Dear Aly - I can certainly understand the confusion about the need to kill germs. Germs can cause illness, are on things that we touch every day, and can be transmitted by touching people and surfaces. The reality is, washing hard surfaces with soap and water removes about 80% of common germs, which is sufficient for most purposes.

While using an anti-microbial surface product removes at least 99% of germs, killing germs through general surface disinfection is not necessary as it does not usually translate to a health benefit. [1-7]

However, if you are using a surface like a kitchen counter or a sink to prepare food, you should sanitize those areas and wash your hands with soap and water before and after preparation.[8] Similarly, if you have someone in your home that is more susceptible to infection because of a medical condition, sanitizing or disinfecting areas that are commonly touched may decrease their risk of contracting an infection.[9]

Products that kill bacteria are considered sanitizers or disinfectants and must be registered with and approved by the EPA.[1-3] Although many conventional disinfectants and sanitizers contain hazardous chemicals, the good news is that there are natural sanitizers and disinfectants that kill germs using botanicals like thyme or natural acids like lactic acid.

Any product labeled as a sanitizer or disinfectant is required to pass certain tests to show effectiveness against microorganisms, so look for products labeled as such. However, just because a product has a natural active ingredient does not mean that the other ingredients are natural, or that the product is safe, so be sure you know what else is in the product and follow the label instructions.

Sincerely,
Scienceman

1. EPA Antimicrobial Science Policies, Disinfectant Technical Science Section (DIS/TSS). Available from: http://www.epa.gov/oppad001/sciencepolicy.htm, accessed 12/5/08.
2. 40CFR150-180, Protection of Environment, Subchapter E – Pesticide Programs
3. Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act, 1947.
4. Ayliffe GAJ, Collins BJ, Lowbury EJL. Cleaning and disnfection of hospital floors. British Medical Journal. 1966;2:442-445.
5. Larson E, Lin SX, Gomez-Pichardo C, Della-Latta P. Effect of antibacterial home cleaning and handwashing products on infectious disease symptoms: A randomized, double-blind trial. Annals of Internal Medicine. 2004;140:321-329.
6. Larson E, Aiello A, Lee LV, Della-Latta P, Gomez-Duarte C, Lin S. Short and long-term effects of handwashing with antimicrobial or plain soap in the community. Journal of Community Health. 2003;28(2):139-150.
7. Larson E, Gomez Duerte C. Home hygiene practices and infectious disease symptoms among household members. Public Health Nursing. 2001;18(2):116-127.
8. Courtenay M, Ramirez L, Cox B, Han Inyee, Jiang X, Dawson P. Effects of various hand hygiene regimens on removal and/or destruction of Escherichia coli on hands. Food Service Technology. 2005;5(2-4):77-84.
9. Bobolia J. Infection control for the family of the home hospice patient. Home Healthcare Nursing. 2006;24(10):624-626.