Natural disinfectants and sanitizers?

Question

Ok I know vinigar and peroxide are good natural disinfectants but, God made this world and he knew we would want to clean all the nasty c**p going around. I think that there has got to be something that kills germs as good as 99% in nature that doesnt come from chemicals. Chemicals cause all sorts of nasty things including cancer, from products like shampoo. It sounds crazy but they say it is possible. Look it up. Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Propolyne Gycal ect ect. Anyway, I feel like maybe the only reason there is not a natural 99% disinfectant is because he knew that in us killing all the germs, eventually they would mutate into something we could never kill. So anyway if you know of natural things, essential oils too, id rather something different though, please tell. I would also like natural shampoos and toothpase and ya know all that personal stuff. Ive got seventh gen. stuff but the selection is very limited you know. Here in the town i live in tenn.

sorry so long and boring!!!!

Answer 1

Cinnamon has lots of antibacterial properties, garlic is antibacterial and antiviral, honey is also antibacterial and antiviral. Grapefruit seed extract is one of the most powerful disinfectants and fungicides I have ever used and it is safe to eat.

considering most of our weight is bacteria/germs I don't think we want to kill off all of them, life as we know it would cease to exist. Not to mention, most of the bacteria/fungi out there is beneficial not harmful to us and other life.

Of course knowing that will not sell poisons advertised to keep us "clean and healthy" But being a germaphobe sells lots of their products.

Answer 2

Tea Tree oil has antibacterial properties, its good for killing mildew, and mold. Mix 1/2 teaspoon to a couple cups water and spray on mold then wipe off.I have used it before. Add a few drop to a spray bootle filled with water and a few tablespoons of baking soda and borox for a good cleaner for counters sinks etc. You can buy it at health food stores.  salt and baking soda make a good mild abrasive for stainless  steel sinks( just dump in add a little water and scrub)In fact baking soda works great for a lot of cleaning chores even laundry.As for brands Toms of Maine makes a good toothpaste. Ecover brand makes a great dishwashing soap. Try Amazon for items you can't find in stores.

Answer 3

First, Sodium Laureth Sulfate.....it does not cause cancer.  Not sure where that rumor got started, but it's fine to use.

Here's a link:

http://www.snopes.com/inboxer/household/...

Second, Propolyne Gycol....I buy the stuff in gallon jugs.  It can stop ketosis (rapid, almost instant drop in blood sugar) in goats after they give birth.  I raise goats, and have hundreds of kids born on my farm every year.  It is a COMPLETELY safe product, if used appropriately.  People can miss-use anything....you can die if you drink too much water (about one gallon in one hour will do it).  Propolyne Gycol is not toxic if used appropriately.

White vinegar kills 95% of the nasty germs.  Why worry about the other 4%?  

If you are really concerned about it, wipe down your counters with baking soda in water.  Then wipe them down with white vinegar after that.  You'll have killed dang near everything.

Vinegar is an acid.  Baking soda is an alkaline.  That means they are on the exact oposite sides of the PH scale.  What the acid of vinegar does not kill, the alkaline of the baking soda will probably kill.

Do not mix them together....they cancel each other out.  Clean with one, then the other.

Lavendar, cedar, cinnamon, mint and several other herbs, and oils are all very good disinfectants.  

I live on a permaculture farm.  I'm exposed to germs day in, and day out.  I'm way healthier than the average person who is exposed to no dust, germs, dirt, animals, ect.  

You NEED to be exposed to germs, so your body can build up immunities.  White vinegar, and baking soda if you want an extra messure, are EXCELENT germ killers (mold too).

Sunlight is also an excelent germ killer.  The UVA/B rays kill nearly everything.

~Garnet

Homesteading/Farming over 20 years

Answer 4

Clorox has introduced a new green line

Answer 5

There are times when disinfectants are important and sanitary conditions are always good common sense. There is a big difference between disinfecting surfaces and treating an infected person. The products mentioned previously by others can have real value when used properly but use caution when trying something new. Some essential oils from herbs such as oregano and extracts from some seeds such a grapefruit seed can burn the skin when used undiluted.

Warm water and soap are still the best tool for preventing spread of infectious agents and prevention is far better than treating them later. Generally, until you learn much more about treatment, I'd avoid all internal treatments unless you consult an expert. Remember that most microbes are essential for our good health. If you kill the good ones, they will often be replaced by bad ones.