Tel: +86 13962653966 | Email： sales@szeasychem.com
Tel: +86 13962653966 | Email： sales@szeasychem.com
Household cleaners require effective biocides to prevent microbial growth and ensure product stability. Choosing the right biocide depends on factors such as efficacy, regulatory compliance, compatibility, and cost-effectiveness. In this article, we compare three commonly used biocides for household cleaners: CMIT/MIT (Chloromethylisothiazolinone/Methylisothiazolinone), PHMB (Polyhexamethylene Biguanide), and PE91 (a specialized low-phenol preservative blend).
CMIT/MIT is a blend of chloromethylisothiazolinone (CMIT) and methylisothiazolinone (MIT). This household cleaner biocide acts by disrupting microbial enzymes, effectively inhibiting bacteria, fungi, and yeasts.
Broad-spectrum efficacy: Works against bacteria, fungi, and algae.
Low dosage required: Effective at concentrations as low as 0.0015% to 0.003%.
Cost-effective biocide: Compared to other preservatives for cleaning products, CMIT/MIT provides strong antimicrobial action at a lower cost.
Widely used: Approved for household cleaning products, industrial formulations, and paints.
Potential skin irritation: CMIT/MIT is known for skin sensitization concerns, leading to restrictions in certain applications.
Regulatory limitations: Some regions, like the EU, have strict regulations on its use in personal care products.
pH compatibility: Best suited for formulations with pH below 8.
PHMB (Polyhexamethylene Biguanide) is a polymeric antimicrobial that disrupts bacterial cell membranes, making it an excellent biocide for household cleaners.
Mild and low toxicity: Less irritating compared to CMIT/MIT, making it ideal for household cleaner formulations and personal care applications.
Broad-spectrum antimicrobial action: Effective against bacteria, fungi, and some viruses.
Stable across a wide pH range: Works well in formulations with pH 3-10.
Low dosage effectiveness: Typically used at 0.05% to 0.5%, ensuring long-lasting preservation.
Regulatory acceptance: Approved for use in cleaning products, wound care, and cosmetics.
Higher cost: More expensive than CMIT/MIT.
Less effective against certain fungi: Requires combination with other biocides for optimal fungicidal performance.
Possible formulation adjustments: May interact with certain surfactants and thickeners.
PE91 is an innovative phenol-free or low-phenol biocide blend designed to offer strong antimicrobial protection with minimal regulatory concerns. It is ideal for household cleaner biocide applications, personal care, and industrial cleaning products.
Ultra-low phenol content (<5 PPM): Reduced toxicity and better environmental profile.
Highly effective at low concentrations: Provides biocidal preservation at 0.05% to 0.2%.
Enhanced stability: Works in a wide pH range and withstands high temperatures.
Broad antimicrobial spectrum: Protects against bacteria, fungi, and yeasts.
Regulatory compliance: Meets global safety standards for household cleaner biocide applications.
Higher cost than CMIT/MIT but safer: Suitable for brands prioritizing low-irritation and eco-friendly biocides.
Requires formulation compatibility testing: As a new biocide for household cleaning products, testing is necessary to ensure proper stability.
To maximize performance while maintaining safety, consider the following recommendations:
For cost-sensitive, industrial cleaning products → CMIT/MIT is a strong choice due to its affordability and effectiveness.
For premium home care products with mild formulations → PHMB offers a balance of safety and efficacy.
For eco-friendly or high-end formulations → PE91 is an optimal choice due to its low toxicity and high regulatory compliance.
| Feature | CMIT/MIT | PHMB | PE91 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Efficacy | High | High | High |
| Low Dosage Required | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Broad-Spectrum Protection | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Skin Sensitivity | Potential Irritation | Low | Very Low |
| Regulatory Restrictions | Some | Minimal | Minimal |
| pH Range | <8 | 3-10 | Wide |
| Cost-Effectiveness | High | Moderate | Moderate-High |
| Environmental Profile | Moderate | Good | Excellent |
A: PHMB and PE91 are among the safest options due to their low toxicity and broad antimicrobial efficacy.
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A: CMIT/MIT is effective but has regulatory limitations. If you need an eco-friendly option, consider PE91.
A: Easychem offer CMIT/MIT, PHMB, and PE91 for household cleaners. Contact us for bulk orders and technical support.
Selecting the appropriate biocide for household cleaners depends on your specific formulation needs. If you are looking for a low-phenol, high-performance preservative, PE91 is an excellent choice. Contact us today for samples and technical support to optimize your household cleaner biocide formulations.
Suzhou easy chemical co. ltd
388, Dengyun Road,Kunshan, Jiangsu, China
Email: sales@szeasychem.com
Contact： Joyce Yu
MB: +86 13962653966
Tel: 0512- 57554186
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