Monday 4 March 2013

The Effectiveness of Bleach and Vinegar as Disinfecting Agents

Bleach

Bleach is an effective disinfecting agent. Bleach is effective against fungi, bacteria, algae and viruses and is widely known as a good disinfecting agent for hospitals and the community. Bleach  also decontaminates hepatitis and AIDS viruses. Organic materials such as blood or feces can inactivate chlorine based disinfectants, therefore the surface must be cleaned before disinfected. Chlorine bleach must be diluted with water and mixed freshly to ensure adequate levels of chlorine for antimicrobial activity which is when microorganisms are killed or their growth is inhibited.

Vinegar

Vinegar is also an effective disinfecting agent. The acetic acid in vinegar kills bacteria and viruses by denaturing the proteins and fats that make up these organisms. It has been researched that vinegar kills a range of household pathogens, so it can be used as an all-purpose cleaner. Vinegar and bleach inactivate the flu virus. Both vinegar and bleach are effective disinfectants.

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