Nat Sauteed
We all want a clean space to start the day with and come home to. Having a clean house is not only pleasing to the eyes. It is also necessary if you want to protect your family against various health problems. Household germs can make you sick. According to the Society for General Microbiology, some bacteria can multiply every 20 minutes with the right temperature and nutrients. Among the most common germs that can be found in households are Salmonella, yeast and mold, E. coli, and Staphylococcus aureus.
Unfortunately, getting rid of dirt and germs in your home is not as easy as you think. Daily sweeping or mopping, scrubbing, and washing with commercial cleaners aren’t always the best approach. There are non-standard ways of cleaning that is more effective than traditional methods.
Here are some of them:
Medical-grade Disinfectant Wipes
This specialized type of wipes isn’t only suitable for hospitals and other medical facilities. They also make a great cleaning supply for homes. Undoubtedly, medical-grade wipes are far more effective in getting rid of germs and bacteria than regular wipes. Whether you or your child has some serious form of allergy to dirt and dust or you simply want to greatly reduce the risk of illness in your household, disinfectant wipes are the best way to go. With their germ-fighting power, medical-grade disinfectant wipes can be used to sanitize various surfaces that are often exposed to moisture, helping inhibit the growth of mold and mildew. Wipes are also more convenient and safer to use for cleaning gadgets and appliances, such as phones and computers, than cloth. Disinfectant wipes are a travel essential too. Germs are anywhere. They lurk in plane seats and armrests, doorknobs, carpets, grocery cart handles, and other surfaces or items you normally touch when you’re traveling. Washing your hands with soap and applying sanitizer after is not enough to protect yourself against all sorts of bacteria.
Vinegar
Sometimes, the best cleaning products can be found in your kitchen. Acetic acid (aka vinegar) is one of the best and cheapest cleaners you can find. It can kill salmonella, E. coli, and other gram-negative bacteria in your home which can cause serious health problems like pneumonia, meningitis, and wound site infection. Vinegar is scientifically proven to kill a range of household pathogens. One study even found that 30 minutes of exposure to a 6% acetic solution efficiently killed the bacteria that causes tuberculosis. The amazing benefits of vinegar don’t end there. It also acts as a natural grease remover and deodorizer. To clean with vinegar, simply mix with a base, such as a castile soap. Put the mixture in a spray bottle and you’re good to go.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is a chemical compound used as an antiseptic, oxidizer and a bleaching agent. It is also an inexpensive way to clean and sanitize your home. What’s more – it is safe for the environment too. With its antibacterial and antiviral qualities, hydrogen peroxide is a safer substitute for bleach. It can also kill mold and mildew. Hydrogen peroxide is so safe to use that it can even be used as a fruit or vegetable soak. However, cleaning with hydrogen peroxide can take some time. Once sprayed on a surface, it should be allowed to sit for a few moments to get the best results. Hydrogen peroxide is used to effectively clean walls, glass, doorknobs, sinks, countertops, and other hard surfaces. You can also use it to clean the floors. Mix half a gallon of three-percent hydrogen peroxide with half a gallon of water.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is something that you should always have at home. It’s a common ingredient in many beauty products but it also has convenient and practical uses, especially when it comes to keeping your home clean and sanitized. Add a teaspoon of tea tree oil in 1 cup water and 1 cup vinegar. Put the mixture in a spray bottle. Use it to clean surfaces like countertops, sinks, and floors. Clean various surfaces with this solution to prevent the build-up of mold. You can also add a few drops into the cycle while washing your clothes. It’s a great way to deodorize fabrics and kill bacteria. Tea tree oil smells amazing. You can add a few drops into your air diffuser to keep your home smelling clean and fresh.
Baking Soda
Sodium bicarbonate, commonly known as “baking soda”, has so many applications and uses. It’s widely used for cooking or baking but it has practical uses for maintaining a clean home too. Baking soda can be used to scrub away marks on the wall, such as color drawings that your toddler may be fond of doing. Just make a paste of baking soda by adding an equal part of water and use it to wipe off marks on your walls. When mixed with vinegar, baking soda is such a powerful natural cleaner that can unclog and disinfect a smelly sink. To do this, pour a cup of bicarbonate into the drain, followed by 2 cups of boiling vinegar. Additionally, when added with other cleaning products, baking soda creates abrasion that effectively scrubs off dirt and debris particles from surfaces.
Conclusion
Keeping your home clean should not stress you out. There are so many cleaning products available in the market that should help you address germs and dirt in your living space. However, you should know that it’s not always the expensive or popular approaches that work well. Strong chemicals can have harmful effects on your family’s health too. Constant exposure to chemicals and VOCs increases the risk of respiratory problems and other health problems.
The cleaning alternatives discussed here have strong qualities that make them very effective. What’s more – they are safe for you and the environment (not to mention that they are cheap). You can try and see for yourself which is the most applicable method for you.
