The Truth About Antibacterial Soaps: Are They Really a Smart Choice?
It’s flu season again! As the temperature drops, it’s common for everyone to start showing symptoms like runny noses and coughs. Sometimes these minor issues escalate, leaving you bedridden with aches and a fever.
It’s really crucial, especially now, to do everything you can to prevent spreading germs. Avoiding germs completely is nearly impossible, so when you do come into contact with them, it’s important to know how to eliminate them effectively.
**Antibacterial Soaps and Cleaners**
Antibacterial soap was advertised as a more effective alternative to regular soap, claiming to kill about 99% of germs. That sounds perfect for flu season, right? You’d think using antibacterial soap to wash your hands and clean your house would keep you safe and healthy all year long. But hold on.
**Powerful Germ Killers**
It turns out, using antibacterial soaps isn’t always the best idea. Not all germs are harmful; some are actually beneficial and help our bodies fight off bad bacteria. Antibacterial soaps indiscriminately kill both good and bad bacteria. Really, only doctors and medical professionals need these powerful antibacterial cleaners to prevent germ transmission between patients.
**What Should You Use in Your Bathroom?**
Many people use antibacterial hand soaps in their bathrooms, but regular soap is actually sufficient to kill harmful germs. As long as you wash your hands thoroughly with warm water, you’re good to go. Plus, antibacterial soaps often cost more and can dry out your skin.
When it comes to cleaning products, antibacterial bathroom cleaners or wipes aren’t necessary. Regular cleaners work just fine. If you want to avoid harsh chemicals, white vinegar is an excellent alternative. Its acidity kills off germs. For a DIY antibacterial cleaner, try mixing vinegar with a few drops of tea tree oil, a natural antibacterial agent.
**Is It a Bad Idea?**
So, are antibacterial soaps a bad idea? Not really; they’re just more than what we need. Using regular soap doesn’t increase your risk of getting sick if you wash your hands regularly. To prevent skin dryness, stick to non-antibacterial soaps. But if you ever find yourself in a situation where regular soap isn’t available, using antibacterial soap is better than not washing your hands at all.
