Can natural green home cleaning REALLY include disinfection? We break it down for you!
Bugs, Germs, Viruses, Pathogens, Bacteria, and other disease causing things … all drum up fear in many since it seems to be a sure path to getting sick.
As parents focused on baby safe and kid safe environments, we strive to limit the exposure to these nasty things. The answer seems be to disinfect.
What is a Disinfectant
Disinfectants are substances that are applied to non-living objects to destroy household germs that are living on the objects. Disinfection does not necessarily kill all microorganisms, especially nonresistant bacterial spores. Rather disinfectants work by destroying the cell wall of microbes or interfering with the metabolism.
Disinfectants are different from biocides, antimicrobial agents such as antibiotics, antiseptics, and sterilization.
Is Disinfection Necessary?
Many times the answer is No, especially when natural green home cleaning methods are desired. Usually it is sufficient to remove the organic matter so germs do not have anything to grow on.
Keep it simple. Focus on cleaning first, rather than concentrating on disinfecting. The most effective methods of cleaning is not the traditional “Spray and Wipe” method.
Two options for Natural Home Cleaning Disinfection:
- Hot soapy water and good old fashion elbow grease to physically scrub away organic materials.
- Enzyme based cleaners that have been formulated to attract the good bacteria to break down organic matter. Since the enzymes continue to work for as many as 24 to 36 hours after you are done cleaning, these cleaners frequently have been found to be even more effective than traditional cleaners.
For the kitchen sink, for example, cleaning the surface is sufficient. It is likely you do not need to disinfect at all. However the dirty, wooden, chopping board you used with meat products might warrant disinfection, but only after the good scrub with hot soapy water.
How to Disinfect
When you disinfect, DO NOT spray and wipe! This is one situation where reading the label is very important. Most commercial disinfectants instruct you to spray until WET, leave on the surface for at least 10 minutes (dwell time), remove the disinfectant, and then rinse the surface. This is MUCH more than involved than the spray and wipe strategy we are used to.
Select the least toxic, most biodegradable commercial product that does the job. Make sure that whichever disinfectant product you use, that it will not damage the surface you are cleaning. Household concentrations of vinegar is an acidic cleaner which etches the surface over time. In contrast, EnviroCare Neutral Disinfectant is both biobased and has a neutral pH.
Warning, although vinegar may be nontoxic and biodegradable, contrary to popular belief, it is not an effective disinfectant as compared to commercial products.
Focus on cleaning first. For the safe, yet effective cleaners, Green Cleaning Products offers a variety of options for you.
Shop for Green Cleaning Products
Looking for the best green home cleaning products? We are pleased to offer green cleaning products for sale from a number of hand selected companies that we feel offer the best products for our Green Home Cleaning customers!
Enzyme cleaner:
WowGreen Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner
Features: Enzyme based to remove organic matter, dirt buildup, stains and heavy soiling.
Disinfectant:
EnviroCare Neutral Disinfectant
Features: Hospital grade, EPA registered Biobased ingredients, including pineapple. Can be used as spray and walk away.
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