The hardworking antimicrobial can be found in flooring, mattresses, and even COVID-combating disinfectants.

What Is Microban and Is It Safe?

Antimicrobials aren’t newMerriam-Webstersays the term was first used in 1891but the COVID-19 pandemic brought renewedinterest in Microbanandantimicrobial products.

woman cleaning spray

Credit: demaerre/Getty Images

“We have seen an increase in interest in home products overall,” says Aylward.

Built-In Microban Products

There are two types of Microban products: built-in and surface applications.

In most Microban home products, antimicrobial agents are incorporated during manufacturing.

lime green bathroom with colorful shower curtain

Credit: David Tsay

This includes new Microban 24-hour cleaners and Adam’s Interior Detailer with Microban.

These cleaning products also require careful use to be truly effective.

However, they don’t claim to fight viruses, such as COVID-19, for 24 hours.

Microban cleaning products

Credit:Courtesy of Microban

“However, not all antimicrobial products are required to be registered with the EPA.

These built-in antimicrobial products won’t have an EPA registration number on the product label.

The promotional information should clearly identify the product as being protected by the antimicrobial properties.

Microban 24 cleaning products, however, do make claims regarding pathogens that impact people.

These antimicrobial products are registered with the EPA following scientific efficacy tests.

“Just How Fast Can Bacteria Grow?

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory.

Grass, Gregor et al.

“Metallic Copper as an Antimicrobial Surface.

“Applied and Environmental Microbiology, vol.

5, 2011, pp.

15411547, doi: 10.1128/AEM.02766-10

“What are Antimicrobial Pesticides?”

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

2022

“Consumer Products Treated with Pesticides.”

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.