What is the key characteristic of disinfectants?

Disinfectants are specifically designed to kill or inactivate disease-producing microorganisms, making this characteristic fundamental to their purpose. They are used to sanitize surfaces and environments to prevent the spread of infections, particularly in settings such as hospitals, laboratories, and homes.

While disinfectants can be harmful to humans if misused or ingested, their effectiveness in killing pathogens is what defines their role in pest management and sanitation practices. Disinfectants are also not limited to agricultural use or restricted solely to hospitals; they have a wide application across various industries, including residential cleaning. Thus, the ability to kill or inactivate harmful microorganisms is the defining trait of disinfectants and underlines their importance in maintaining hygiene and preventing disease.