January 10, 2008 | Bleach alternatives, Being Green, Cleaning products
A question we get pretty frequently asks if natural cleaning methods will really get rid of the bacterias we don’t want in our homes. Sure, vinegar, baking soda, and lemon are great old wives’ tales, but do they really work?
Our friends over at The Green Guide (published by National Geographic) tackled this question this week. The answer? If you’re concerned about salmonella, E Coli, and such (and who isn’t, honestly?), keep 2 spray bottles around - one with 3% hydrogen peroxide (the same strength you’d get at the drugstore) and one of undiluted white or apple cider vinegar. Spray one, then immediately the other, and wipe. It will effectively kill household bacteria. And, it’s safe enough to use directly on fruits and vegetables. That also means it’s safe enough for your kids to use - let them clean up their place at the table when they’re done! What could be better? Their answer comes from research done at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, so you can be sure it’s backed up with some extensive lab testing.
Of course, the best way to keep things clean at home is with frequent, proper handwashing. Use warm water, a non-anti-bacterial soap, and really rub hands together for 20 seconds, making sure to get in all the crevices.
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Carolyn hebert says:
Having had months of a bacterial infection and subsequent “cure” which was worse, I read that only bleach will kill the bacteria and patients are prone to reinfection (with C.Difficile). I stopped using hydrogen peroxide and vinegar and started using bleach, but it’s wiping out the cilia in my throat and lungs. Will anything else kill it on surfaces?
February 4th, 2008 at 12:24 ammudlark says:
Carolyn I hope you’re not referring to using bleach internally. If so, STOP immediately! If you’re looking for something totally natural for surfaces, I’d try Oregano oil from your local health food store. The bonus there is that you can dilute it in water or juice and use it internally. If you’re looking for something that’s marketed as a germicide for surfaces only (not to be swallowed), I’d recommend Shaklee’s Basic G. You can find it through your local Shaklee distributor, and it kills even resistant strains of staph infection as well as the HIV virus and countless other germs and microbes.
February 4th, 2008 at 6:39 am