Antibacterial soaps sometimes called antimicrobial or antiseptic soaps contain certain chemicals not found in plain soaps.

Those ingredients are added to many consumer products with the intent of reducing or preventing bacterial infection. Many liquid soaps labeled antibacterial contain triclosan, an ingredient of concern to many environmental, academic and regulatory groups.

Animal studies have shown that triclosan alters the way some hormones work in the body and raises potential concerns for the effects of use in humans. And some manufacturers have begun to revise these products to remove these ingredients. How do you tell if a product is antibacterial?

Also, a Drug Facts label on a soap or body wash is a sign a product contains antibacterial ingredients. Triclosan can be found in many places today.

It has been added to many consumer products—including clothing, kitchenware, furniture, and toys—to prevent bacterial contamination.

In addition, laboratory studies have raised the possibility that triclosan contributes to making bacteria resistant to antibiotics. Some data shows this resistance may have a significant impact on the effectiveness of medical treatments, such as antibiotics.

They are used for seating upholstery, headliners, and carpeting to inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi caused by moisture and spills. Personal Protective Equipment PPE : Antimicrobial fabrics are integrated into various types of personal protective equipment, including masks, gloves, aprons, and gowns.

The antimicrobial properties help reduce the risk of contamination and provide additional protection against pathogens.

Outdoor and Recreational Gear: Antimicrobial fabrics are used in outdoor and recreational gear, such as tents, backpacks, sleeping bags, and hiking clothing.

These fabrics help inhibit the growth of odor-causing bacteria and maintain freshness during outdoor activities. Food Processing and Packaging: Antimicrobial fabrics are used in the food industry for food processing equipment, cutting boards, and packaging materials. These fabrics help prevent bacterial contamination, enhance cleanliness, and maintain food safety standards.

Antimicrobial Fabric Composition Antimicrobial fabrics can be made of various textiles, including but not limited to polyester, polyester-vinyl composites, vinyl, and even acrylics. Antimicrobial Fabric Care Caring for antimicrobial fabrics is essential to maintain their performance and prolong their effectiveness.

While specific care instructions may vary depending on the type and brand of the fabric, here are some general guidelines to follow when caring for antimicrobial materials: Follow Manufacturer's Instructions: Always refer to the care instructions provided by the fabric manufacturer or consult their website for specific guidelines.

They may provide tailored recommendations for cleaning and maintenance based on the particular antimicrobial treatment used on the fabric. Regular Cleaning: Regular cleaning helps remove dirt, oils, and other substances that can compromise the effectiveness of the antimicrobial treatment.

Follow the recommended cleaning method for the specific fabric, including machine washing, hand washing, or dry cleaning. Use a mild detergent and avoid harsh chemicals or bleach that could damage the antimicrobial treatment. Gentle Washing: It's generally best to use a gentle cycle with cool or lukewarm water when washing antimicrobial fabrics.

Avoid using hot water, as it can degrade the antimicrobial treatment. Additionally, consider turning the material inside before washing to protect the antimicrobial coating. Avoid Fabric Softeners: Fabric softeners can leave a residue that may affect the performance of the antimicrobial treatment.

It's advisable to avoid using fabric softeners or dryer sheets when laundering antimicrobial fabrics. Drying: Follow the recommended drying method depending on the fabric type. Some antimicrobial fabrics can be tumble dried on a low heat setting, while others may require air drying.

Excessive heat can potentially damage the antimicrobial treatment, so avoid high-temperature drying. Proper Storage: Store antimicrobial fabrics in a clean and dry environment when not in use.

Avoid storing them in damp or humid conditions that could promote mold or mildew growth. Keep the material in a breathable bag or container to prevent dust accumulation.

Avoid Harsh Cleaning Agents: Harsh cleaning agents, including bleach and strong chemicals, can diminish the antimicrobial properties of the fabric. Only then will it release tiny quantities of antimicrobial technology to disrupt vital cell functions of the microbe.

Microban protection continuously fights the growth of microbes such as odor and stain causing bacteria, mold and mildew.

Microban® protection makes products easier to clean, helps them last longer, and keeps them fresher in between cleanings. Microban protection should never be a substitute for normal cleaning practices. Microban protection provides a continuous defense against the growth of microbes and protects the products, making them easier to clean and keeping them fresher between cleanings.

However, Microban® technology is not a disinfectant and should not replace regular and thorough cleaning. Microban technologies have undergone extensive independent laboratory testing and have a long history of safe use.

They are registered with the US EPA and notified with the EU BPR for all applications in which they are used. The active ingredients used by Microban are widely incorporated into a number of consumer, building, commercial, and textile applications.

Microban is incorporated into more than 1, products worldwide, and is trusted by more than global brands and manufacturers. Microban antimicrobial protection is effective against most common bacteria, yeasts, molds and fungi that cause stains, odors and product degradation.

Microban® technology is not designed to protect users from disease causing microorganisms. Microban protection is engineered to provide antimicrobial protection for the useful lifetime of a treated product. The technology is built-in during the manufacturing process and will not wash off or wear away.

The two agencies are reviewing the effects of triclosan from two different perspectives. The EPA regulates the use of triclosan as a pesticide, and is in the process of updating its assessment of the effects of triclosan when it is used in pesticides. By sharing information, the two agencies will be better able to measure the exposure and effects of triclosan and how these differing uses of triclosan may affect human health.

The EPA reevaluates each pesticide active ingredient every 15 years. Manufacturers are developing and planning to submit new safety and effectiveness data for these ingredients. With the exception of those three ingredients that are still under study, all products that use the other 19 active ingredients will need to change their formulas or they will no longer be available to consumers.

Manufacturers will have one year to comply with the rule. The FDA recently issued a final rule on OTC hand sanitizers and will continue to review the three active ingredients commonly used in hand sanitizers. To learn about the difference between consumer hand sanitizers and consumer antibacterial soaps, visit our consumer information page.

So what should consumers do? Wash your hands with plain soap and water. We will gladly provide you with a copy of the certificate. Request your certificate. Protect yourself and your environment with antibacterial wall and furniture panels. What do we mean by antibacterial?

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Their proven formulations are successfully integrated into a range of materials, providing lasting product protection against the growth of bacteria, mold, mildew, and algae. Added during manufacture, Microban solutions become an intrinsic feature of a product and will not wash off or wear away.

Microban is built-in protection for solid products, coatings and fibers. The technology works to inhibit the growth of microbes on a surface that can cause staining, bad odors and premature degradation. Microban has a portfolio of more than 25 approved antimicrobial technologies that are selected and optimized for a broad range of product applications.

Microban antimicrobial technology works at a cellular level to continually disrupt the growth and reproduction of microorganisms. It operates a multi-modal attack, damaging the protein, cell membrane, DNA, and internal systems of a microbe.

Once infused into a product, Microban antimicrobial technology will start to work as soon as a microorganism comes into contact with the protected surface. Microban antimicrobial additives have undergone extensive independent laboratory testing and have a long history of safe use, across a wide range of product types.

The biocidal active components of Microban antimicrobial additives are regulated by various agencies EPA, BPR, PMRA in each region as treated articles and are proven safe and effective for their specific end use applications. Microban technology has been proven effective against a broad spectrum of bacteria.

It is not effective against viruses including COVID Normal cleaning practices should be maintained.