stop.
Why Does Using the Right Disinfectant Spray Matter?
Choosing the wrong spray for the situation can leave surfaces contaminated. For instance:
-
Flu season: Using an antibacterial spray in your office won’t remove flu viruses from keyboards or phones.
- Kitchen cleaning: An antiviral spray may not kill food-borne bacteria like Salmonella or Listeria unless it also has antibacterial properties.
Real-World Impact:
- A 2021 study by the American Society for Microbiology showed that: “Surfaces not treated with a suitable disinfectant could harbour active viruses for up to 72 hours.”
- The UK Food Standards Agency states: “Cross-contamination from bacteria on surfaces is one of the main causes of foodborne illness.”
What to Look For on the Label of Your Antibacterial or Antiviral Spray?
One of the simplest ways to choose correctly is to read the label. Most quality products will state whether they are antibacterial, antiviral or both.
What to Look For:
-
Specific claims such as:
- “Kills 99.9% of viruses including coronavirus”
- “Effective against E. coli and other harmful bacteria”
- “Kills 99.9% of viruses including coronavirus”
-
Active ingredients such as:
- Ethanol and hydrogen peroxide for antiviral action
- Chlorhexidine or benzalkonium chloride for antibacterial efficacy
- Ethanol and hydrogen peroxide for antiviral action
If you’re still in doubt, reach out to us here at Galleon for clarification. We’re always happy to advise on product suitability.
Can a Product Be Both Antibacterial and Antiviral?
Yes – some products are formulated to be both antiviral and antibacterial.
These are especially useful in busy commercial environments where multiple types of pathogens may be present.
Dual-Action Sprays Are Ideal For:
At Galleon, our multi-surface wipes are formulated to meet both antibacterial and antiviral standards. They offer dual-action protection, and a convenient alternative to a spray – discover whether a spray or wipe is best for your disinfecting situation here.
How Much Contact Time Do Antibacterial and Antiviral Sprays Need?
One key difference between antiviral spray and antibacterial spray lies in how long each needs to remain on a surface to work effectively.
Antibacterial Sprays Typically Require a Shorter Contact Time:
- Usually effective within 30 seconds to 2 minutes
- Targets fast-acting bacterial cells on surfaces
Antiviral Sprays Often Need a Longer Dwell Time:
- Can require up to 5 minutes for full effectiveness
- Especially important when targeting resilient viruses like norovirus or coronavirus
Choose Your Disinfectant Spray With Confidence
When it comes to effective hygiene, understanding the difference between antiviral spray and antibacterial spray can make a big impact. Each type serves a unique purpose, using the right one will help you stay safer and healthier.
Galleon proudly supplies a full range of targeted antibacterial and antiviral sprays. A collection consisting of options that meet the highest British standards for surface disinfection. Tested to:
- BS EN 14476: Tests their ability to kill viruses.
- BS EN 1276: Tests their ability to kill 99% of bacteria within 5 minutes.
- BS EN 13697: Tests the effectiveness of disinfectants on non-porous surfaces, both for bacterial and fungicidal activity.
Let Galleon help you stay protected. Browse our range of antibacterial and antiviral products, or get in touch with our team for further information.
