Choosing the Right Cleaning Products for Cold and Flu Prevention: Hand Soap vs. Dish Soap vs. Chlorox Wipes

As cold and flu season approaches, it’s important to understand the best ways to keep your home and hands clean to prevent the spread of viruses. The cleaning products you choose can make a significant difference in your health. Hand soap, dish soap, and Chlorox wipes all have their roles to play, but understanding their differences and proper uses can help you make the right choices for your household. Let’s delve into the specifics of each product and how they can aid in cold and flu prevention.

Hand Soap

Hand soap is designed specifically for cleaning skin and removing dirt, oils, and some types of bacteria. It’s not designed to kill viruses like the cold or flu, but it can help remove them from your hands. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating, and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.

Dish Soap

Dish soap, while not intended for use on skin, is designed to cut through grease and remove food particles. It’s not formulated to kill viruses, but it can help remove them from surfaces. However, it’s not the best choice for disinfecting surfaces that may have been exposed to the cold or flu virus. For that, you’ll want to use a product designed to kill viruses.

Chlorox Wipes

Chlorox wipes are designed to disinfect surfaces and kill 99.9% of viruses and bacteria, including the cold and flu viruses. They’re an excellent choice for cleaning and disinfecting high-touch surfaces like doorknobs, light switches, and remote controls. However, it’s important to follow the instructions on the packaging to ensure you’re using them effectively. For example, the surface needs to remain wet for a certain amount of time to kill the viruses effectively.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while hand soap, dish soap, and Chlorox wipes all have their uses, they serve different purposes. Hand soap is best for cleaning hands and can help remove viruses, while dish soap is good for cleaning dishes and other surfaces but isn’t designed to kill viruses. Chlorox wipes are the best choice for disinfecting surfaces and killing cold and flu viruses. By understanding these differences and using these products appropriately, you can help prevent the spread of cold and flu viruses in your home.

References

• CDC – When and How to Wash Your Hands
• Clorox – How to Disinfect Against Novel Coronavirus