{"id":23954,"date":"2021-12-10T15:57:39","date_gmt":"2021-12-10T15:57:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/alternatech.net\/?p=23954"},"modified":"2021-12-10T15:57:39","modified_gmt":"2021-12-10T15:57:39","slug":"ways-youre-using-disinfectants-wrong-thats-harmful-to-life","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/justmetalking.com\/ways-youre-using-disinfectants-wrong-thats-harmful-to-life\/","title":{"rendered":"Ways You\u2019re Using Disinfectants Wrong That&rsquo;s Harmful To Life"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>These are the blunders you should avoid in order to be safe, ranging from using the wrong products to not leaving the appropriate ones on for long enough.\n\n\n\n</p><p class='\"has-text-align-right\"'>Rachel Sokol\n\n\n\n</p><h2 class='\"wp-block-heading\"'>You grab the bleach for a quick clean-up.\n\n\n\n</h2><p>Bleach will do the task, but only if used properly. &ldquo;Bleach often requires four or more minutes of contact time to eradicate viruses,&rdquo; adds Ledoux. &ldquo;I [really] recommend a 10- to 15-minute dwell period if you use bleach.&rdquo; In contrast, alcohol concentrations ranging from 60 to 95 percent require only 30 seconds of contact time to deactivate COVID-19.\n\n\n\n</p><div class='\"wp-block-image\"'><figure class='\"aligncenter' size-full><img fetchpriority='\"high\"' decoding='\"async\"' width='\"700\"' height='\"700\"' src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/alternatech.net%5C/wp-content%5C/uploads%5C/2021%5C/12%5C/GettyImages-1132395838.jpg%5C%22" alt='\"\"' class='\"wp-image-23955\"' srcset='\"https:\/\/justmetalking.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/GettyImages-1132395838.jpg' https: sizes='\"(max-width:'>\n\n\n\n<h2 class='\"wp-block-heading\"'>You use a disinfectant with a low alcohol concentration\n\n\n\n</h2><p>Eco-friendly products are great, but these cleaning options might not always have a high enough alcohol or bleach concentration to kill COVID-19. That\u2019s why reading labels is so important, especially now. In terms of alcohol-based products, you should be looking for products that have at least a 70 percent alcohol concentration. If you can\u2019t find your normal go-to products? \u201cOpt for cleaning alcohol itself, which is normally sold in pharmacies,\u201d advises Ledoux. \u201cThe content is important because the higher concentration kills the coronavirus in less than one minute. Plus, it\u2019s effective, doesn\u2019t leave a residue and evaporates.\u201d\n\n\n\n</p><p>\n\n\n\n</p><div class='\"wp-block-image\"'><figure class='\"aligncenter' size-full><img decoding='\"async\"' width='\"700\"' height='\"700\"' src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/alternatech.net%5C/wp-content%5C/uploads%5C/2021%5C/12%5C/GettyImages-1198144936-1.jpg%5C%22" alt='\"\"' class='\"wp-image-23956\"' srcset='\"https:\/\/justmetalking.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/GettyImages-1198144936-1.jpg' https: sizes='\"(max-width:'>\n\n\n\n<h2 class='\"wp-block-heading\"'>You roll your eyes at DIYs\n\n\n\n</h2><p>Today, many disinfectants are sold out as we try to keep our homes safe and clean. But don\u2019t give up. There are some DIY recipes out there that can help you. \u201cIf you\u2019re in a pinch or short on product, rubbing alcohol, diluted with water, will work,\u201d says Lake. \u201cUse a 50\/50 dilution ration of 50 percent water and 50 percent rubbing alcohol.\u201d\n\n\n\n</p><p>\n\n\n\n</p><div class='\"wp-block-image\"'><figure class='\"aligncenter' size-full><img decoding='\"async\"' width='\"700\"' height='\"700\"' src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/alternatech.net%5C/wp-content%5C/uploads%5C/2021%5C/12%5C/GettyImages-473271272-1-e1586446761569-2.jpg%5C%22" alt='\"\"' class='\"wp-image-23962\"' srcset='\"https:\/\/justmetalking.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/GettyImages-473271272-1-e1586446761569-2.jpg' https: sizes='\"(max-width:'>\n\n\n\n<h2 class='\"wp-block-heading\"'>You don&rsquo;t\u00a0read the small print.\n\n\n\n</h2><p>According to Ledoux, most buyers make the error of failing to read a product&rsquo;s instructions on how to use it. &ldquo;[Professional cleaners] adhere to the label.&rdquo; &ldquo;Manufacturers conduct significant testing and base their directions on that,&rdquo; she says. &ldquo;Many people do not read those labels, and as a result, they do not provide enough dwell time for the product to be effective.&rdquo; If we apply a disinfecting spray for two to three minutes but wipe it off after 10 seconds, the cleaning and sanitizing impact will be negligible, if any.&rdquo; For instance, these are the instructions on a can of Lysol: &ldquo;Clean the surface first.&rdquo; Spray the surface until it is completely wet. Allow for a 2-minute wait before wiping.&rdquo;\n\n\n\n</p><div class='\"wp-block-image\"'><figure class='\"aligncenter' size-full><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' width='\"730\"' height='\"383\"' src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/alternatech.net%5C/wp-content%5C/uploads%5C/2021%5C/12%5C/read-fine-print-featured.png%5C%22" alt='\"\"' class='\"wp-image-23957\"' srcset='\"https:\/\/justmetalking.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/read-fine-print-featured.png' https: sizes='\"(max-width:'>\n\n\n\n<h2 class='\"wp-block-heading\"'>You ignore your home\u2019s biggest problem areas\n\n\n\n</h2><p>\u201cWhile floors get dirty, we typically aren\u2019t going to get sick from dirty floors,\u201d says Trisha Lake, owner of\u00a0TLC Cleaning\u00a0in North Dakota and Minnesota. \u201cLight switches and doorknobs are way more likely to get us sick. Break out those toothbrushes and start scrubbing those light switches two-plus times per week.\u201d\u00a0\n\n\n\n</p><p>\n\n\n\n</p><div class='\"wp-block-image\"'><figure class='\"aligncenter' size-full><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' width='\"700\"' height='\"700\"' src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/alternatech.net%5C/wp-content%5C/uploads%5C/2021%5C/12%5C/GettyImages-1214381499-1.jpg%5C%22" alt='\"\"' class='\"wp-image-23958\"' srcset='\"https:\/\/justmetalking.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/GettyImages-1214381499-1.jpg' https: sizes='\"(max-width:'>\n\n\n\n<h2 class='\"wp-block-heading\"'>You use disinfecting wipes instead of a spray\n\n\n\n</h2><p>\u201cWipes are convenient to keep in your purse, briefcase or backpack for use when you are away from home and need to touch surfaces like shopping carts, door handles and so forth,\u201d explains Jim Epstein, CEO of Intercon Chemical &amp; Clearly Better, which makes\u00a0PURE Hard Surface Disinfectant. \u201cWhen at home, though, it is best to use a spray disinfectant. Wipes become dirty quickly, and you can overload a wipe, so its disinfectant material loses effectiveness.\u201d\n\n\n\n</p><div class='\"wp-block-image\"'><figure class='\"aligncenter' size-full><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' width='\"700\"' height='\"700\"' src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/alternatech.net%5C/wp-content%5C/uploads%5C/2021%5C/12%5C/GettyImages-1215497382-e1586451429756-2.jpg%5C%22" alt='\"\"' class='\"wp-image-23959\"' srcset='\"https:\/\/justmetalking.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/GettyImages-1215497382-e1586451429756-2.jpg' https: sizes='\"(max-width:'>\n\n\n\n<h2 class='\"wp-block-heading\"'>You don\u2019t wash your hands before cleaning\n\n\n\n</h2><p>Guess what\u2014you don\u2019t just need to wash your hands when you come in from outside. You need to wash them before you start cleaning. Otherwise, you\u2019re introducing germs into what should be a clean environment. So, before you get started, Lake recommends washing your hands for 20 seconds with soap and water. Then put on a pair of disposable gloves\u2014it\u2019s not just to protect your delicate hands from harsh chemicals. \u201cWhen cleaning, you\u2019re going to come in to contact with many different germ-ridden surfaces,\u201d says Lake, so this gives you some extra protection.\u00a0\n\n\n\n</p><p>\n\n\n\n</p><div class='\"wp-block-image\"'><figure class='\"aligncenter' size-full><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' width='\"700\"' height='\"700\"' src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/alternatech.net%5C/wp-content%5C/uploads%5C/2021%5C/12%5C/hand-washing-rotational-rubbing-of-fingers-into-palms-e1586446244308-1.jpg%5C%22" alt='\"\"' class='\"wp-image-23960\"' srcset='\"https:\/\/justmetalking.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/hand-washing-rotational-rubbing-of-fingers-into-palms-e1586446244308-1.jpg' https: sizes='\"(max-width:'>\n\n\n\n<h2 class='\"wp-block-heading\"'>You walk straight by Magic Erasers.\n\n\n\n</h2><p>Mr. Clean Magic Erasers are your new best friend. They not only eliminate errant marks on your walls when nothing else can, but they may also help with disinfection. &ldquo;While they do not disinfect, they make it simpler to remove [the] filth off surfaces so that a disinfectant may do its job,&rdquo; Lake explains. &ldquo;I adore Magic Erasers and use them on a daily basis.&rdquo; You can use them to clean high-contact areas such as counters, toilets, and door handles before applying your disinfectant of choice.\n\n\n\n</p><div class='\"wp-block-image\"'><figure class='\"aligncenter' size-full><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' width='\"700\"' height='\"700\"' src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/alternatech.net%5C/wp-content%5C/uploads%5C/2021%5C/12%5C/GettyImages-1145698522-e1586452068971-2.jpg%5C%22" alt='\"\"' class='\"wp-image-23961\"' srcset='\"https:\/\/justmetalking.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/GettyImages-1145698522-e1586452068971-2.jpg' https: sizes='\"(max-width:'>\n\n\n\n<h2 class='\"wp-block-heading\"'>You use Windex everywhere\n\n\n\n</h2><p>Glass cleaner is good for windows, mirrors, and some other glass surfaces, but glass cleaners are not disinfectants, according to Epstein. It\u2019s not intended to kill germs. \u201c<em>My Big Fat\u00a0Greek Wedding\u00a0aside, it\u2019s just a glass cleaner and not a disinfectant,\u201d he says. \u201cWhen you need to disinfect, especially for \u2018high-touch surfaces,\u2019 use a low-toxicity, people-friendly, hospital-grade disinfectant that can be used to both clean and disinfect those hard surfaces: door handles, light switches, bathroom fixtures, and handles, kitchen surfaces, and more.\u201d\n\n\n\n<p>\n\n\n\n</p><div class='\"wp-block-image\"'><figure class='\"aligncenter' size-full><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' width='\"700\"' height='\"700\"' src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/alternatech.net%5C/wp-content%5C/uploads%5C/2021%5C/12%5C/GettyImages-1055221704-2.jpg%5C%22" alt='\"\"' class='\"wp-image-23963\"' srcset='\"https:\/\/justmetalking.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/GettyImages-1055221704-2.jpg' https: sizes='\"(max-width:'>\n\n\n\n<h2 class='\"wp-block-heading\"'>You don\u2019t wash your clothes in hot water\n\n\n\n</h2><p>When it comes to your laundry, every load needs to be washed on hot right now, says environmental-toxin expert Tonya Harris, founder of\u00a0Slightly Greener. In fact,\u00a0studies show\u00a0that water needs to be over 140 degrees Fahrenheit to kill viruses and pathogenic bacteria. To save your clothes from shrinking, Harris recommends drying clothes on normal settings or hanging to dry. Also, she adds, make sure that clothes are 100 percent dry before putting them away \u201cso more germs and bacteria don\u2019t grow on your damp fabric.\n\n\n\n</p><p>\n\n\n\n</p><div class='\"wp-block-image\"'><figure class='\"aligncenter' size-full><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' width='\"700\"' height='\"700\"' src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/alternatech.net%5C/wp-content%5C/uploads%5C/2021%5C/12%5C/GettyImages-1148429492-e1586446937171-2.jpg%5C%22" alt='\"\"' class='\"wp-image-23964\"' srcset='\"https:\/\/justmetalking.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/GettyImages-1148429492-e1586446937171-2.jpg' https: sizes='\"(max-width:'>\n\n\n\n<h2 class='\"wp-block-heading\"'>Baby wipes are used on everything, not only babies.\n\n\n\n</h2><p>You are not alone if you use baby wipes to clean surfaces in your home. It&rsquo;s popular parenting and cleaning tip, but keep in mind that those wipes aren&rsquo;t sanitizing anything. &ldquo;They have gentle components because they are used on the skin, as well as hydrating compounds that are supposed to soothe,&rdquo; Harris explains. &ldquo;While they are useful for general rapid cleaning, they are not intended to destroy bacteria and viruses.&rdquo; She goes on to say that the same is true for basic cleansing wipes. The cosmetics industry regulates these wipes, whereas the United States Environmental Protection Agency regulates wipes that disinfect &ldquo;inanimate&rdquo; surfaces such as a mobile phone (EPA). Just so you know, baby wipes can peel or harm the &ldquo;oleophobic&rdquo; coating of phones, so don&rsquo;t do this in a pinch.\n\n\n\n</p><p>\n\n\n\n</p><div class='\"wp-block-image\"'><figure class='\"aligncenter' size-full><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' width='\"700\"' height='\"700\"' src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/alternatech.net%5C/wp-content%5C/uploads%5C/2021%5C/12%5C/GettyImages-1038228318-2.jpg%5C%22" alt='\"\"' class='\"wp-image-23965\"' srcset='\"https:\/\/justmetalking.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/GettyImages-1038228318-2.jpg' https: sizes='\"(max-width:'>\n\n\n\n<p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"</p><p>These are the blunders you should avoid in order to be safe, ranging from using the wrong products to not leaving the appropriate ones on for long enough. Rachel Sokol You grab the bleach for a quick clean-up. Bleach will do the task, but only if used properly. &ldquo;Bleach often requires four or more minutes\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":23966,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"","_seopress_titles_title":"","_seopress_titles_desc":"","_seopress_robots_index":"","_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[21],"tags":[54,43,61,100,96,30,46,31],"class_list":{"0":"post-23954","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-tie-life-style","8":"tag-clean-hack","9":"tag-cleaning-house","10":"tag-cleaning-tips","11":"tag-diy","12":"tag-diy-home","13":"tag-household-hacks","14":"tag-life-hacks","15":"tag-tips"},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/justmetalking.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Colorful-Scrapbook-Cutout-College-Graduate-Job-Seeker-Social-Media-Manager-Resume-Presentation-1.png","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/justmetalking.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23954","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/justmetalking.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/justmetalking.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/justmetalking.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/justmetalking.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=23954"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/justmetalking.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23954\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/justmetalking.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/23966"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/justmetalking.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=23954"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/justmetalking.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=23954"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/justmetalking.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=23954"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}</p></figure></div></figure></div></figure></div></em></p></figure></div></figure></div></figure></div></figure></div></figure></div></figure></div></figure></div></figure></div>