If you’re wondering why antibacterial soap has been getting a bad rap lately, read on.
Chances are, you have seen news about antibacterial soap popping up throughout your news feed and inbox, so what is all of the fuss about? Antibacterial soap is common throughout public restrooms and facilities, and you might even have it inside of your soap dispenser at home. Why is antibacterial soap a bad thing?
Antibacterial Products Don’t Work Any Better
One of the biggest reasons why antibacterial products are now gaining a bad reputation is pretty straightforward—they don’t work any better. Antibacterial soap is almost never actually necessary, and it is typically harsher than non-antibacterial soap. Beyond being harsher on your hands and the environment, antibacterial soap doesn’t work any better than normal soap.
A comparison study from the University of Michigan examined many trials comparing people who washed their hands with antibacterial soap with people who washed their hands with regular soap. In all but one trial examined, there was absolutely no difference between people that used antibacterial soap and people that used regular soap. In the study that was the exception to the rule, people who used antibacterial soap had less bacteria on their hands after washing, but only if they washed their hands for a whopping 30 seconds straight, 18 times a day, for five days straight.
Contributing to the Rise of Superbugs
A huge concern with antibacterial soap and products is that they are starting to contribute to the rise of dangerous, antibiotic-resistant illnesses called superbugs. A massive amount of adults and children (about 75%) have detectable levels of triclosan, an ingredient used in antibacterial soaps and products, in their bloodstream. Triclosan, in closed studies, has made bacteria resistant to antibiotics in test tubes. These studies have not yet been replicated in hospitals or homes, but it is easy to see that the rise of antibiotics correlates directly to the rise of superbugs.
Antibacterial Soap Hurts the Environment
While people are still debating over whether or not antibacterial soap is actively harmful to human health, it is becoming common knowledge that it is harmful to environmental health. Ingredients found in antibacterial soaps and cleaning products are quickly building up in the environment after they are flushed or rinsed down the drain. Aquatic life has been directly negatively affected as a result of the proliferation of chemicals like triclosan in the water, and antibiotic soap is one of the prime culprits.
Professional Cleaning Service Without Antibacterial Soap
If you use Ivete’s Cleaning Service, you are guaranteed to enjoy a beautiful professional residential cleaning like you have never seen before. We have provided excellent service to our residential customers for 27 years and look forward to meeting your cleaning needs. To schedule a consultation, visit us online or give us a call at 301-518-7172. Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, LinkedIn, and Google+!