What are some things in our daily life that can kill bacteria and disinfect?

There are a wide variety of sterilization products on the market that have penetrated into our daily lives. However, recent studies have shown that excessive use of these sterilization products will actually reduce people's immunity and make them more vulnerable to disease. The main reason is that these disinfection and sterilization products not only kill harmful bacteria, but also kill beneficial bacteria, which are good for health. What things in our daily life can be sterilized and disinfected?

People have always had a misunderstanding that all bacteria are harmful to the human body and should be completely eliminated with drugs or cleaning agents. As a result, many sterilization products are trying to open our wallets by holding high the banner of high-efficiency sterilization. However, the latest research shows that excessive use of products containing highly effective antibacterial ingredients can also be problematic.

Common household disinfectants include:

1 Alcohol. You can use 75% alcohol to disinfect your skin, and soaking dishes for 30 minutes can sterilize them. Alcohol achieves the purpose of sterilization by denaturing and coagulating bacterial proteins.

2 Raw garlic. Two peeled raw garlics are soaked in half a pound of white vinegar for 3 days, which has a magical disinfection and sterilization effect.

3. Essential oils. Essential oils such as lavender and thyme have a stronger bactericidal effect than phenol, and are safe and will not produce drug resistance. They can be used to disinfect cutting boards.

4. White vinegar. Fumigation with heated white vinegar can disinfect airborne viruses and bacteria. Burning moxa can also have this effect.

5 Boil. Put the tableware into water and boil it for 15-20 minutes. Remember that the water must cover the tableware. This method can be used for boil-resistant items and general metal instruments. Disinfection can be completed at 100℃ for 1 to 2 minutes, but spores require a longer time. Anthrax spores must be boiled for 30 minutes, tetanus spores for 3 hours, and botulinum spores for 6 hours. To disinfect metal instruments, add 1-2% sodium carbonate or 0.5% soft soap and other alkaline agents to dissolve fat and enhance bactericidal power. Adding 1% soapy water (15 l/kg) to cotton fabrics can disinfect and remove dirt. When items are boiled for disinfection, the volume should not exceed 3/4 and they should be immersed below the water surface. Be sure to leave some space to facilitate convection.

6 Sunlight. The principle is ultraviolet disinfection. Sunlight exposure also relies on ultraviolet rays, but due to scattering and absorption in the atmosphere, only 39% can reach the ground, so it is only suitable for microorganisms with low endurance and requires longer exposure time.

7. Use 70% alcohol or household bleach diluted with water to mop the floor or wipe the table surface three times a week to safely and effectively resist germs.

8 Steamer. Can be used to sterilize clothes or tableware. It takes at least 15 minutes from the start of steaming. High-pressure steam sterilization (moist heat sterilization) usually has a pressure of 98.066 kPa and a temperature of 121-126°C. It can completely kill bacterial spores in 15-20 minutes. It is suitable for heat-resistant and moisture-resistant items.

When disinfecting indoors, it is best to choose a well-sealed house. Fumigation can be used for disinfection. If the airtightness is poor, it should be sprayed or wiped with disinfectant. Ventilation is also an effective way to kill bacteria and disinfect. You should keep the indoor air circulating and open the windows frequently. No bacteria can survive in good ventilation, so you should pay attention to ventilation after catching a cold.