01/06/2012
Anti-bacterial Soaps: Unecessary and Dangerous
Anti-bacterial soaps and cleaners have become quite the rage (read ”marketing success”) haven’t they? And it sounds so good. I mean, who doesn’t want to avoid germs these days?!
But what if I told you that anti-bacterial soaps have not been proven any more effective than regular soap in preventing infection among average consumers? Would that make you stop and think? Okay, so what if I also told you that the substances that make a soap anti-bacterial are actually herbicides, pesticides and fungicides? Would that make you say, Whao?
Some of these “active ingredients” have been linked to some serious health problems including liver, kidney and digestive damage; behavioral problems in children; damage to the nervous system; and brain development and reproductive defects. Even more, overuse of these products can impair the body’s ability to fight off common infections.
The bacteria fighting agent, triclosan, is of particular concern. Unfortunately it is in all kinds of products from liquid soap to acne creams, toothpaste (!) to deodorant, and a slew of household products besides. Look for triclosan on the labels of things you buy. It may also be listed under the brand names of Microban, UltraFresh, Amicor and BioFresh. There’s a slew of information on the web about triclosan, but suffice it to say here, You don’t want it in your body if you can help it.
So, do you ever need to use anti-bacterial cleaners? According to leading microbiologists, they are needed only when someone in a household is seriously ill or has low immunity. Otherwise, plain old soap and warm water will do just fine.
What can you use instead? For house cleaning, try soap and hot water, hydrogen peroxide, vinegar, alcohol or lavender oil either by itself or suspended in a solution of mineral oil. For hand soaps, try Trader Joe’s “Next to Godliness.”
Hope this helps. Love to hear your comments!!
Bald Mt. Press
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Cheoy Lee said,
01/10/2012 at 10:46 am
Goodness, thanks for this. I guess putting “anitbacterial” on something might seem like a quick sell from a soap manufacturer’s point of view when actually it’s no different! But in our haste to protect our own and our loved ones’ health we rush to buy. Always good to be informed!
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01/12/2012 at 7:51 am
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cleaningproz said,
01/13/2012 at 9:03 pm
thank you for your kind words! Stop by often.
Craig Sedoris said,
01/12/2012 at 4:31 pm
Most people don’t realize just how dangerous anti-bacterial soaps really are. At the rate we’re going with these cleaning products, it’s only a matter of time before the Superbug is created. These are definitely great alternative products!
toilet cubicles said,
01/16/2012 at 3:28 pm
Broadly speaking, an antibacterial is an agent that interferes with the growth and reproduction of bacteria.
nicky said,
01/19/2012 at 2:23 pm
Thank you for this kind of information i think it will help my cleaning company so much and i look forwarded it reading for about this and other information you have to offer.
KateH. said,
01/19/2012 at 9:40 pm
Great article! It takes a pro to cut through the hype and speak the truth. The tried and true methods from before the days of “new and improved” are the best of all AND the least expensive! Thanks for setting us straight! Keep up the good work!
KateH.
Cleaning service said,
01/20/2012 at 4:50 pm
keeping my house clean is almost impossible, i love hiring people to do it for me. it removes enormous amounts of stress and puts me in a good mood! thanks
German- lavado de alfombras said,
01/21/2012 at 11:15 pm
Thank you very much, you very good advice I think the cleaning chemicals in the long run harm the environment including the Altena you give is not ideal, I will try in my small business
Gilbert said,
01/24/2012 at 2:35 pm
Thanks for the information. Besides having the hazardous chemicals included in these soaps, there may also be a biological threat. While antibacterial soap kills bacteria there’s the possibly that stronger resistant strains will survive and spread. So you may actually be helping the bacterial in your home become stronger and resistant to the soap. I agree that plain old soap and warm water will do the trick.
Rick Spencer said,
02/02/2012 at 8:47 pm
This is an interesting thing. Because of all the people using these anti-bacterial soaps more and more. Thank you for bringing this to light
cleaningproz said,
02/02/2012 at 11:29 pm
You are right. I wish more was being written about this especially to mothers of young children who seem to be the worst offenders. I hope whoever reads this post will help get the word out.
Richie said,
02/07/2012 at 8:34 pm
Regular soap and hot water to play it safe. Sometimes the cure is more harmful than the symptoms.
carpet care atascadero said,
02/14/2012 at 8:34 pm
I really enjoyed this piece, it was fascinating. I have a carpet cleaning company in California and I end up using a lot of your tips during the day.