What types of bacteria roam in the household?

Question

I'm trying to conduct an experiment for school. Pretty much all I've gotten is "chemical cleaners vs. natural cleaners", or at least, along those lines. I may be thinking too hard, because I'm very confused.

I need to know what types of bacteria (common bacteria) that can be found in the home. I've researched through search engines, but that's not helping me.

I want to test how, say lemon juice (for example), may be more/just as/less beneficial than chemical cleaners. since it's natural and chemical cleaners are toxic and contribute to pollution.

but lemon juice is used more as a bleach or to remove grease......

it wouldn't really work to test it on bacteria...

and borox is natural; used against bacteria... but, it still has chemical properties and can also be toxic..

and, etc etc. this is why I'm confused.

anyone who can inform me on bacteria types or any other twists to this idea.. you'll be a great help. thanks.

Answer 1

Here's a short list, but it gets all the major players:

Campylobacter jejuni

Clostridium botulinum

Clostridium perfringens

Escherichia coli (various strains)

Salmonella (various strains)

Streptococcus (various strains)

Shigella

Staphylococcus aureus (including the rare but well loved MRSA)

Plus various viruses and fungi that also cause disease and fool spoilage.

FYI: lemon juice will lower pH, which can kill most types of bacteria, but I don't know what quantity would be effective. Bleach also kills bacteria by lysis.