What are soaps and other products without the word 'disinfectant' on their label classified as?

Soaps and other products that do not have the term 'disinfectant' on their labels are classified as merely cleaners. This is because their primary function is to remove dirt, debris, and some germs through the act of cleaning rather than killing or inactivating bacteria and viruses, which is the role of disinfectants. Cleaners can help reduce the amount of pathogens present on surfaces but do not necessarily eliminate them entirely.

Products labeled as disinfectants undergo specific testing and must meet certain criteria to be effective in killing germs. Therefore, soaps and cleaners, even if they can create a cleaner environment, do not provide the same level of microbial action as true disinfectants.

In contrast, the other classifications do not accurately represent the function or purpose of these products. While "dangerous chemicals" may refer to hazardous substances, cleaning products that are safe for regular use do not fall into this category. Additionally, although household items can include cleaners, this label is too broad as it encompasses all products used in a household setting, not just those with cleaning properties.