Sterifab® was first introduced in 1967 and in the years since has become one of the best-known and effective insecticides and disinfectants on the market.
However, with that success a number of myths and misapprehensions about Sterifab have arisen.
So where do these mistruths come from? Good question!
Sometimes it comes down to, “Someone in my office said that Sterifab [fill in the blank]”, or “I read somewhere that Sterifab [fill in the blank].” Sometimes the fiction emerges, seemingly, from nowhere.
Like the claim that the Apollo moon landing on July 20, 1969, was a hoax foisted on the public by NASA, which hired the late, great film director Stanley Kubrick to direct the phony footage. We can’t really say much about the Apollo 11 landing (other than it was, assuredly, not a fake), but we can speak with some authority on the subject of Sterifab.
So, let’s take a look at some of the myths and give you the facts instead:
Myths and Facts about Sterifab
Fiction
Sterifab is so toxic and dangerous that you need special protective gear - e.g. a HazMat suit in order to use it.
Fact
Absolutely not true. You do not need a HazMat suit to use Sterifab. Of course, it makes sense to use some protection when you use any pesticide/disinfectant, but a pair of gloves will suffice. And i you want to be particularly careful; eye protection and a filter mask can also be used.
Fiction
Sterifab can’t possibly function as both an insecticide and a disinfectant!
Fact
Again, not true. Sterifab is both an extremely effective pesticide and an efficient disinfectant. As a pesticide it can kill lice, get rid of bed bugs, ticks, dust mites, centipedes, fleas, sowbugs, ants, as well as silverfish, roaches, and firebrats.
As a disinfectant it simultaneously destroys micro-organisms, eradicates and prevents fungal growth, and eliminates mold and mildew. Plus, Sterifab quickly kills viruses, dispatches germs and destroys pathogenic odors. (And this is all supported by the EPA’s stamp of approval.)
Fiction
You can’t use Sterifab on mattresses, upholstered furniture, carpets, and other porous surfaces.
Fact
False. Most disinfectant cleaning products are labeled for hard-non-porous surfaces. But Sterifab is not a cleaner. For the record, the EPA prohibits the use of these cleaning items on porous surfaces, including mattresses, upholstered furniture, carpets, etc.
But, Sterifab can be used on furniture, lockers, cabinets, drawers, carpets, car interiors, animal bedding/cages, beds, bus seats/interiors, hospital waiting room areas, doctors' offices, police cars, prisons/holding cells, garbage bins, etc.
In fact, Sterifab can be sprayed on practically everything except people, animals, and cooking utensils.
Fiction
You shouldn’t combine the use of Sterifab with any other available products.
Fact
Myth. Sterifab can be used in addition to other products. It can be applied using a sprayer that will work with a water-thin liquid. (When using an electric sprayer, check with the manufacturer for compatibility with a flammable liquid).
Fiction
Using Sterifab will stain and/or damage a wide range of fabrics and can leave treated articles with an unpleasant odor.
Fact
No. No. And no!
The fact is that Sterifab is not only easy to use, it absolutely will not stain. It’s completely clear, fast drying and, because it doesn’t have any added perfume, it won’t leave any odor. You can even use it on any fabric and carpets.
If you read the label, you’ll see that it’s labeled for use on mattresses and upholstered furniture. And by the way, there are no other products registered with the EPA that can make these claims.
Fiction
You have to dilute Sterifab if it is to work properly.
Fact
Nope. You should use Sterifab as is. Just remember to shake it well before, and during, application to make sure that the identification crystals are dispersed evenly. Read more about how to use Sterifab.
Fiction
Sterifab can’t be used in too many places. For instance, you should avoid applying it in places like health care facilities, schools, retirement homes, and animal kennels, among others.
Fact
Quite how this myth arose is hard to say, but it does persist, and it’s just plain wrong!
From the moment Sterifab hit the market it was instantly recognized for its effectiveness and versatility. For over 50 years it’s been the pesticide/disinfectant of choice for both pest management professionals and the general public.
Hospitals, Nursing Homes and Schools Trust Sterifab
As for the health sector, Sterifab is widely used in hospitals, emergency rooms and by ambulance services. It is chosen because it not only kills bed bugs and fleas, but because it is one of the few products that disinfects and kills all bacteria. That’s why you’ll also find it in retirement homes and assisted-living facilities. It is a guarantee of safety and protection.
Hotels, Motels and BnBs Use Sterifab
The same can be said for hotels, motels, B n’ Bs and resorts. The main problem here is . . . us! We’re the ones who usually bring in those annoying visitors, such as bed bugs, ticks, fleas and the like. But the owners of large and small facilities alike have come to rely on Sterifab for all their pesticide needs. And for one very good reason: it works!
Sterifab in the Transportation Industry
You’ll also find that it’s used by a large portion of the transportation industry in both large and small scale operations, as well as in transportation facilities such as train stations, waiting rooms, ticket areas and so on. We even recommend it for use to disinfect your Uber ride. Add to that schools, day care centers, office complexes, college dormitories, even jails and prisons, and you can see why we find this myth so silly.
Fiction
Sterifab is over-hyped. It makes a lot of claims especially since it’s just isopropyl alcohol, nothing more.
Fact
No! Sterifab is not just isopropyl alcohol. There’s a good deal more to it than that.The isopropyl alcohol in Sterifab acts as an additional disinfectant. But Sterifab also contains Dideclyl dimethyl ammonium chloride and Dimethyl ammonium chloride, as well as 3-Phenoxybenzyl, Methlpropenyl, and Cyclorpropanecarboxylate. These chemicals are insecticides that effectively kills bed bugs, fleas, ticks, scabies and many other critters.
So, how do you dispel a myth?
According to a recent study by two Princeton University psychologists, “Beliefs can be hard to change, even if they are scientifically wrong. But those on the fence about an idea can be swayed after hearing facts related to the misinformation - maybe.”
It’s no simple matter, but the difference between fact and fiction regarding the properties and uses of Sterifab are really quite straightforward: Read the label, carefully.
Everything you need to know is right there.
And if the Sterifab label and all the information available on our website doesn’t answer your questions, please feel free to email us.
We’d be happy to answer any queries that you might have.
Don’t hesitate. Reach out.