Frequently asked questions - Microban®
1. What is Microban® antimicrobial product protection?
Microban® built-in antimicrobial protection is a broad range of technologies for solid products, coatings and fibers. Microban antimicrobial protection gives products an added level of protection against damaging microbes such as, bacteria, mold and mildew that can cause stains, odors and product deterioration.
2. How do products with Microban® antimicrobial protection work?
Microban® protection is built-in to the product during the manufacturing process. When microbes come in contact with the product surface, Microban protection penetrates the cell wall of the microorganism and disrupts cell functions making the microorganism unable to function, grow and reproduce.
3. What benefit do I get from products with Microban® antimicrobial protection?
Microban® protection continuously fights the growth of microbes that can cause stains, odors and product degradation. Microban protection makes the products in your home easier to clean and keeps them cleaner and fresher between cleanings.
4. What types of microorganisms does Microban® protection work against?
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.
5. How do I know that Microban® antimicrobial product protection is safe?
Microban® technology has undergone extensive independent laboratory testing and has a long history of safe use. It is registered with the EPA for all applications in which it is used. Microban additives can be found in the products of leading consumer, industrial and medical products manufacturers around the world.
6. Does this mean I don’t have to clean my products as much or as carefully?
No. Microban® protection provides continuous antimicrobial protection that protects the products in your home, helping to make them easier to clean and keeping them cleaner between cleanings. However, normal cleaning practices recommended by the product manufacturer should be maintained.
7. Does Microban® protection begin working immediately?
Microban® protection begins to work as soon as the microorganism comes into contact with the product surface. It then works continuously to maintain a consistently lower bio-burden than would be expected on a product without Microban® antimicrobial protection. Under the right conditions, microbes on an untreated surface can double every 20 minutes! Microban technology is not a disinfectant and is not a substitute for normal cleaning practices.
8. How long does Microban® antimicrobial protection work?
Microban® protection is built-in during the manufacturing process and will not wash off or wear away. Microban protection is engineered to provide continuous antimicrobial product protection for the useful lifetime of the product, keeping the products in your home cleaner and fresher for longer than ever before.
9. Has anyone ever gotten sick from using products with Microban® antimicrobial protection?
Extensive testing and a long use history have shown Microban® product protection to be safe. While it is impossible to say that no one will ever experience an allergic reaction to anything, it is highly unlikely a negative experience would be observed. Microban additives are used in very low levels measured in parts per million.
10. Does the use of antimicrobials cause resistant strains of microorganisms?
No. After more than 30 years of use in numerous consumer, industrial and medical applications around the world, there has been no evidence of resistant strain development.