Infectious diseases and nosocomial infections are the leading concerns in the health sector and whole society. The use of disinfectants for the prevention of infectious diseases and nosocomial infections is a key factor to minimize the lost to public health as well as the negative impact on socio-economy. There are many commercial products advertised as powerful disinfectants that can kill 99.9 percent of bacteria spectrum, fungi, spores and viruses but without the evidence. However, the information and understanding of the mechanism of antimicrobial action, toxicity of the disinfectant to human and ecosystem are still very limited. This review aims to provide essential information on the traditional disinfectants as well as their new generation in the prevention of infectious diseases and nosocomial infections.