This blog post is in synergy with the last one about a simple cleaning schedule. The value of keeping a good standard of hygiene is the prevention of transmission of disease-causing microorganisms. Having the right items for specific goal is essential in order for things to get done faster and easier. Here are 12 essential household cleaning items I would recommend when cleaning and disinfecting in home-care setting.
1. Soaps and Detergents
In hand washing and cleaning, there are 3 essential components which are cleansing agent, water (pressure/fluidics) and friction. Detergents and soaps are the most common and lowest cost cleaning agents utilized in our home. Dish washing soap and laundry soap are detergents with specific purpose as designated by their names. Bath and hand washing soaps are another type of cleaning agent use in maintaining good bodily hygiene.
2. Baking Soda
Due to concern on environmental safety alternatives such as natural and food grade products have been encouraged and popularly used as household cleaning agent. Among the alternatives is baking soda, a leavening agent, but moonlight as a cleaning agent. Taking note of it abrasive quality one seek in cleaning a non-smooth surfaces but it is not EPA-registered disinfectant [1], therefore not made for and ineffective against S.Typhi and E.coli, not a reliable disinfectant. However, it is good in keeping glassware clear and shiny. And to be more economical, use the expired baking soda for cleaning and the unexpired for baking and cooking.
3. Vinegar
As mentioned above, advocacy for environmentally safe products encourages the use of alternatives compare to commercial cleaning and disinfecting products. A study conducted by Dr. Rutala, Barbee, Aquiar, Sobsey, & Weber (2000) concludes that most natural products were less effective than commercial household disinfectants; however, undiluted vinegar and ammonia are effective against S. Typhi and E. coli [2]. In addition, vinegar is a great natural alternative as odor remover and fabric softener. A vinegar solution soak is also a helps in unclogging shower heads and softening grimes on faucets.
4. Alcohol
In the healthcare setting, “alcohol” refers to two water-soluble chemical compounds: ethyl alcohol and isopropyl alcohol that are considered mid-range disinfectant, between concentrations of 60%-95%, as these destroys many bacteria, fungi, and viruses in exposure periods ranging from 10 seconds to 1 hour. It is also a tuberculocidal as it destroys M. tuberculosis, a bacterium that caused infectious respiratory disease popularly known as tuberculosis (TB) [3]. It has been used effectively to disinfect small inanimate objects like scissors and thermometers.
5. Bleach
Household bleach is the most prevalent chlorine-based disinfectant. It comes in aqueous solutions of 5.25%-6.15% sodium hypochlorite. Its antimicrobial actions are effective against large variety of pathogens, fast acting, are not affected by water harness, and low incidence of serious toxicity [4], hence making it inexpensive. The disadvantages of bleach are corrosive to metal, discolour fabrics, and release toxic gas when mixed with ammonia, or acid. So please be careful not to mix bleach and Lysol products with ammonia as its main ingredient, surely you will see bubbling, sizzling and nauseous smell. Mixing 2 disinfectants would not maximise their antimicrobial effect.
Bleach is usually diluted in water at 1:10 ratio (~6,000 ppm) which the approximate dilution is 1 ½ cup of bleach in 4 liters of water; and 1:100 (~600 ppm) make up for ¼ cup of bleach in 4 liters of water. Please see table for the dilution corresponding chlorine ppm. The “ppm” measurement helps to identify at what bleach dilution destroy pathogens. For example, low concentration 25 ppm and less than 5 ppm destroys mycoplasma and vegetative bacteria (no spores, examples E. coli and S. Typhi) in seconds, respectively. One study shows 200 ppm in 10 minutes exposure time inactivated 25 different viruses [5]. Another, a concentration of 500 ppm showed inhibition if Candida after 30 seconds of exposure [6].
Household bleach is a straightforward disinfectant, and in reality it could really mess up tile grout. So, it is either use bleach dilution to disinfect, re-grout tiles annually and become a master "re-grouter" within your lifetime; or find an expensive and effective disinfectant that would not destroy tile grout. If you are an arts and craft person who has a lot of time in your hand, then bleach would not be so bad. Bleach is inexpensiveness and availability usually used in large hard surface areas like counter tops and floors. I would use at least a 600 ppm with 10 minutes exposure time to disinfect counter tops; and 6,000 ppm on fairly clean or minimal microbial load floors. If a surfaces area is heavily contaminated, example pee or feces and the likes, it should initially be decontaminated by spraying until soaked 1:10 bleach solution, let it sit for 5-10 minutes, then clean and disinfected with 1:10 final concentration. Just remember always follow manufacturer’s instructions and safety precautions.
6. Other Disinfectants
A variety of commercial household disinfectants are available, and even different products under the same brand contain different active ingredients. Having a disinfectant with hydrogen peroxide as active ingredients would be useful in disinfecting coloured fabrics, sponges and cutting boards. Phenolic (example, o-phenyl phenol) and quaternary ammonium compounds show effectively in environmental sanitation of surfaces like floors, furniture and walls, but because it a bit costly compare to chlorine-based bleach. Moreover, most are non-corrosive to metal, comes in ready-to-use spray bottles or packaging, hence would be economical to use in smaller areas, like knobs and door handles.
7. Sponges & Brushes
Essential items that provide an essential component in cleaning, friction, are sponges and brushes. Different kinds for sponges, from soft to abrasive, are use in cleaning kitchen wares, and surfaces like counter tops and sink; washing machines and bathroom tiles. Brushes range in sizes, lengths and shapes depend on object to be use from bottles and jars; to toilet bowls (ideal in longer length, with a container). After using always remember to sanitise by immersing to a 1:10 bleach solution for 2-5 minutes, for most contaminated item; or hydrogen peroxide for delicate one’s; then air dry. It would be convenient for sponges and brushes have hole or loops so they are just always be hooked, no need for bulky and contaminated containers that gather water and keep sponges wet and conducive to microbial growth. To be more economical, save and recycle old toothbrushes to clean non-sterile items and/or areas
8. Cleaning Rags
Cleaning clothes from recycled old clothes is not the only option used in cleaning, currently we have microfibers. It is more effective in dusting and cleaning as such materials are densely constructed-polyester and nylon fibers, more absorbent and positively charges (dust are negative charge). So if reusable cleaning materials are used, they should be decontaminated regularly to prevent surface cross transmission.
9. Garbage cans & Trash bags, Pails, Basins & Spray bottles
Containers are needed to place garbage and contaminated materials. And also containers, like pails and basins, to dilute solutions, but use container that is only used to clean specified area and/or items to avoid cross contamination, example do not use to clean kitchen counter the same pail used to disinfect floors and floor mops. Do not forget to decontaminate regularly. Spray bottles are convenient containers for vinegar, alcohol and 1:10 bleach solution, just do not forget to place labels.
10. Broom & Dust pan
Broom and dust pan use to gather and pick up multiple and/or larger particles. Decontaminate regularly.
11. Mop
Variety of mops from microfiber, cotton loop to conventional spring mop. The mop use would depend on floor types and areas. Always remember to decontaminate regularly if items are reused.
12. Gloves & Face masks
Gloves and mask are for personal protection from contaminants and large particles that could cause irritation, inflammation reaction and infection.
I always hope this blog post provide an additional knowledge about good hygiene. If you like this article please let me know, do comment and follow this blog. Feel free to leave any suggestions, questions, corrections and reactions. I always want to know what you think and it would help improve.
Since this blog post ended on personal protection, it would be in sync for the next article to talk about personal health and fitness, in particular on how to maximise taking vitamins and supplements.
As always keep it clean and simple.
References
1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (Last Updated February 2017.). Guidelines for Disinfection and Sterilization in Healthcare Facilities, 2008. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/infectioncontrol/guidelines/disinfection/
2. Rutala, W.A., Barbee, S.L., Aguiar, N.C., Sobsey, M.D., & Weber, D.J. (2000.). Antimicrobial activity of home disinfectants and natural products against potential human pathogens. Infection Control Hospital Epidemiology,
3. Smith, C.R. (1947.). Alcohol as a disinfectant against the tubercle bacillus. Public Health Reports, 62, 1285-1295.
4. Merritt, K., Hitchins, V.M., & Brown, S.A. (2000.). Safety and cleaning of medical materials and devices. Journal of Biomedical Materials Research, 53,131-136.
5. Klein, M., & DeForest, A. (1963.). The inactivation of viruses by germicides. Chemical Specialties Manufacturers Association Proceedings, 49, 116-118.
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