How should we wash today?
The Plethora of Cleaning Products on the Market
Nowadays, there is a wide variety of cleaning products available on the market, and people are increasingly relying on these products. However, while we wash our clothes daily, focusing on whether they are whitened and cleaned, most people are unaware of the importance of sterilization during the washing process. At a recent forum on "Disease Prevention and Healthy Washing," experts emphasized the importance of antibacterial properties during washing.
Chemicals Not to Be Overlooked
Over the past few decades, while detergents have brought convenience and pleasure to people, they've also brought harm and trouble, almost in equal measure. Common household cleaning products include detergents for cleaning dishes and fruits and vegetables, laundry powder and softeners for clothes, and degreasers and toilet cleaners for kitchens and bathrooms. Although these products have different purposes, most of them contain low-toxicity or mildly toxic chemicals, the potential harms of which should not be ignored.
Song Zhangjun, Deputy Director of Shaanxi Provincial Cancer Hospital, stated that excessive contact with or improper use of cleaning products could pose potential harm to the human body. Kitchen and bathroom cleaning agents, which mainly contain strong acids, surfactants, and disinfectants, are particularly harmful. They can corrode the eyes and skin and can be absorbed through the skin, damaging the liver and lymphatic system. This can lead to decreased calcium ion concentration in the blood, making them a significant carcinogenic factor. Other cleaning products, like dishwashing liquids and laundry detergents, are relatively less hazardous but can cause skin roughness and peeling with frequent unprotected use.
Do Not Forget Sterilization During Washing
Zhong Cunren, a process and environmental protection expert, said that in the southern plum rain season, rooms often have a musty smell, as do closets. This is because standard washing does not kill bacteria, leaving behind residual bacteria that emit a musty odor. Moreover, washing machines, which many people overlook, are a hotbed for bacteria. Over time, the rotating drum can accumulate dirt, lint, and debris, forming a thick layer of grime. Moreover, most households prefer to place their washing machines in humid bathrooms, where the moisture provides an ideal environment for microbial proliferation.
Zhong pointed out that a detergent called "Oxygen Clean" is commonly used abroad. At the Xiangya Medical College forum, a test report showed that "Oxygen Clean" has disinfection and sterilization effects. After washing with "Oxygen Clean," clothes don't have a musty smell, even without sun-drying, because the bacteria have been killed.
Promoting a New Eco-friendly Concept
Currently, most detergents in Western countries have added active oxygen. However, this new eco-friendly sterilizing washing concept has not yet become popular in China. Gong Daoxin, a professor at Hunan Agricultural University, explained that while general detergents can remove toxins from the surface of fruits and vegetables, they ultimately release these toxins into the environment. In contrast, active oxygen detergents release active oxygen molecules that attack the weak bonds of organic pesticides, breaking them down into water-soluble non-toxic molecules. This not only safely sterilizes but also reduces the environmental impact of toxic substances.
Zhang Liubo, the Director of the Disinfection Testing Center of the Environmental Institute of the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, introduced the latest washing trends in Western developed countries and emphasized the importance of antibacterial properties during washing. Over the past few years, "Oxygen Clean" has been continuously improving its scientific research. Although it has obtained a strict national certificate for fruit and vegetable washing, it is still only sold in parts of the south. "Oxygen Clean" is expected to be promoted next year.
Additional Notes
Experts remind that most detergents contain chlorides. Women who are planning to become pregnant, are pregnant, or are breastfeeding should avoid contact with cleaning products to prevent harm. Also, bathroom, toilet, and kitchen cleaning products should be used separately to reduce hazards. After washing with detergent, utensils should be rinsed at least twice with tap water. If you want to wash greasy substances, soda water is more effective in removing oil. Regular detergents sold on the market can only remove pesticide residues and do not have disinfection and sterilization functions. Therefore, fruits and vegetables should not be soaked for too long, or bacteria might enter the body with the washing residue. When washing clothes, try to use soap powder without phosphorus, benzene, and fluorescent agents, or choose laundry powder with low phosphorus and benzene content.