Coronavirus and Cleaning: Which Green Products are Effective Against Viruses
As each and every state in the world battles to combat the novel coronavirus that causes the disease commonly known as COVID-19. In Minnesota, there are 895,229 total cases including reinfection and 9,338 total number of deaths reported from the time our state was hit by the pandemic. It is needless to say that we need to do what we have to do to eradicate the virus and stop its spread. Aside from social distancing, wearing masks, and proper handwashing, we can help in eradicating the virus by maintaing a clean, healthy home and work space
Disinfecting our home should always be a top priority. It is also important to note the distinction between a cleaner and a disinfectant. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) define cleaning as the physical removal of germs, dirt and other impurities from a surface; while disinfection means that killing germs on a surface. So the best way to ensure a clean and sterile environment is to clean surfaces first, then follow up with a disinfectant. Here are the following green products that are effective against viruses when used properly.
1. SOAP
Simple combination of soap and water remains one of the strongest weapons against infectious diseases, including the novel coronavirus. Frequent handwashing with soap is so important; you work up a good lather, allowing the soap to do its magic. On the other hand, soap (detergent) may also be used as a cleaning agent that works on all types of surfaces. The soap molecules need some time to react with the viral coat and break it up, however, the process is reasonably fast, but it’s not instantaneous.
2. ETHANOL
Alcohol kills germs through a simple chemical process known as denaturation. Denaturation occurs when alcohol molecules break down the proteins present in the structure of germs. When the proteins break down and lose their structure, the cells can’t function properly. They lose their membrane protection, dehydrate, and quickly die.This is an active ingredient found in aliphatic alcohols, a well-known and commonly used disinfectant. You can add it to aloe and make hand sanitizer or spray it on a hard surface to disinfect and sterilize (however, you should not use it on polished wood furniture or rayon fabrics, and you should avoid getting it on foods, drinks, feeds, or surfaces they may contact).
3. HYDROGEN PEROXIDE
Hydrogen peroxide is widely used as a disinfectant, sanitizer and for sterilizing. In most homes, it is used for disinfecting the kitchen or bathroom. When it is used as cleaning agent on a surface, it breaks down pretty quickly, leaving behind only oxygen and water as residue. When using 3% hydrogen peroxide, apply the product undiluted on the surface of the item to be cleaned and decontaminated. If the item is very soiled, it should be cleaned first before applying the hydrogen peroxide, as organic materials may reduce the effectiveness of hydrogen peroxide as a virucide. A minimum dwell time of 10 minutes is needed to kill the coronavirus.
4. THYMOL (THYME OIL)
Thymol or thyme oil is a naturally occurring mixture of compounds in the thyme plant. It’s an active ingredient in pesticide products registered for use as animal repellents, fungicides, medical disinfectants, tuberculocides and virucides. It also can be used in perfumes, food flavorings, mouthwashes, pharmaceutical preparations, and cosmetics. However, this plant-based ingredient also reaps many antimicrobial properties, allowing us to clean our homes without the harsh smells of chemicals or bleach.
Thymol kills bacteria by disrupting the cell walls and cell membranes, causing the cell contents to leak out and the bacteria to die. Enveloped viruses like SARS-CoV-2, more commonly known as the coronavirus, have a protective fatty coating, which is vulnerable to disinfectants like thymol, which break down the protective shell and deactivate the virus.
4. GLYCOLIC ACID
This acid is derived from plants like sugar cane and sugar beet. It’s been used as an antimicrobial cleaner to disinfect and sanitize hard non-porous surfaces, and it’s approved by FDA as an indirect food additive for use in food-packaging adhesives. It’s also widely used in the cosmetics industry.
Glycolic acid has wide compatibility with a range of ingredients like surfactants, biocidal agents, corrosion inhibitors, fragrances, and dyes, it’s easy to formulate an effective cleaner that is safer and more environmentally sound than a mineral acid-based cleaner. Glycolic acid works on its own or in blends with other acids in cleaning formulations.
5. LACTIC ACID
It used as antibacterial and antiviral. Here is how it works; lactic acid bacteria produce the following antimicrobial substances:
Acetic acid – The acid in white vinegar and a natural all-purpose cleaning agent;
Hydrogen peroxide – A non-toxic yet powerful disinfectant Antifungal compounds;
Bacteriocins – Antimicrobial proteins used in chemical-free food preservation.
Because of these, lactic acid can inhibit the growth of dangerous microorganisms on foods, surfaces, and skin. Additionally, the bacteriocins produced by lactic acid can kill bacteria by disrupting the integrity of the cell membrane. Researchers theorize that these peptides are less likely to induce resistant strains of bacteria, thereby being a safe, long-term solution.
Among the key benefits of using green cleaning strategies is maintaining the health and safety of people who typically interact with cleaning products. Choosing green cleaning products can benefit human health by improving respiratory health, reducing endocrine disruption, and avoiding skin irritations. We should all make conscious effort in choosing cleaning products that are formulated with safer ingredients and produce less waste, so we can feel confident that our efforts to help in public health battle against COVID will not negatively impact our environment.
For green cleaning services, you can always trust Carzor Home Cleaning to provide you with the safest, and effective way to clean your home. Call us today to discuss your green cleaning requirements.