Image Citation: [1]
Written by Lauren Lee ‘28
Edited by Shivam Kogar '27
It’s flu season, which means households across America are stocking up on masks, tissues, medicines, and, most importantly, cleaning agents to combat the germs we encounter daily. As a college student now tasked with the responsibility of purchasing my own cleaning supplies, I wonder: is there one cleaning agent that truly stands out? In a sea of cleaning agents that we can pick from, there has to be one that is just “better” right? Growing up, my home was often filled with scents of rosemary, sweet amber, and cinnamon – essential oils that my mom would use as natural disinfectants. Frankincense, in particular, was my family’s favorite. Now, with a variety of options on the market, from Purell to Lysol to even bleach, I believe it’s worth examining the science to see which products are both effective and safe for everyday use.
Many households rely on powerful, chemical-based cleaners like bleach which have been proven to be very effective in eliminating a broad spectrum of pathogens. Bleach is known for its potency; it kills 99.9% of household germs including microbes like bacteria, viruses, and fungi. This makes it a preferred choice in hospitals and other medical facilities where the spread and rampant amounts of bacteria is high risk for the patients. The Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (the CDC) highlights bleach’s effectiveness on non-porous surfaces like countertops, tiles, sinks, where it provides a strong line of defense against pathogens [2]. However, bleach has its own set of disadvantages as well. Prolonged exposure to bleach and its fumes can irritate the respiratory system, eyes, and skin, making it less ideal for frequent use in enclosed, small spaces like bedrooms, kitchens, classrooms, and households with children or pets. Furthermore, if mixed with other cleaners like ammonia and such, bleach can produce toxic gasses, increasing health risks.
Another popular cleaning agent for disinfection especially during flu season is Lysol. Containing active ingredients such as benzalkonium chloride and ethanol, Lysol products are listed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as a reliable means to use as an effective method against various viruses [3][4]. This makes Lysol a reliable option for frequent household disinfection: wiping up the counter, cleaning the kitchen table, essentially wiping any surface that has bacteria on it. Of course, it also has its own drawbacks. Yet again, the chemical compounds in Lysol, while effective, also give rise to public health concerns. These chemicals can cause skin and respiratory irritation to some people, posing a potential health risk similar to those associated with bleach.
The last example is Purell and other alcohol based sanitizers which serve as convenient, portable options for hand hygiene. The CDC recommends hand sanitizers with an alcohol concentration of at least 60% to ensure that the germs are effectively killed when soap and water aren’t available at hand. However, Purell and the other alcohol based sanitizers are specifically designed for hands and not for deep cleaning surfaces. The risks associated with these types of agents are very minimal although the alcohol content can dry out the skin for some people along with irritating the skin as well in certain situations.
Finally, we consider the natural alternatives. In contrast to the traditional cleaning agents, essential oils like frankincense, tea tree oil, eucalyptus mint provide a more natural approach to cleaning. With their antimicrobial properties these essential oils have been used throughout history for their health and purification benefits. In fact, research has shown that tea tree oil possesses antibacterial and antifungal effects against certain pathogens although it may not have as broad a spectrum as bleach or Lysol. Frankincense essential oil, which has its antiseptic qualities, can be diffused into the air to help purify it, thereby supporting respiratory health as well. Essential oils lack the harsh fumes that traditional disinfectants carry, making them a popular choice and great alternative for households seeking a gentler, eco-friendly cleaning method. However, essential oils may not be as effective against high-risk viruses and bacteria such as COVID-19 as their properties are slow acting, meaning the oils makes it less effective for them to intensively clean and rid of any bacteria or pathogens. Furthermore, essential oils are a low-risk cleaning alternative that is less of a risk to respiratory health and safer for children and pets.
All in all, there is no right answer to which cleaning agent or disinfectant you should purchase. Ultimately, selecting the right cleaning agent depends on the context. For high-risk areas, traditional disinfectants like Lysol and bleach offer great means in which eliminating pathogens will be very good especially during flu season. These products are quick and reliable but should definitely be used with caution given their potential health risks. For everyday cleaning, it seems like essential oils present a more mild and eco-friendly option that may not always kill pathogens as effectively as the synthetic agents but contribute to indoor air quality as well as being non-toxic showing how powerful natural agents can be. As we navigate flu season and the ongoing demand and need to clean and disinfect households, both synthetic and natural agents serve as important tools.. Understanding the science behind both agents helps us make more informed choices for our own health depending on our contextual needs and priorities.
References
[1] Pitassi, Francine. “Should I Use Disinfectants or UV-C to Fight COVID-19?” Regency Insights Blog, Regency Supply, 16 June 2023, insights.regencysupply.com/disinfectant-cleaning-products-or-uv-lights.
[2] “Cleaning and Disinfecting with Bleach.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, www.cdc.gov/hygiene/about/cleaning-and-disinfecting-with-bleach.html. Accessed 4 Nov. 2024.
[3] “Lysol.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 22 Sept. 2024, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lysol.
[4] Registration Notice Unconditional v.20150320 NOTICE OF PESTICIDE: X Registration Reregistration Lysol Air Sanitizer [Internet]. Available from: https://www3.epa.gov/pesticides/chem_search/ppls/000777-00143-20220930.pdf
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