How To Start a Sanitizing & Disinfecting Business

November 25, 2020

The pandemic has reminded the world about the nature of germs, viruses, and bacteria, and how they affect our well-being. It has made society hyper-conscious of living a more hygienic life. Some are accustomed to this "new normal" of wearing masks, staying six feet away from one another, and we're washing our hands more frequently than ever. The country is still in its final reopening phases, and businesses everywhere are going beyond normal routine cleaning protocols.

They're seeking out sanitizing and disinfecting services like never before. In fact, the surface disinfectant market has seen a noticeable increase in usage in light of the pandemic. According to grandviewresearch.com, the disinfectant market was valued at 1.4 billion dollars in 2019 and is projected to register a compound annual growth rate of 7.6% from now till 2027.

Who Isn't Sanitizing & Disinfecting These Days?

If you don't understand what this means statistically, don't worry, we're just trying to say that people are sanitizing and disinfecting more than ever.

It's no surprise that so many sanitizing and disinfecting companies are coming out of the woodwork nowadays. It has even inspired others to purchase their own disinfectants to perform the same work themselves—that's the wrong way to start.
But you're probably sitting at home wondering to yourself, "Well, how do I start a sanitizing and disinfecting business the right way?

We're going to show you how to get into the business, and by the end of it, you're going to realize it's not worth the headache trying to figure it all out on your own. So, if you want to jump down to Get Started With Germinator to learn how you can hit the ground running with your business, then I highly recommend it.

Otherwise… buckle up, and pull out your reading glasses, because there's a lot of research to consider when you're starting from scratch—it's not too late to scroll!

Do Your Research

With everything in life, you must do your research and educate yourself, especially since you're starting a business related to people's health. We'll go over a few key items to get you started. You'll want to determine who you want to service (commercial and/or residential).

You have to think about the right products to use and the differences between them, which is something we have already sorted out. You'll have to figure out what you need to apply them with and understand how effective they are at killing the various germs out there. You will need to protect yourself with the right gear for both you and/or your potential employees.


You've got to choose the right vehicle to transport your equipment in and obtain the right licenses and insurances required for each aspect of your business. You have to market your business digitally and traditionally in line with the EPA guidelines to educate the consumer about your company's services and products.

There are so many aspects to list, and we encourage you to do more research, but like we said earlier, you can scroll to "Get Started With Germinator," and everything we just mentioned will essentially be taken care of. However, if you hate doing things the easy way, then keep reading as we dive into the point of no return!

Four Things to Consider, When Choosing a Disinfectant

There are many types of disinfectants out there in the market and choosing the right one is a priority when starting out. You should select a disinfectant that does not use harsh chemicals or fumes to minimize the risk of potential health hazards or legal repercussions because you didn't read or apply it as per the label's instructions.

By franchising with Germinator, you won't have to worry about what solutions to use because we've got you covered and we'll always keep you in the know with our latest products and how to properly apply them. So, what do you have to consider when choosing the right disinfectant on your own?

There are four main considerations you should research when purchasing the right sanitizing and disinfecting product.

1. Safety: Since we're on the topic already, it's best to choose a disinfectant that's safe for the surfaces it's being applied to. Some disinfectants out there are toxic, corrosive, can damage surfaces or items—now you're paying the client—or contain harmful fumes.
   
   When choosing the right product, check for its toxicity and flammability rating. Always read the disinfectant's label and Safety Data Sheet (SDS) to see if any personal protective equipment (PPE) is required for the products you wish to use.


2. Effectiveness: If you want to look credible as a company, always choose an EPA registered disinfectant, period. You'll want a disinfectant that kills pathogens (aka germs) that are of concern like MRSA, COVID-19, and other microbes that may be of worry in a facility or home.
   
   The EPA N List of registered disinfectants contains a registry of various disinfectants recognized to kill pathogens of concern and are approved for use on surfaces according to the label's instructions.
   
   Depending on where you intend to use your product, the solution varies depending on the setting and facility type. The pathogens in healthcare, education, hospitality, manufacturing, agriculture, commercial, and residential environments differ.
   
   Luckily, all of our franchisees use preselected EPA-registered solutions to help kill germs in every industry, so our franchisees have nothing to worry about.


3. Dwell Time: When choosing the right product(s), not only do you need to know what they are proven to kill, you need to know how long you have to leave the product on a surface for it to be truly effective.
   
   Disinfectants must remain wet on a surface within a specific time frame for them to really work.
   
   The average dwell time could range from half a minute to five minutes total. On the flip side, 10 minutes is ideal for a disinfectant to dwell and achieve a better yielding result.
   
   We'll get into this briefly, but some alcohol-based disinfectants evaporate before their required dwell time. Read and follow the instructions on each label correctly, so you don't have to redo the process and waste more of the client's time and yours.


4. User Friendliness: No, we're not talking about software programs; some disinfectants require multiple applications or steps.
   
   Some disinfectants require a balance and proper mixture or dilution for their intended application sites, and it may not always be as feasible in the setting you wish to apply it in.
   
   Choose a disinfectant that's easy to use and effective within its dwell time for a more painless sanitizing and disinfecting experience. With Germinator, you'll be taught how to spray effectively and know how long you'll have to let our solutions dwell on treated surfaces.

We cannot stress enough to do your research on disinfectants based on these four decision-making factors. You want the best disinfectant that's EPA registered, easy to use, effective enough to kill germs quickly, has a broad spectrum against commonly found germs, is versatile in every setting, and most importantly that it, doesn't use harsh chemicals or fumes.

We might sound like a broken record by now, but your brain won't have to fire a single neuron when you choose to start a Germinator franchise. All of it's taken care of. Now that we know what factors to consider, what disinfectant should you choose?

Choosing the Right Disinfectant

As we stated above, choosing a disinfectant is a top priority when you're starting out. In no case should you be using a disinfectant that can cause bodily harm to you or others, or else you'll potentially face a fat lawsuit. There are many types of disinfectants out there, but here is a brief list along with their properties that we'll be going over.

Alcohols: This solution is ok to use alone but when mixed with vinegar or bleach, it can create peracetic acid, which can irritate your eyes, skin and respiratory system—ouch! At its purest state, this strong oxidizer can be highly reactive on copper and iron and can cause an explosion.

Their range of disinfecting is limited, and they need an additive to be stabilized, so it doesn't decompose as quickly. It's best to avoid this solution as your go-to disinfectant.


Hydrogen Peroxide: This solution is ok to use alone but when mixed with vinegar or bleach, it can create peracetic acid, which can irritate your eyes, skin and respiratory system—ouch! At its purest state, this strong oxidizer can be highly reactive with copper and iron and can cause an explosion.

They have a limited disinfecting range and need an additive to be stabilized, so it doesn't decompose as quickly. It's best to avoid this solution as your go-to disinfectant.

Fun fact: household hydrogen peroxide is super diluted and only contains three percent of it, so it's good to use at home but not in someone else's at higher concentrations.


Aldehydes: These are used to sterilize medical equipment and preserve your dead in-laws (formaldehyde) because they are the main ingredient used in embalming fluid. Aldehydes are highly effective as a broad-spectrum disinfectant at higher concentrations, but some bacteria have developed resistance.

This product must also be in an alkaline solution for it to be truly effective, and it can sometimes leave a greasy residue. Aldehydes need to remain on a surface for a long time, which is great if you're a fantastic conversationalist.

Be wary, though. This solution is known to cause health issues such as asthma and irritation to the skin, so it's best just to avoid this one at all costs, ok?


Phenolic Compounds: You know that distinct smell only found when you visit a hospital? That's the smell of fresh phenol in the morning.

These types of compounds are effective against fungi, viruses, and pathogenic bacteria. However, in their purest state, they are extremely toxic, corrosive, and can damage surfaces while dwelling—Yikes!

Check your local state laws because some states require special restrictions of their disposal. It's safe to say you won't be choosing this as your choice of disinfectant.


Quaternary Ammonium Salts (Quats): Commonly found in kitchen sprays, disinfecting wipes, and toilet cleaners. These compounds are a top choice of disinfectant to use within the healthcare and institutional settings because of their low costs and their ability to kill a broad spectrum of germs on surfaces quickly.

Some downsides of some quats are that their effectiveness can be limited by hard water, layers of soap can interfere with their action, they can be irritating to the skin or eyes, and they can be corrosive or toxic. Like we said before, make sure you read the label and select the best quat(s) out there.


Chlorine-Based Compounds: Some people love the smell of pools and think that it's fresh chlorine. When in fact, it's actually chloramine, a combination of chlorine and ammonia (I'll leave it up to your imagination), or other nitrogen compounds that produce that infamous "pool smell."

Historically, bleach, a well-known chlorine-based compound, has been used to blanch clothing and disinfect pools and surfaces.

These inexpensive solutions have relatively quick kill times against various harmful microorganisms. The problem with these types of solutions is that they can be corrosive, and cause discoloration and irritation if not used properly. Fortunately, another oxidant on the market is much more user-friendly, cost-effective, and gentle enough to use within homes and businesses.

If you think this is our solution of choice, then you got that right, buddy!



Hypochlorous Acid (HOCl): This is our specialty. HOCl is a solution in the chlorine-based compound family. It has a favorable user profile and a long history behind it in the medical community.

It's derived from naturally occurring minerals. HOCl not only eliminates odors at their source but kills a wide range of bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus, MRSA, Salmonella enterica and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and viruses including norovirus, rotavirus, and adenovirus on hard, non-porous, environmental surfaces.

The downsides of some HOCl solutions are their inability to sustain their pH balance, so finding the right quality of HOCl can be a challenge—not for us, though, because we only use the best products!

In the world of disinfectants, there are so many to choose from, and we've just listed a few. You should still research surface disinfectants for everyone's safety and select one with a broad spectrum of applications against various germs—even COVID-19.

Your choice of disinfectant is something your sanitizing and disinfecting business will stand by, so it should be recognized by the EPA. You'll be educating the consumer about your products, and they will want to hear things like "EPA approved," which is why Germinator only uses registered and scientifically backed products.

Germinator not only covers the products you'll use to disinfect, but we also help you get equipped to do a stellar job. So, let's jump right into what gear you should choose.

Choosing the Right Equipment and More

Earlier, we mentioned that you need the right gear to get the job done right. Equipment, product(s), and operational expenses will be your three major expenses when starting, and that number grows larger once you introduce employees and other factors to account for. For now, we'll focus on the tools of the trade with a list of items you'll want to consider purchasing or that are an absolute must-have.

Choose Your Disinfection Weapon

Electrostatic Sprayer: An electrostatic sprayer is Germinator's weapon of choice, and although it looks like a device from the movie Ghostbusters, it's one of the most important tools you'll ever use on the job.

This type of sprayer gives surfaces and objects a chance for a 360-degree coating and allows the solution to attach to targeted surfaces for an even application electromagnetically.

These sprayers save you money because they apply solutions in a controlled manner and reduce the time it takes to apply them. The average price on the low-end will run in the mid-hundreds of dollars and will cap at the high-end at about $5,000 for larger models, more or less; some high-end airless electrostatic sprayers provide high production rates to complete jobs faster and with better coverage.


HVLP/ULV Fogger: HVLP is an acronym for "High Volume Low Pressure" and ULV stands for "Ultra Low Volume." HVLP foggers work by introducing compressed air into the stream of solutions to coat surfaces.

The high compressed volume of air breaks the solutions up into smaller particles, while the low pressure slows the forward velocity, so solutions don't blow past or deflect off of your targeted surface. This type of sprayer is typically used to apply paint, but it doesn't have the same benefits as an electrostatic sprayer (electromagnetic properties).

ULV foggers are commonly known as "cold foggers," and they operate with less pressure and transform liquids into droplets; however, these droplets are dispersed in an uncontrolled manner. You'll be waiting almost half an hour to let the solutions dry on their own.

Misters and fogging systems rely on gravity and passively deliver very small droplets onto surfaces based on the direction of spray. This may result in uneven coverage, and they do not wrap around surfaces and objects as an electrostatic sprayer does.


Handheld UV-C Lighting Devices: You might look like a Jedi from Star Wars, but this device utilizes the power of ultraviolet light at set wavelengths to destroy the genetic material of germs. These types of devices can disinfect water, sterilize surfaces, and bacteria cannot build immunity with this technology.

Some drawbacks are that they can burn you and they emit radiation. Since they don't apply solutions with extended disinfecting qualities, it'll be harder to convince people to use your services.

Germinator has experimented with this technology, which we've moved on with because our solutions are far more effective when an electrostatic sprayer disperses them.


Conventional Pump Sprayer/Bottle Sprayer: Yes, you can use conventional spray bottles, but how would that look coming in to service an entire school? Before COVID-19, these basic tools were and still are the go-to devices used for sanitizing, disinfecting, and deodorizing small areas and are used by the janitorial staff or at home.

We still need them for personal usage, and they are inexpensive and require no training or maintenance at all, but these devices apply solutions unevenly. When going out to service a client, it's not a bad idea to carry this type of sprayer filled with a one-step cleaner to touch up areas, so think of it as your sidearm, not your main weapon.

There's a lot you'll want to consider when purchasing the right tool for the job. Once you purchase your devices, you're going to also want to look the part and add a few gadgets to your inventory, as discussed below.

Look the Part and Accessorize

If you're going to start a sanitizing and disinfecting business, it's best if you don't show up to a job site in flip-flops and a Hawaiian t-shirt. You'll want to invest in a more professional-looking attire that's not only appropriate but will actually protect you while you're out on the job.

Another list of items you'll want to invest in is an array of tools that'll help you provide more quality with your services. All Germinator franchisees have a preselected list of items to purchase and carry at the job site while looking fresh in their branded uniforms!

Tyvek Suit: An absolute must-have. Tyvek protective suits provide the first line of defense against germs and other extreme situations involving biohazard protection, chemical protection, radioactive and environmental protection, etc.

The suit is made up of high-density polythene fibers that offer high levels of resistance to wear and tear. The suit is still light and choosing a suit with a hood adds an extra layer of protection above the neck.

All Germinator franchisees wear Tyvek suits when moving into areas of concern where there might have been an outbreak and it's an essential item for their safety.


Respirator or Ventilator: A respirator is an essential item on the list to protect you from the inhalation of noxious solutions or inhaling germ particles.

Additionally, a ventilator will protect you from the same things but allows you to circulate fresh air while filtering out harmful particles. However, if you're on a tight budget, a reusable face mask or gaiter works too. Whichever you choose, some form of mouth covering device should definitely be added to your shopping list.


Protective Eyewear: You should absolutely buy a face shield or safety goggles of some sort to protect your eyes.


For those who are turned off by the lackluster appeal of safety goggles, no worries, they do sell fashionable safety goggles online. Still, in the end, all that matters is some form of eye protection to shield your eyes from getting irritated from the solutions you're spraying.


Bootees: No, not shorts. Just like a baby would wear to keep their feet warm, these disposable shoe covers will help prevent the threat of germs attaching to your shoes or boots.

They're available online in bundle packs of 100, so it's best to have these in stock—an absolute must-have.


Disposable Gloves: You should absolutely invest in a box of disposable gloves that are either nitrile or non-powdered latex gloves, both of which should be waterproof.

Remember that gloves can form pinholes over time, so try not to reuse them. Don't be cheap and stock up on gloves. Change your gloves frequently throughout the day, even if it doesn't look contaminated—don't risk it!


Distilled Water: You can use this after applying your disinfectant because it can rinse away any residues left without affecting the disinfection process.

Germinator franchisees carry distilled water to dilute their Genesis HOCl solution into a sanitizer to touch up areas while not worrying about it leaving any harmful residues.


Microfiber Wipes: This is an essential item for your inventory. Your disinfectant does most of the heavy lifting to kill germs, but a microfiber wipe can remove what little numbers of them are left off a surface. Once you wipe away the germs and bacteria from a surface, simply sanitize and rinse your cloth to eliminate any cross-contamination.


Measuring Cup: Unless you were an extremely precise bartender in your past life, then you should consider adding a measuring cup into your mix of tools required.

This will allow you to dilute your disinfectant into a sanitizer accurately. For example, suppose your HOCl solution is concentrated enough to disinfect at 500 parts per million (PPM). In that case, you can cut it down to 200 PPM and make it an all-purpose sanitizer that's safe to use on food contact surfaces and even electronic equipment.


ATP Monitor: ATP (adenosine triphosphate) testing has become a valuable tool for monitoring the cleanliness of your environment, and our franchisees use this technology before and after service. What is ATP?

Well, it's in all living things—even germs! You've probably seen it in action because it's that glow that emits from the abdomen of a firefly. If you want to step your disinfection game up, this game-changing device allows you to measure the level of cleanliness on a surface.

ATP testing works by swabbing a particular surface, which is then inserted into a device called a "luminometer." The swabs contain special chemicals that cause a reaction within the device. It'll emit a glow and give you a numerical readout in relative light units (RLUs). Within 15 seconds, this device can tell you whether a surface is clean or not.

Typically, an average unclean surface could have 500-1000+ RLUs, and after you disinfect a surface, you'll be able to show your client a lower readout that's under 50 RLUs, which are hospital-grade levels of clean.

So, we've covered some of the tools of the trade that you'd have to do your research on. There are probably more things to mention, like buying a case to store your things while you're on the road, but it's time we move on. Friendly reminder here, but you can always jump down to "Get Started With Germinator" to start servicing immediately and getting paid without all of this studying, research, and decision making.

But if you aren't quite convinced just yet, then grab another cup of coffee and let's get to finding the right ride to travel in.

Finding the Right Vehicle

This is something of personal preference, but we definitely don't recommend operating your business in a Volkswagen Beetle, Mini Cooper, or even a Smart Car because it wouldn't be the "smart" thing to do.

You're going to want to purchase a vehicle that's large enough to fit your equipment in, so this narrows your search down to pickup trucks, vans, large SUVs, or perhaps a small box truck.


Make sure you properly store your equipment to avoid any spills and secure everything tightly. Germinator recommends that franchisees operate with a relatively new vehicle with under 50,000 miles on it and is in excellent condition.

It's important to note that a clean vehicle in good condition will make a good impression on your clients, so try not to operate a dingy and dirty car. Since you're working in unsanitary environments filled with germs, you should definitely disinfect your vehicles periodically or if a job site experiences an outbreak.

Setting Up Your Business Legally

The first thing you have to do is get the necessary paperwork done. There are licensing and legal aspects that you must consider when setting up your business, and this is paramount when starting up your sanitizing and disinfecting company.

However, all Germinator's franchisees are pointed in the right direction when setting up their business legally and with licensing.


If you decide to do this on your own (at this point, we're begging you not to), you'll need to check your local municipalities for licensing requirements.

You should check first with your local Consumer Protection Agency or the Department of Agriculture. This type of business falls under janitorial or pest control services, so it's best to research what category your state defines it as.

Depending on your location and their local state laws, you may need to purchase a bond to open a cleaning business even though you may not even be cleaning but sanitizing and disinfecting. All of this sounds tricky, and it is, so you may need a lawyer to help you out during this process.

Bonds Explained

There are two kinds of bonds that you may need to purchase for your business. Some states don't require this, but some clients will only hire bonded companies, so it's best to do it anyway. Luckily, Germinator franchisees are bonded and insured the minute they finally set up their business for service.

License and Permit Bonds: If you don't want to get sued by a client for whatever reason, then you should get these types of bonds. Think of these bonds as insurance for your clients paid by you to protect them. The great thing about them is that you don't have to pay the full amount.

You can get most bonds (based on your credit score) as low as one percent, so a $25,000 bond will cost you $250, which is a great deal.

However, there's a catch! If you fulfill your duties and follow the law, then nothing will happen to your bond, but if you don't, then someone can make a claim against it. Failure to follow the law and your duties means you will have to repay the full amount of the claim.


Surety or Janitorial Bonds: Never let your client down by not fulfilling your duties. A surety or janitorial bond enables your clients to be reimbursed if your company fails to deliver its expectations within the contract or if you have a bad apple employed at your company who steals something.

If you want to land huge contracts with larger companies, then consider getting one because some large companies only work with cleaning businesses that carry janitorial bonds.



Get Insured: Bonds only cover your behind as a business, and they aren't the only form of legal protection you'll need. Cleaning, janitorial, sanitizing and disinfecting companies combine bonds and insurance policies to safeguard all aspects of their business.


Get General Liability Insurance: This is a necessity for most small businesses like yours. Opening a general liability insurance policy will protect your company from lawsuits caused by client injuries and property damage.

You should consider upgrading your policy so that it pays for the cost of your damaged items and equipment as well.


Commercial Auto Insurance and HNOA: Commercial auto insurance will cover legal bills, medical expenses, theft, and property damage if a business vehicle, like yours, were to crash into a client's business.

The annual medium premium for commercial auto insurance is about $1,500, which is better than paying for the legal costs of losing in court. Avoid a lawsuit over auto accidents and get your commercial vehicles insured.

On the other hand, if you can't afford to purchase a lineup of service vehicles, you will need a hired and non-owned auto insurance (HNOA) policy. This type of policy covers your vehicle or one of your employees' vehicle(s).

It also includes vehicles that your business rents or leases. This policy covers your business's defense when you or an employee gets into an accident while conducting business. It doesn't protect the damages to your car, though, but that's what commercial auto insurance is for, so get both.


Workers' Compensation Insurance: The moment you're able to hire your first employee, states will require you to carry workers' compensation insurance, which will help cover injured workers' medical bills and reimburse them for lost wages.

These are just some of the types of insurance and bonds you're going to need for your business. Before you even start with that, you will want to incorporate your business and obtain an LLC.

A good accountant, attorney, or bank can help you do that, and they can assist you with the paperwork to obtain federal and state tax identification numbers for your LLC. You'll need to set up some form of accounting software to log pertinent information about your business with your company name, location, tax ID numbers, employees, revenue, costs, etc.

Alternatively, you can do these things online from the comfort of your own home, which brings us to our next section about asking yourself, "where do I want to represent my business?"

Your Business Going Digital

Your business needs an online presence if you want it to survive. Digital marketing and traditional marketing are the key to getting brand awareness, leads, search visibility, social media followers, and sales, and it presents an opportunity to know your audience personally, which can help you achieve brand loyalty. All of which is taken care of when you start a Germinator franchise, so we highly recommend it if you haven't realized it just yet.


You will need a responsive website with a domain name of your business and create written (with SEO in mind) and visible content to attract search engines and people and gain followers on social media. You have to implement numerous digital marketing strategies that to list would be a blog in itself.

You'll want to do traditional marketing methods such as flyers, radio ads, TV (if you have the budget), coupons, and other forms like that.

Doing this all on your own is an arduous task (not for our franchisees), and you may need to hire an agency or several employees to do this for you, but that isn't even the real kicker here. The real challenge is crafting your messaging that is in line with the EPA, which Germinator upholds to avoid scrutiny and liability.

The EPA has the right to take legal action against companies that make unapproved claims when they don't follow their labels' approved claims. So be very careful as you begin to advertise your sanitizing and disinfecting company.

Many of these "COVID cowboys" (whom we despise) claim that their product can kill COVID when the product they use makes no such claim.

Companies will also claim that their product is "long-lasting" without it being approved by the EPA either and are at risk of being shut down.

That was a lot to take in, wasn't it? Why go through the headaches of worrying about if your messaging can land you in hot water with the government? There's so much work to be done when you do it all on your own, and you could make costly mistakes purchasing an ineffective product because the research was lacking or, worse, a toxic one.

Who would have all the time to research all these things or the time to set up their business physically and digitally? Nobody does, that's who! The answer is the form on this page that will connect you with a Germinator franchise specialist. You'll always have the training and support you need, and you'll be up to date with the latest products to provide a superior service compared to your future competitors.

So, join the Germinator franchise family and learn seven reasons and more below on why you should join an industry-leading sanitizing and disinfecting company.

Get Started With Germinator

We could list seven great reasons to start a Germinator franchise (a must-read), but we'll talk about it here instead.

For you to start a Germinator franchise, all it will take is an investment of around $20,000 for the franchise fee and then up to another $7,500 - $15,000 for the equipment, supplies, and other operational and marketing expenses to get your franchise started.


This investment includes the All-in-One True Digital Marketing technology that all of the current franchisees use to maximize their online visibility, leads and sales with less hassle, and reduced costs.

You won't have to worry about the EPA knocking down on your door because you'll have corporate and marketing to guide you with proper messaging. After all, they're well-versed on the subject.

Germinator has been established in the surface disinfectant game since 2015 and has gone through the testing stages of choosing different solutions and techniques—we've done the work for you! The founders have elected scientists and top medical professionals into their Scientific Board, including the former United States Assistant Surgeon General, active for five presidential administrations.

They've researched and experimented with methods like ozone, UV light, hydrogen peroxide, chlorine dioxide, and other quats. So, in 2020, they've perfected their methodology. We will go into more detail below on what their patent-pending process currently looks like.

Germinator's Patent-Pending Process

Germinator uses a patent-pending methodology, and it's the most unique and cost-effective means of providing enhanced antimicrobial protection for businesses and residences. We first test surfaces for ATP using a luminometer to detect light that can come from cellular activity. This measurement immediately determines the level of cleanliness on a surface.


The next step is the application of our Genesis surface treatment. Genesis is a one-step cleaner and broad-spectrum sanitizer and disinfectant treatment that harnesses the power of hypochlorous acid (HOCl).

Derived from naturally occurring minerals, Genesis not only eliminates odors at their source but kills a wide range of bacteria and viruses on hard surfaces. It meets the Association of Official Agricultural Chemists (AOAC) germicidal spray standards for Hospital Grade Disinfection. It is on the EPA N List of products determined to meet the criteria for use against SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.

As a result, this treatment will eliminate bacteria and viruses that may reside in your environment without using harsh chemicals or fumes.

Following Genesis, we apply our Shield, a water-based quaternary ammonium compound that imparts a durable bacteriostatic finish. It is EPA-registered to be effective against mold, mildew, algae, and odor-causing bacteria. This application creates an invisible barrier that combats deterioration and discoloration and promotes freshness for up to three months.

The Genesis and Shield products are applied using an electrostatic sprayer, the most efficient and effective means of delivering the products to the intended application sites. After we apply our surface treatment and protective services, we retest ATP levels to ensure the surfaces have achieved the intended results of being as hygienic as possible.

Germinator claims are scientifically supported and within EPA regulations, and the Scientific Advisory Board validates their research and process.

The board is made up of key leaders such as Dr. Roscoe M. Moore, Jr. who was the Assistant to the United States Surgeon General for five administrations that we mentioned earlier; Dr. Harold Smith, who has extensive expertise in cell biology, molecular biology and biochemistry, along with decades of experience leading sponsored research on infectious diseases for the National Institutes of Health (NIH); Dr. David Miller, the Protocol Chair of University of Rochester Center for AIDS Research Community Advisory Board; and Chad S. Johnson, Esq., a Harvard-trained corporate, legislative, and regulatory attorney with significant experience in advising health and biotechnology companies.

Germinator has put the leg work into finding the right products, methods, and scientists to back their claims within EPA regulations, so why make it hard on yourself when you can choose an easier path to success?

Join the Germinator Family

By choosing Germinator, you have an opportunity to obtain financial independence and will help others secure their businesses and homes from harmful pathogens and unwanted odors the right way. Going the Germinator franchise route will save you time and money from making mistakes because you'll have the support you'll need every step of the way.


Germinator isn't like other companies who are trying to ride the coronavirus wave and cash in. Don't get into the industry alone and join in. You'll be a part of an established, socially conscious company that's doing good for communities across the country.

Germinator has more than 20 locations across the U.S. and plans to open more in the future. If you're interested in being a part of that future, then speak to a franchise specialist today by filling out the form on this page or call us at 855-664-3769 to learn more. To schedule service please visit www.germinator.com.