Anti-bacterial vs Anti-Microbial – What’s the Difference?
When searching for the perfect blind fabric, you’ve probably come across some that are described as ‘anti-bacterial’ or ‘anti-microbial’.
You wouldn’t be alone in being unsure of what the difference is between the two. And how can you choose the right fabric when you’re not sure of the benefits?
This blog will break down exactly what the difference is between anti-bacterial vs anti-microbial fabrics, which one is best for your project and which fabrics are available with these properties.
Anti-bacterial vs Anti-microbial
According to Steroplast an anti-bacterial substance works by breaking down the protective nucleic layer of a lipid, preventing the virus from attaching to our healthy cells.
The active ingredient that does this can vary. For example, something like a hand sanitiser will use pure alcohol, whereas a blind fabric is more likely to use something like silver.
Anti-microbial substances work against bacteria, mould and fungi. Anti-microbial substances offer a greater level of product protection by continuously inhibiting the growth of microbes on surfaces for very long periods of time (Information from Microban).
Anti-microbial fabrics tend to use silver or zinc as an active ingredient. Zinc offers great protection against the presence of fungi like mould, mildew, rusts and yeasts. An anti-fungal fabric, as opposed to an anti-bacterial or anti-microbial fabric, will typically only use zinc as its active ingredient to protect against these.
Is anti-bacterial or anti-microbial best for me?
The best fabric for you is whichever one best meets your needs on a specific project.
For a normal home, anti-bacterial is probably a sufficient level of protection. This will protect against most harmful bacteria, including E-coli and MRSA.
For healthcare environments, or where hygiene is critical, such as schools, hospitals and commercial kitchens, anti-microbial is probably a better choice.
It will not only protect against the same bacteria as an anti-bacterial fabric but has the added benefit of resisting mould, mildew and fungi.
Anti-microbial and anti-fungal fabrics can also be used in areas that are prone to moisture such as outdoor spaces, swimming pools, bathrooms etc.
What fabrics are anti-bacterial or anti-microbial?
Most blind and curtain fabrics that are anti-bacterial or anti-microbial have Microban® certification. Microban® is a global leader in antimicrobial additives, who work to eliminate damaging microbial growth on products and surfaces without impacting aesthetics or functionality.
Meridian™ from the Umbra fabric range has Microban® antimicrobial protection, meaning it’s suitable for healthcare and hygiene-conscious environments.
Ormond, from Decorquip’s Capital Collection, is also an anti-microbial fabric. In this case, the fabric has been treated with an active agent biocide to protect the material whilst inhibiting the growth of bacteria and fungus.
Some Solaye fabrics are also anti-microbial. Sunshadow 3000 CA ALU and Sunshadow 3000 N are anti-microbial, as well as being certified mould resistant meaning they’re suitable for humid environments.
Other fabrics include:
- Bio-cote – Eclipse
- Carnival & Carnival BO – Louvolite (CoronaSafe™️)
- Ultra-fresh – Louvolite
- Apollo Medi-care – J&M
- Dart, Eden Daylight & Thames – Yewdale
- And many more!
For more information on anti-bacterial vs anti-microbial fabrics, and which one might be best for your project, why not get in touch? Umbra work with all major fabric suppliers to give you unbiased advice for any application.
Check out our full fabric range here