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Frequently cleaning your hands can slow the spread of germs. Alcohol based hand sanitizers or gels or antibacterial wipes are useful alternatives if soap and water are not available (for example, when traveling in the car or taxi on the way to a business meeting, before eating an in-flight meal or snack, outdoor work settings, etc.)
When Soap & Water are not Available - Use Hand Sanitizer or Hand Wipes
Use one or two squirts or pumps of the product.
Rub hands…
The American Cleaning Institute (ACI) issued the following statement by Richard Sedlak, Executive Vice President, Technical & International Affairs, on a final rule by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) governing consumer hand sanitizer products and ingredients:
"Hand sanitizers are a critical part of healthy hand hygiene routines for millions of people every single day. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend using alcohol…
Q: I am worried about germs on my kitchen counters. Is it true that more bleach kills more germs?
A: The only advantage to using more bleach than prescribed is if the surface is soiled. To create a sanitizing solution, it is recommended that you use one tablespoon of EPA-registered unscented liquid bleach per gallon of water. Spread the solution liberally over the countertop. Let stand for at least two minutes and then allow to air-dry. We recommend making up fresh …
Q. Can sponges be sanitized in the microwave?
Using the microwave can be risky. Unless the sponge is soaking wet, there is the possibility of starting a fire. In addition, the size of the sponge and the amount of power in the microwave are variables that influence how long you would need to zap it to kill germs. A better way is to soak the sponge for five minutes in a solution of one quart water to three tablespoons of chlorine bleach. Let the sponge air-dry. Replace your sponges every two to…
Q: We have a wood cutting board that we use for everything. What's the best way to clean it? Would it be better to get a plastic one?
A: Wash your cutting board with dish soap and hot water after each use. Rinse with clear water. Air-dry or pat dry with clean paper towels. Note that some nonporous cutting boards, including acrylic, plastic or glass, can also be washed in the dishwasher.
If the cutting board was used for uncooked meat, fish or poultry, sanitize it after …
Bathrooms are where the cleaning challenges can really get tough. There are so many surfaces: chrome, brass, glass, porcelain, fiberglass ... plus a wide variety of soils: hard water deposits, soap film, rust stains and mildew, not to mention germs. An assortment of effective cleaning products is available for these jobs.
Cleaning Tips
Rinse the tub after each use to keep soap film and hard water deposits from forming. Keep a small sponge…
What is soap and how does it work?
The sudsy stuff we use every day of our lives is a mystery to most of us. But behind our cleaning products is an array of scientific data and information. This science and chemistry helps to ensure our products work and are safe for you and your family to use. The resources below will walk through what it means to be clean and how the cleaning process works. For more information and activities, we encourage…
Q: My daughter just got over a bad cold. Her favorite teddy bear was her constant companion. What's the best way clean him – and her other stuffed animals?
A: The first step is to check the tag to make sure Teddy (or any other stuffed animal) is washable. If so, put him in a mesh laundry bag or a pillowcase that is twisted tightly at the top and secured with a rubber band or an elastic hair tie. Launder on the delicate cycle, using cold water and a regular detergent.…
Bleaches help whiten, brighten and remove stains. Here's how to use bleach on clothes:
Bleach converts soils into colorless, soluble particles which are easily removed by detergents, then carried away in the wash water. Bleach can also brighten and whiten fabrics and help remove stubborn stains.
Sodium hypochlorite bleaches (also called chlorine or liquid household bleach) are the more powerful laundry bleaches; they disinfect, as well as clean and whiten. They work on many whites and…
No matter the type of product you are using (soap or detergent), good cleaning takes a lot of energy. Three different kinds to be exact:
Chemical energy, provided by the soap or detergent
Mechanical energy, provided by a machine or by hand
Thermal energy, provided by heating water Let’s look at how all these elements work together.
Assume we have a great, big, oily, greasy stain on one of our favorite shirts. Water alone is not enough to remove the stain and get our…