As the debate continues, millions of people use antibacterial soaps
and household cleaners every day, believing that their germ killing
ability will keep their families healthier. Could these same chemicals
that fight germs also be hazardous to your health? Many of these
products contain the chemicals triclosan and triclocarban, which
recent research has shown have potential to affect hormones (estrogen
and testosterone) and possibly interfere with the nervous system.
Currently, there are no studies on the effects of exposure in infants,
but reports show that it has been detected in human breast milk and
urine. Some germs are actually beneficial to our health which leads to
another issue in the use of antibacterial cleaners – they kill the good
germs too! Yet, they leave the .1% that could cause us the most harm.
Some experts worry that completely wiping out all traces of germs will
throw off the healthy balance of bacteria in humans.
According to many studies, regular soap and water is enough to wash
away dirt, bacteria, and viruses. Proper hand-washing doesn’t need the
added benefit of a antibacterial cleaner, to thoroughly clean your
hands. The same is true for your home. Regular cleaning with soaps will
remove much of the harmful bacteria and viruses. While washing with
soap and water removes a lot by itself, proper use of antibacterial
cleansers does further reduce the amount of bacteria, for a short span
of time. This can help in households where someone is ill. Otherwise,
proper hand-washing and house cleaning techniques along with regular
cleaning with soap and water should be enough to keep your family
healthy.
Hand Washing – Here’s How:
This step-by-step guide will tell you how to wash your hands
effectively so you know that you are minimizing your risk of catching
and spreading illnesses. Antibacterial soaps have not been proven to be
more effective than regular soap, so you decide what’s best for you and
use what you like.
- Turn on water to a warm comfortable temperature.
- Use bar of soap or a dime sized squirt of liquid hand soap.
- Lather and rub hands together for at least 20 seconds (Sing the “Row, Row, Row Your Boat” song 3 times).
- Be sure to wash front and back of hands, between fingers and under nails. Using a nail brush is not necessary.
- Rinse all soap off hands.
- Using two paper towels, dry hands completely. Don’t reuse bathroom hand towels!
- Turn off faucet with paper towels, then discard towels in garbage can.
Natural Home Cleaning
Here are a few basic household ingredients and items you can use to clean your home.
Vinegar,
baking soda, and
lemons
all have natural cleaning powers that rival manufactured cleaning
solutions. They are easy and safe to use, and won’t put a pinch on your
budget. They will keep your house clean and smelling fresh. Vinegar
naturally cleans like an all-purpose cleaner. I prefer the white and use
it on my hardwood floors weekly. Mix a solution of 1 part water to 1
part vinegar and clean away!
Lemon juice can be used to dissolve soap scum and hard water
deposits. It’s juice can be mixed with vinegar and or baking soda to
make cleaning pastes. Cut a lemon in half and sprinkle baking soda on
the cut section. Use the lemon to scrub dishes, surfaces, and stains.
Mix 1 cup olive oil with ½ cup lemon juice and you have a furniture
polish for your hardwood furniture. You can also use it for a natural
skin brightener!
Baking soda can be used to scrub surfaces in much the same way as
commercial abrasive cleansers. Baking soda is great as a deodorizer –
doesn’t everyone place a box in their refrigerator and the freezer! Put
it anywhere you need deodorizing action. Other great natural cleaning
ingredients include: Cornstarch, Salt, castile soap and essential oils
to add your favorite fragrance to the mix.
