FAQs
Our FAQs provide detailed insights into Accelerated Hydrogen Peroxide™ (AHP™) and Prevail Disinfectants, covering their composition, effectiveness, and safe usage. AHP™ is a patented blend that enhances hydrogen peroxide’s cleaning and germicidal properties, making it a powerful yet safe disinfectant. We also clarify the differences between cleaning, sanitizing, disinfecting, and sterilizing, ensuring proper use in various environments. Additionally, this section addresses key questions about Prevail’s safety, application, and effectiveness against pathogens, helping users maximize its benefits while maintaining best practices for hygiene and disinfection.
What is Accelerated Hydrogen Peroxide AHP™?
AHP™ is a patented formula that combines hydrogen peroxide with surfactants, wetting agents, and chelating agents. This unique blend significantly enhances hydrogen peroxide’s cleaning and disinfecting power while maintaining safety. The surfactants help break down dirt and grime, while wetting agents ensure even coverage across surfaces. Chelating agents contribute by reducing metal content and softening water, making the formula more effective.
How is Accelerated Hydrogen Peroxide™ different from regular Hydrogen Peroxide?
Standard hydrogen peroxide, such as the 3% solution commonly available at pharmacies, is mostly water (97%) and is highly unstable, making it ineffective as a disinfectant on hard surfaces. AHP® technology stabilises hydrogen peroxide by incorporating chelating agents, which extend its activity and accelerate its disinfecting capability. Additionally, AHP™ includes surfactants and wetting agents that enhance its ability to spread and clean more efficiently.
Can AHP™ be used to clean and disinfect surfaces contaminated with body fluids?
Yes, AHP™ is effective for both cleaning and disinfecting surfaces exposed to body fluids such as blood. Before applying AHP®, remove any excess fluids with an absorbent material. Then, clean the surface using AHP® at the recommended sanitizing dilution and allow it to sit for 30 seconds before wiping dry. For disinfection, reapply the solution, ensuring the surface remains wet for a full five minutes before wiping or rinsing. Following the specified contact time is essential for effective disinfection.
What is the difference between Cleaning, Sanitizing, Disinfecting, and Sterilizing?
- Cleaning: Physically removes dirt, debris, and microorganisms using water, detergents, and mechanical action.
- Sanitising: Reduces the number of germs to a safe level as determined by health standards, often through cleaning or disinfecting.
- Disinfecting: Destroys most bacteria, viruses, and fungi but does not eliminate bacterial spores.
- Sterilising: Completely eradicates all forms of microbial life, including spores, and is necessary for critical medical instruments.
Which pathogens does Prevail kill?
Prevail Concentrate is proven effective against various significant pathogens, including:
- ASFv
- PEDv
- PRRSv
- Avian Influenza Virus
- Transmissible Gastroenteritis Virus
- E. coli
- Salmonella
- Many other bacteria, fungi, and viruses
For specific pathogen claims, you can refer to our Pathogen Claim Tool.
Is Prevail safe to use?
Yes, extensive research and testing have confirmed that Prevail is safe when used as directed. It contains low levels of hydrogen peroxide, along with stabilisers, surfactants, and wetting agents. Prevail is non-toxic (based on acute oral, dermal, and respiratory testing), non-irritating to eyes, non-corrosive to skin, and does not cause skin sensitisation.
According to its Safety Data Sheet (SDS), Prevail in its diluted, ready-to-use form does not require personal protective equipment (PPE). However, gloves are recommended to minimise the risk of skin irritation or exposure to contaminants during disinfection. Additionally, there are no known chronic toxicity concerns related to Prevail’s ingredients.
Why does Prevail sometimes cause coughing?
While Prevail is non-toxic and non-irritating, spraying it in a fine mist can lead to aerosolisation, which may cause temporary discomfort or coughing. To minimize this, we recommend using foaming applicators such as hose-end foamers or foaming trigger sprayers, which help prevent airborne particles.
Can Prevail be mixed with other cleaning agents like bleach or detergent?
No, Prevail should not be mixed with other cleaning or disinfecting products. Its formula is designed to be a powerful standalone cleaner and germicide. Adding other chemicals may reduce its effectiveness or create unsafe reactions. Prevail already contains detergents, so no additional cleaners are needed.
Do I need to rinse surfaces after using Prevail?
In most cases, rinsing is not necessary after using Prevail, especially after multiple cleaning cycles that remove any residual buildup from previous products. However, if streaks or sticky residues appear on some surfaces, they can be removed by wiping with a clean damp cloth or rinsing with water. Always allow the required contact time before rinsing.
Can a disinfectant kill germs instantly upon contact?
No, all disinfectants require a specific contact time to work effectively. The surface must remain wet for the duration indicated on the product label to achieve full disinfection. Some pathogens require longer exposure times, and in cases where the disinfectant dries too quickly, reapplication may be necessary. Always follow label instructions for optimal results.
Do some disinfectants continue killing germs for 24 hours even after drying?
No. Disinfectants that claim to offer extended protection work by leaving behind active chemical residues. However, these residues do not degrade over time and may accumulate on surfaces. Proper disinfection requires the surface to remain wet during the required contact time, as dry residues do not continue killing germs.