Considering Health and Safety when Choosing Disinfectants
Disinfectants play a key role in the health of your home, and there are factors to consider when deciding on which one is right for you. When it comes to safety and efficacy, hypochlorous acid makes an excellent choice.
Choosing a disinfectant for a safe home is an overriding concern, one that has been heightened by the COVID-19 global health crisis. Regular cleaning and disinfecting of floors is recommended using a favored cleaner. When choosing cleaners, sanitizers and disinfectants, find out what the ingredients are, and whether they pose risks to family members, small children, household pets, and the environment. The EPA recommends the following steps for using safe methods of cleaning during the time of COVID-19 concerns (1):
- Find out whether a given cleaner is EPA-approved.
- Read product directions to find out whether there are possible interactions with other chemicals and the recommended cleaning strength, wait time and other critical information.
- Pre-clean the surface to remove any organic matter and debris that can reduce the effectiveness of sanitizing and disinfecting products.
- Carefully follow the directions for the length of time that the cleaners should be left on the floor or surface before rinsing.
- Wear gloves for protection, and wash the hands after finishing the cleaning.
- Store chemical cleaners safely out of the reach of children and pets.
Choosing Among an Abundance of Cleaning Options
According to an article by the American Academy of Pediatrics, it’s important to realize the differences of types of cleaners to make a wise choice (2).
It’s not necessary to disinfect surfaces in the home every time a clean-up job arises. It’s safe and practical to spot-clean after a spill or a child tracks mud across the floor. Sanitizers can remove dirt and some germs. Choosing a sanitizer might be perfectly appropriate for spot cleaning and routine sanitizing of bathrooms, counters and floors. Use simple soaps and detergents to clean outdoor areas, walls, colorfast fabrics, windows and carpets.
Regularly, you might want to disinfect parts of the home when someone is sick, as a proactive way to further protect surfaces and when cleaning children’s play areas, places with commercial traffic and sick rooms. Disinfecting the floors might be done on a weekly, bi-weekly or monthly basis.
Choosing the right disinfecting cleaner requires caution depending on family members’ health, age and other factors. Always read the label. Caution is required when using any sanitizer or disinfectant because concentrated chemicals can prove hazardous to people, pets and especially children. Store all cleaners in their original containers, and if using some of the product in a generic spray bottle, label the bottle and store out of the reach of children.
Consumers should make wise choices about which sanitizers and disinfectants to use. Read the product label, and consult the material safety data sheet of the manufacturer. Some of the questions that should be answered before making a choice include:
- Does hard water affect the performance of a given cleaner?
- Does the cleaner leave any residue?
- Are any of the ingredients corrosive?
- Does the disinfectant become ineffective in the presence of organic matter?
- Can the cleaner be toxic?
- Does the cleaner irritate the skin, eyes and mucus membranes?
Top Choice: Hypochlorous Acid
For safety, effectiveness at killing pathogens and reasonable pricing, hypochlorous acid wins top honors for household cleaning and the commercial cleaning of day care centers, healthcare facilities, hospitals and public areas of laboratories. Hypochlorous acid cleans effectively, economically and conveniently (3).
- Simple, Natural and Nontoxic
Made from a substance the body produces, hypochlorous acid is manufactured by a simple electrical treatment of vinegar, water and salt. That’s why it’s cheap, effective and natural.
- Killing Power
It’s hard to believe these simple ingredients create a compound powerful enough to kill 99% of common pathogens, and these include viruses like Coronavirus, Salmonella and Listeria. The chemical works by binding to the cell walls and damaging their permeability. The chemical begins tearing down cell walls and degrading proteins, which cause the cell to rupture and disintegrate. All this occurs within 60 seconds of exposure.
- Used by Medical Professionals
Hypochlorous acid is used by medical professionals in hospitals, clinics, veterinary practices and private medical practices. The disinfecting properties are trusted to foster healing, clean wounds and use in ophthalmology and dermatology practices. Conventional bleaches and cleaners can generate health risks — especially when used frequently and increasing exposure times.
- No Wiping Required
Unlike harsh disinfectants, hypochlorous acid does not need to be wiped off after use. It’s the same chemical the body produces to fight infections, so it’s safe for people. The chemical is also safe to use on problematic surfaces like stone and marble, which are highly vulnerable to corrosion.
Sani-Powder offers the safety and efficacy of hypochlorous acid in a convenient granular form. This powder is sustainably packed in pre-measured pouches, ready to be added to containers and be mixed. Once mixed, the hypochlorous acid solution becomes potent within a few minutes and is ready for use. In liquid form, Sani-Powder is highly stable, pH neutral, non-corrosive, and safe to use around families, pets, and plant life.
Conclusion
While it may seem like a tedious task, choosing a safe disinfectant for your home is essential in maintaining a healthy living environment. Making the right choice not only helps protect your family from disease, but also from harmful substances and ingredients that can result in injury and health risks.
References
Environmental Protection Agency (2020). 6 Steps for Sate & Effective Disinfectant Use. Accessed on Jun. 2, 2021, from https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2020-04/documents/disinfectants-onepager.pdf
American Academy of Pediatrics (2021). Cleaners, Sanitizers & Disinfectants. Accessed on Jun. 2, 2021, from https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/prevention/Pages/Cleaners-Sanitizers-Disinfectants.aspx
Sani-Powder (n.d.). About Sani-Powder. Accessed on Jun. 2, 2021, from https://sani-powder.com/about-sani-powder
