Where Are the Bathroom Germs? You’ll Be Surprised

This one will surprise you as much as it did me: Do you know where the most germs are in your bathroom? Not where you’re thinking, but in the sink drain! What to do about them?

Researchers from Tufts New England Medical Center now think that disinfectants are not effective in the first place, and that they simply lead to the development of more resistant strains of bacteria. But there is a great non-toxic and very effective way to rid your bathroom (or any room) of germs.

Here’s how to make a sweet-smelling antibacterial spray, and an easiest-ever tip for dealing with those drain germs–right here:

1. Pour a cup or two of straight vinegar down your drains. Ordinary vinegar has a 80-99% kill rate for bacteria and viruses. Do this once or twice a week and you’re set.

2. Make this sweet-smelling antibacterial spray to use on toilet seats, countertops, doorknobs, cutting boards–anywhere germs like to lurk. Lavender is more antiseptic than phenol, which is the industry standard.

INGREDIENTS
1 cup water
1 teaspoon pure essential oil of lavender

Place water in a spray bottle, add lavender oil and shake vigorously to mix. Spray on surfaces and allow to stand at least 15 minutes, or don’t rinse at all.

Makes one cup of spray. Keeps indefinitely.

Read more: Home, Non-Toxic Cleaning

By Annie B. Bond

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Danuta W.

12:37AM PST on Mar 11, 2012

Thanks for the information

send a green star

Lisa W.

6:11PM PST on Jan 16, 2012

Yes, finally an article that confirms the good thing about vinegar. I pour vinegar down everything almost....the kitchen sink, toilet, bath sinks, tub, shower, etc. It works so well. I mix it with water and use it to wipe down the kitchen counter and bath counter. It works well and it is cheap.

Nancy B.

9:37AM PST on Jan 16, 2012

Vinegar does a lot of great things; cleans tea pots, coffee pots, any dish that is stained, and helps take away odors.

Gabriela V.

7:45AM PST on Jan 16, 2012

Thank you!

Shirley E.

5:23AM PST on Jan 16, 2012

Will add a gallon of vinegar and a bottle of lavendar oil to my shopping list forthwith ...

Maria Cristina A.

5:48AM PST on Jan 12, 2012

for those of us concerned with what we flush down the drain this is a great tip to try! :)

Katherine H.

2:08PM PST on Jan 10, 2012

Thank you! This was definitely a surprise :-) I'll be careful.

Mary Beth M.

8:03PM PST on Jan 9, 2012

I'm not sure how much of a danger down the drain is... how many of us are actually sticking our fingers down there? With a family of 6, just about anywhere in our bathrooms could be germ infested. I have used baking soda, vinegar and essential oils to clean for a long time. I usually use lemongrass in water or Young Living's Purification Oil (smells great!). They need to be shaken frequently to disperse and used with caution on any plastic. If sprayed on walls, etc, you occasionally see tiny drops of oil after the water dries. However, smells nice and is definitely non-toxic.

Diane S.

12:56PM PST on Jan 9, 2012

I use eucalyptus essential oil, vinegar & water to clean the toilets. I will try lavender for a change.

Rajshree B.

2:08AM PST on Jan 9, 2012

Thanks for sharing!