Proof That OS Ways Are Best When it Comes to Cleaning?

soappie

I've had a quick look, but can't find reference to this research so forgive me if I'm duplicating it.

Seems that studies carried out by a team of academics from the Health Protection Agency and various universities, including Cambridge, published on 1st February 2010 show that OS ways of cleaning such as using vinegar, bleach and simple washing up liquid solutions are just as (if not more) effective (and much cheaper!) at disinfecting against Swine Flu than buying the expensive anti-bacterial wipes and lotions and potions as advertised on the TV!

Effectiveness of Common Household Cleaning Agents in Reducing the Viability of Human Influenza A/H1N1

Butterfly_Brain

At last scientific research has backed what our mothers, grandmothers and great grandmothers have done for years.
Mother knows best DEFINATELY!

Dustykitten

Thanks - Soappie. I'm amazed that such a tiny amount of washing up liquid has such an effect.

Genuisscuffy

I've had a blocked kitchen drain - it drains slowly - even had a man come out and didnt do much, put those advertised ones down also but in the end watched a programme on "how clean is your house" and she put washing soda, salt, white vinegar down (mind the fumes) and then when it stopps fizzing or 15 mins later pour boiling water down. For the first time in ages it drains lovely!!!

maltesers_2

If the flu pandemic had been worse I'm sure the information would have been made widely available but as it has fizzled out it probably won't be. This is very useful info especially as it says many of the wipes, including toddler wipes, aren't much use at all whereas using even a low concentration of washing up liquid in hot water is. I'm sure many people buy toddler wipes even if it costs more because they are trying to do the best for their kiddies and this study shows that in fact they can save money and be more effective with plain washing up liquid.

phizzimum

thanks soappie - it's good to be able to quote a study like this to back up what we've always suspected.

I hate the way advertising campaigns plug into our fears and insecurities - am I a good mum? can I keep my family healthy? is my house clean enough? but I guess that's what they're paid to do

tryingtoruletheworld

A lot of companies sell the whole 'antibacterial' tag, what they often don't say is if they kill viruses, fungus etc, which something like bleach does. I think people tend to assume antibacterial kills all nasties, rather than primarily bacteria.

Also, if you use OS methods, you are much more likely to use a bit of elbow grease, which is often the most effective part of the whole cleaning process!