The answer is yes, bleach disinfects, but... there are some very important factors to consider, such as health and environmental risks. Is it really worth it? What if there were natural, safe, non-toxic alternatives that were just as effective in disinfecting, but gentle on the skin and environmentally friendly?
Can I use bleach as a disinfectant?
Our grandmothers, and maybe even our mothers, always told us: "Use bleach to clean, it disinfects."
But is it really like that?
Bleach - or sodium hypochlorite - is a substance with whitening properties, often used as a disinfectant because it is capable of killing bacteria and viruses on non-porous surfaces.
So the answer to the question is: yes, bleach disinfects, because it is effective in eliminating many pathogenic bacteria, and also against viruses, fungi and molds. You have certainly used it at least once, to eliminate mold from humid rooms such as the bathroom and kitchen.
However, its use is not without risks.
Bleach disinfects, but...
- It is dangerous if inhaled and can cause respiratory irritation;
- When handling it you must always wear gloves, because contact with the skin can cause irritation or allergic reactions;
- It should absolutely not be mixed with other cleaning products (such as ammonia or acids) because it could produce toxic gases;
- It has a strong impact on the environment because the chemicals it contains can be harmful to water and wildlife;
- It must always be diluted in the correct proportions indicated by the manufacturer, so as not to be too aggressive;
- It must be applied on already clean surfaces, because the presence of dirt or organic material could reduce its effectiveness;
- It should be left to act for a few minutes and then rinsed.
Did you know that there is a 100% natural, safe and non-toxic disinfectant?
What if there was an alternative?
A natural, non-toxic, environmentally friendly and safe product for people and animals, with a high disinfectant power, which you can use with complete peace of mind for cleaning the entire house.
We are happy to announce that such a product exists and it is called hypochlorous acid.
And it's even up to 80 times more effective than bleach!
This substance, known in chemistry with the formula HOCl, is naturally produced by our body to fight infections and we at Ecasan have managed to recreate it in the laboratory, with a green technology that uses only water and salt.
Find out how we produce hypochlorous acid.
This has allowed us to create disinfectants and sanitizers for deep and safe hygiene of all environments and surfaces.
Hypochlorous acid, in fact, is able to combat a broad spectrum of bacteria, viruses, fungi, spores, single-celled algae and biofilms, and can therefore be safely used for cleaning.
Furthermore, it has a neutral pH , avoids corrosive processes and does not damage the materials it comes into contact with.
It is 100% biodegradable, completely non-toxic and also effective against bad odors.
We are not the only ones saying this, but also the efficacy tests we have carried out on our products and they have all passed with flying colours:
- EN1275 Fungicide activity
- EN1276 Bactericidal activity
- CEN 14476 Virucidal activity in medical areas
- EN 13697 Bactericidal and fungicidal activity (Phase 2, Step 2)
- EN 1656 Bactericidal activity in the veterinary field
- EEN 1499 Hygienic hand washing
- EN 1500 Hygienic treatment of hands by friction
- EN 13623 Bactericidal activity against Legionella in aqueous systems
As you can see, hypochlorous acid is extremely versatile and can be used as a sanitizer and disinfectant in different sectors, for cleaning the home and in the workplace.
And it doesn't end there.
The advantages are truly numerous.
Let's take one of our flagship products, Ecasan Oggetti e Superfici:
- It is effective but at the same time delicate, as it is dermatologically tested on sensitive skin ;
- No rinsing required;
- Leaves no harmful residue;
- It is suitable for sanitizing all surfaces , even the most delicate ones (marble, steel, ceramic) and for food preparation areas;
- It can also be used on fabrics, carpets and sofas ;
- It is ideal for disinfecting objects that children come into contact with (pacifiers, bottles, toys, etc.)
Visit the shop and find the Ecasan product that best suits you.
