BUG OFF!

Soap and water don’t actually kill germs – they lift them off and wash them away.  But there’s another arsenal: agents that actively exterminate microbes.  Which are most effective?  Here’s a breakdown:

HAND SANITIZER

Use it

Alcohol-based sanitizing gels kill 99% of bacteria on contact, making it a top choice when soap and water aren’t available.  For maximum effectiveness, apply sanitizer to one palm and rub hands together until they’re dry, covering all surfaces of your hands and fingers.

HOUSEHOLD DISINFECTING WIPES

Use it
Just don’t reuse them.  A British study found that wipes are good at removing bacteria but not killing it, so using the same wipe on a second surface just spreads germs around.

BLEACH

Use it

When it comes to disinfecting toilets, counter tops, tile floors, other hard surfaces and laundry, bleach is a good go-to.  “Bleach is toxic to bacteria,” says Abigail Salyers, PhD, a professor of molecular and cellular biology.  Be sure to use the amount recommended on the bottle.  “The wrong dilution makes bleach less effective, and more isn’t necessarily better.

HAND WIPES

Use it

Most towelettes are less effective at decontaminating hands than alcohol-based rubs, according to the National Center for Infectious Diseases hygiene guidelines.  But one recent study suggests that when wipes are highly saturated with 65.9% ethanol (like SaniHands, used in the study), they’re better than sanitizing gels.  Bottom line?  The jury is still out.

ANTIBACTERIAL SOAP

Skip It

Added chemicals like triclosan slow bacterial growth, but research has found that antibacterial products are no better than regular soaps at reducing bacteria on hands.  What’s more, they can promote bacteria resistance.

Source: Woman’s Day