Day 29: choosing safe hygiene and cleaning methods

Preserving hygiene during a service interruption requires mainly adapted products, a small reserve and a simple organization. Doing it yourself may be suitable for some uses, but a home recipe is not automatically effective, economical or less irritating. Day 29 of the journey is to check the products on which your home depends and the safe solutions in case of shortage.

Distinguish between cleaning, disinfecting and taking care of yourself

Cleaning removes dirt and some of the microbes. Disinfecting is particularly effective against microorganisms, under specific conditions. A surface product is not a product for the skin or teeth. Read the usages and precautions before deciding on a replacement.

The Canadian Cleaning and Disinfection Tips provide for prior cleaning and compliance with instructions, including contact time. In Canada, choose an authorized product for the intended use. Framework for Biocides controls the authorizations of these products.

Oral hygiene: keeping the right products

Provide brushes, appropriate toothpaste and dental floss. Health Canada reminds that the Fluoridated Toothpaste Helps Prevent Caries. A paste of bicarbonate and water is not equivalent to it. Ask the oral health professional what is appropriate for each person’s age and needs.

Do not use the fibers of a paracord as dental floss. A DIY object is not designed for this purpose. Keep a small copy of the usual material in the travel bag and replace it when necessary.

Skin, deodorant and essential oils

Mixtures of oil, bicarbonate and perfume can irritate some skin. A preparation without storage control does not become stable because it is stored in the refrigerator. Do not assume that an essential oil is suitable for children or provides a proven disinfection.

Give preference to products already tolerated by the household, with their instructions and packaging. For a cosmetic project, look for appropriate framing and applicable precautions, rather than an emergency recipe. In case of a reaction, discontinue use and seek advice from a healthcare professional.

Laundry and routine cleaning

For laundry, use a detergent compatible with the machine and follow its dosage. An improvised powder of soap, borax and bicarbonate does not guarantee the same result and may not be suitable for the equipment. Instead, prepare a reasonable amount of the usual product and a suitable washing method if water or electricity is lacking.

For a surface, first check the material and the instructions of its manufacturer. A soap or detergent used in accordance with its label may be sufficient for routine cleaning. Vinegar is not suitable for all materials and should not be presented as a universal disinfectant.

Never mix household products, especially bleach, with vinegar, acid, or ammonia. Health Canada Instructions, ventilation and protections indicated. Do not transfer the products into food containers.

Wipes: check the advertised use

A clean cloth moistened for cleaning is not a disinfectant wipe. Adding water and soap to alcohol changes its concentration and does not provide a validated formula. To disinfect, use an authorized product and its instructions for use; do not make a reserve of wipes whose effectiveness and preservation are unknown.

Exercise of the day

1. List five products that are actually used by your home and their precise use.
2. Check the instructions, special needs and quantity available.
3. Choose a small reserve that is compatible with budget and space.
4. Store products in their identified containers, out of reach of children and separated from food.
5. Note a solution to ask the pharmacist, dentist or manufacturer if an essential product becomes unavailable.

Waste reduction can be achieved through properly maintained reusable cloths, suitable formats and the absence of overbought. Autonomy is also about knowing when to keep a proven method and when to seek advice.