New Jersey Nail Technician Practice Exam

Disinfectants are specifically formulated to eliminate or reduce harmful microorganisms on non-living surfaces. They work by destroying bacteria, viruses, and fungi, making them ideal for use in settings that require a high standard of hygiene, such as salons, spas, and medical facilities. The effectiveness of disinfectants comes from their chemical composition, which can include various agents capable of breaking down cell walls, disrupting metabolic processes, or inactivating viruses.

In contrast, antiseptics are designed for use on living tissues and are meant to reduce the risk of infection by diminishing the number of microorganisms on skin or mucous membranes, rather than on inanimate surfaces. Antibiotics are used to treat infections in living organisms and do not apply to non-living surfaces. Dry sanitizers may clean surfaces but are not specifically designed to eliminate microorganisms effectively the way disinfectants do.