"All it takes is a little bleach or baking soda and you can disinfect your entire house." Many people say this. But what if I told you that it's not exactly true? In fact, that continuing to use these products could be useless... or even harmful?
Bleach, vinegar, baking soda: we have seen them used by our grandmothers, and we often associate them with the idea of cleanliness and safety. But today we know much more about how disinfection really works, and how certain "old remedies" are not only ineffective, but also risky for health, skin and the environment.
In this article I want to tell you why you should stop using bleach and baking soda to disinfect – and which natural, effective and safe alternative can really make a difference.
Bleach: yes, it disinfects, but at what cost?
Bleach – or sodium hypochlorite – has been considered a symbol of hygiene and cleanliness for decades. It is present in almost every home, used to whiten, remove stains and disinfect. But few people really stop to think about what its use entails. Because yes, bleach disinfects... but at what cost?
First, let's talk safety . Sodium hypochlorite is an extremely aggressive chemical, capable of causing skin irritation , eye damage , and if inhaled, even respiratory problems . Just use it in a poorly ventilated bathroom to realize how annoying, if not dangerous, its vapors can be. And if there are small children, people with sensitive skin, or animal friends in the house, the risk increases.
Then there’s the environmental issue. When bleach goes down the drain, it doesn’t magically disappear: it enters water systems, where it can react with other organic substances to form toxic compounds, such as dioxins . In short, disinfecting with bleach often means compromising the environment.
But not only that: to really work as a disinfectant, bleach needs certain conditions of use (such as the right dilution and contact with clean surfaces). Using it incorrectly, as often happens, makes it ineffective and even dangerous.
So, is this really the price you want to pay for a “disinfected” home?
Baking soda and vinegar: old myths to be debunked
How many times have you heard that baking soda is a great disinfectant? Or that vinegar is the perfect natural solution to sanitize anything? I bet a lot. Yet, the truth is that neither of them really disinfects .
Let's start with bicarbonate : it's true, it's a useful substance for absorbing odors, polishing surfaces and helping dissolve dirt thanks to its light abrasive action. But there's a long way to go from calling it a disinfectant. Sodium bicarbonate has no bactericidal properties : it doesn't kill viruses, bacteria or fungi. In short, it can help you clean, but not make a surface safe.
And vinegar ? Again, we are talking about a natural remedy that can be very useful for eliminating unpleasant odors, dissolving limescale, or making glass shine. But be careful: it is not a disinfectant . Acetic acid, its main component, has a pH that is too low to be effective against most pathogenic microorganisms. And not only that: if used incorrectly, it can also be polluting , especially if released in large quantities into the environment.
So washing your dog with vinegar... no way!
In practice, using vinegar and baking soda thinking that you have disinfected is just an illusion . It gives you the idea of cleanliness, but it does not guarantee the safety that you really need. This is why it is important to overcome these myths and choose effective, tested and safe solutions – for you, your family and the environment.
What does disinfecting really mean?
Let's get this straight once and for all: cleaning, sanitizing, disinfecting and sterilizing are not synonyms. In fact, confusing these terms is one of the most common mistakes... and most dangerous. If you really want to protect yourself, your family or your pets, knowing what "disinfecting" means is the first step.
-
Cleaning simply means removing visible dirt : dust, residue, grease. It is the basis of everything, but by itself it does not eliminate germs.
-
Sanitizing reduces the amount of microorganisms to a level considered safe for public health. It is useful for maintaining a healthy environment in everyday life.
-
Disinfecting , on the other hand, means killing or inactivating bacteria, viruses, fungi . An effective disinfectant must be able to act on pathogens and guarantee a high level of safety, especially in critical contexts such as kitchens, bathrooms or environments with newborns or animals.
-
Sterilizing , finally, is an even more profound process, which eliminates all forms of microbial life. It is used in medical fields or for risky objects such as baby bottles and pacifiers.
Do you understand why “a little vinegar” is not enough? Or why bleach used incorrectly is just an unnecessary risk?
Disinfecting requires tested products, formulated to be truly effective . And today we have access to safer, more sustainable and intelligent solutions. You just have to know how to recognize them.
The Natural Alternative That Really Works: Hypochlorous Acid
After debunking the false myths about bleach, vinegar and bicarbonate, it is natural to ask: is there a way to really disinfect, without risking your health or polluting the environment? The answer is yes, and it is called hypochlorous acid .
Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) is a molecule naturally produced by our immune system when it fights viruses and bacteria. It is powerful, safe and incredibly effective. Thanks to the green chemistry of ECASAN, today we can also use it in a stable form to disinfect surfaces, objects and to sanitize our skin and that of our animal friends, without using alcohol, bleach or aggressive chemicals.
But why is it so revolutionary?
-
It is up to 80 times more effective than bleach .
-
It is completely non-toxic to people, animals and the environment.
-
It is biodegradable , leaves no residue and does not contribute to water pollution.
-
It has a neutral pH , which makes it perfect even for those with sensitive skin or for use around children or pets.
ECASAN hypochlorous acid is concrete proof that you can truly disinfect naturally, without sacrificing effectiveness or sustainability. It is the future of daily hygiene: more aware, safer, more respectful.
If you want to delve deeper into the topic of house cleaning and dispel some false myths, read these articles too:
- Does bleach really disinfect?
- Hydrogen Peroxide for Disinfection: Is It Enough?
- How to Disinfect Surfaces? 7 Myths to Debunk
