Chlorine-releasing disinfectants remain a reference in healthcare facilities thanks to their broad spectrum, including activity against bacterial spores. As effervescent tablets based on sodium dichloroisocyanurate (NaDCC), dosing is simple and reproducible. The result, however, depends on a few rules detailed below, using Clorom tablets as an example.
In short
- One Clorom tablet in 3 L of water: bactericidal effect in 5 minutes, full spectrum (including tuberculocidal, virucidal and sporicidal) in 60 minutes, according to the authorisation.
- Chlorine is inactivated by organic matter: clean before disinfecting.
- Never mix chlorine-releasing products with acidic products (e.g. descalers): a toxic gas is released.
How it works
In water, sodium dichloroisocyanurate releases hypochlorous acid, a strong oxidant that destroys bacteria, fungi, viruses, mycobacteria and spores. This reactivity also explains its limits: chlorine also reacts with proteins, blood or soil, so part of the active substance is consumed before it reaches the microorganisms.
Preparation and use according to the authorisation
| Application | Working solution | Method | Contact time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Surfaces and objects in healthcare facilities, including bedpans | 1 tablet / 3 L water | Wiping or washing, with mechanical action | 5 minutes – bactericidal; 60 minutes – bactericidal, yeasticidal, fungicidal, tuberculocidal, mycobactericidal, virucidal |
| Surfaces other than those in contact with patients or staff | 1 tablet / 3 L water | Wiping | 60 minutes – sporicidal, yeasticidal and fungicidal |
| Linen and textiles in healthcare facilities | 1 tablet / 3 L water | Washing | 20 minutes – virucidal (dirty conditions); 60 minutes – sporicidal |
| Water not intended for consumption | 1 tablet / 5 L water | Dissolution | 60 minutes – bactericidal, including Legionella pneumophila |
| Tableware, food transport equipment, food industry surfaces (PT4) | 1 tablet / 3 L water | Wiping, immersion | 60 minutes – bactericidal; 5 minutes – yeasticidal |
Dissolve the tablet in the indicated amount of water, in a clean, labelled container. Use the solution within the stability period stated on the label and do not top it up with fresh solution.
What the tests in the authorisation show
For virucidal activity, Clorom was tested to EN 14476 against three non-enveloped viruses, the most resistant ones: poliovirus type 1, adenovirus type 5 and murine norovirus (1 tablet / 3 L, 60 minutes). Sporicidal activity was demonstrated to EN 13704 and EN 17126, including against Clostridioides difficile ribotype 027, one of the common agents of healthcare-associated infections.
Safety and compatibility
- Do not mix with acidic products or other disinfectants: a toxic gas is released on contact with acids.
- Wear the protective equipment indicated on the label when preparing the solution.
- Chlorine can bleach textiles and corrode some metals: check material compatibility and rinse if the procedure requires it.
- Store the tablets in their original, closed packaging, away from moisture.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use Clorom tablets for well water or swimming pools?
No. The product’s PT2 authorisation covers disinfection of water not intended for human or animal consumption; drinking water falls under a different product type (PT5), and swimming pools are not among the authorised uses.
Why does the solution smell of chlorine after disinfection?
The smell comes from chlorine compounds; it does not indicate greater efficacy. Observe the dilution in the authorisation rather than increasing the dose.
Can I prepare the solution in the morning and use it all day?
Use the solution within the stability period stated on the product label and replace it when it becomes soiled.
GM 2000 products for this application
NaDCC effervescent tablets, authorised PT2 (healthcare facilities, public spaces, non-potable water) and PT4 (food industry).
View product sheet →References
- Clorom authorisations no. 4450BIO/02/12.30 (PT2) and 6511BIO/04/12.30 (PT4), available on the product sheet.
- Romanian Ministry of Health Order no. 1761/2021 approving the Technical Rules on cleaning, disinfection and sterilisation in public and private healthcare facilities, Annex 1.
- EN 14476, EN 13704, EN 17126: test methods for virucidal and sporicidal activity.
Article reviewed by the GM 2000 technical team. Last updated: 22.10.2026. Product information is taken from the authorisations issued by the Romanian Ministry of Health; for other applications, refer to the label and the technical data sheet.
Use biocides safely. Always read the label and product information before use.
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