Poly (Hexamethylene Biguanide) Hydrochloride is a polymer used as a sanitizer or preservative to kill bacteria. As a sanitizer, PHMB 2% solution is used to preserve wet wipes; to control odor in textiles; to prevent microbial contamination in wound irrigation and sterile dressings; to disinfect medical/dental utensil and trays, to sterilize farm equipment, animal drinking water, and hard surfaces for food handling, to sterilize institutions such as hospitals and schools; and to deodorize vacuums machines and toilets.

PHMB is used as an antimicrobial hand wash and sanitization and in air filtration treatment as an alternative to ozone. PHMB is also used as an active ingredient for recreational water treatment, as a chlorine-free polymeric sanitizer, which is effective against a wide variety of microorganisms. As a preservative, PHMB is used in cosmetics, personal care products, fabric softeners, contact lens solutions and more. It is widely used in environmental disinfection including hospitals, schools, hotels, and public places.