When followed, simple hygienic practices such as handwashing and surface disinfection along with proper food handling techniques can have a positive impact on the health of families and individuals in nonmedical settings like homes, day care and long term care facilities. Several studies have attempted to identify the specific role surface disinfectants can play in this effort. The evidence seems to indicate that these types of products, when properly used, can be beneficial. Because it has been established that environmental surfaces act as intermediates in the transmission of microorganisms throughout the day-care center and in homes, future studies should be developed to quantitate the impact of specific interventions in the reduction of microorganisms.