Cleaning is a personal process. Most people swear by this solution or that spray, and most of them do work to some exent. When it comes to disinfection, there are a lot of ways to disinfect a surface, but the stakes are much higher when it comes to eradicating a potentially deadly virus or bacteria. The US Centers for Disease Control published List N, a list of 520 approved disinfecting products, to provide guidance on the chemicals approved to kill the coronavirus that causes Covid-19. Even with this guidance, there are a variety of non-certified cleaning products being sold with questionable levels of effectiveness. These are some things that will not effectively work to disinfect a surface.
Essential Oils
Various powers of essential oils have been touted throughout history, but there has been very little scientific research done to prove their efficacy. This, paired with questionable supply chains where the oil you think you have may or may not be correct, means essential oils should be enjoyed for their benefits, but not used for disinfection purposes.
Cleansing Oils
Outside of essential oils which are used for the benefits of the specific plant they are derived from, oils, in general, are often used in cleaning. Oil from a variety of sources can be used to remove dirt and grime, as well as add a lubricating and water-resistance finish, but cleaning does not equal disinfecting. In many cases, oils and proper EPA-registered disinfectants can be used in combination to achieve a truly clean and disinfected finish.
Silver-infused Cleaning Cloths
Reusable, chemical-free cleaning cloths are appealing to those looking for more “green” cleaning options. These cloths often tout antimicrobial or antibacterial properties, but it’s important to not confuse these promises with disinfection. These products are designed to reduce the number of bacteria that remain living on the cloth, not to disinfect the surface you’re cleaning. Instead, use these clothes in tandem with an approved disinfectant to achieve a true clean.
Dusting/Sweeping/Vacuuming
While the acts of dusting, sweeping, and vacuuming are important aspects of keeping a clean space, they do little in terms of disinfection. When working to disinfect a space, it’s important to dust, sweep, and/or vacuum before ever using a disinfectant product to reduce the amount of airborne dirt and dust that can be stirred up.
Burning Sage
Burning, or smudging, sage is said to help clear negative ions and bad energies from a room, but science has not found proof that burning sage, or any other herb, has any disinfectant properties.
Looking for a way to really disinfect your home, office, commercial building, or other space? You can count on the professionals at PurePro One. We’re proud to be serving communities in Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, Wayne, and Washtenaw Counties in Southeastern Michigan. Contact us to request a quote or schedule your disinfectant service today!