Does White Vinegar kill Pathogens?
Despite common belief, white vinegar is not effective in killing pathogens. It is a great use for a cleaner, as it cuts through the grime, but it does not kill all pathogens and therefore is advised against being used as a disinfectant.
White vinegar can only reduce and sometimes kill certain pathogens such as:
- E. coli (Escherichia coli)
- Salmonella
- Listeria monocytogenes
It is recommended to sanitize after cleaning a surface using a Bleach solution, or Hydrogen peroxide.
What are the Dilution rates on regular Clorox in ppm?
For Food Contact surfaces such as Countertops, dishes, plates, utensils, ect. use a 185 ppm solution. This is 1 gallon of water mixed with 2 teaspoons of bleach.
For any other brands or for cleaning Non-Food contact surfaces, follow directions on the bottle.
When cleaning with a bleach solution, prewash the surface first, then apply the bleach and water solution. Let it stand for the required amount of time, then rinse with clean water allowing it to air dry. Make sure there is adequate air circulation.
E. Coli FAQ
What is E. Coli?
Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria normally live in the intestines of healthy people and animals. Most types of E-coli are harmless, but a few strains such as E. coli O157:H7, can cause severe stomach cramps, bloody diarrhea, and vomiting.
Who is at risk?
Young children, older adults, and immune compromised individuals have a greater risk of developing a life-threatening form of kidney failure if infected with E-Coli.
How do you get E. Coli?
Transmission through ingesting fecal particles or eating contaminated food.
E-Coli lives in the intestines, so you can get it from ingesting microscopic particles of infected feces, or from eating contaminated food. E-Coli does not live in the saliva, however, it can live in the mouth short term and be transmitted through saliva if the child has feces particles in their mouth. Therefore, it is a good idea to not let your kids share food or sippy cups.
Symptoms
Symptoms of E. coli O157:H7 infection usually begin three or four days after exposure to the bacteria. However, you may become ill as soon as one day after exposure to more than a week later. Signs and symptoms include:
- Diarrhea, which may range from mild and water to sever and bloody
- Stomach cramping, pain or tenderness
- Nausea and vomiting
E-Coli has been in our environment for hundreds of years, usually having little effect. With the recent outbreak, it is believed that most of the cases are being spread from person to person.
What kills E. Coli?
- Clorox Bleach will kill E-Coli on contact.
- Heating food up to 165 degrees Fahrenheit
- Hydrogen Peroxide will only kill E. coli if it is strong enough. You may need to check the percentage on your bottle and then make sure that percentage will kill E. coli
Is E. coli in my house?
It is important to know that if your home is infected with E-Coli, it will not go away on its own. You have to kill it.
E-Coli bacteria thrives in moist, warm environments, and E-Coli multiplies fast and doubles in size every 20 minutes. The front load washers have been perfect breeding grounds for it, so pay special attention to those front load washers. Testing is available for your front load washer if needed. Click here to check out our products page.
Spray bottles are recommended. The Lysol wipes give you a false sense of security, as they do not go down into the porous surface.
What is the mortality rate?
With this specific strain of E. coli. About 6-10% of kids under 5 develop HUS depending on the study. With aggressive medical treatment there is a 90-95% survival rate for HUS. Of those that survive HUS, up to 20% have long term kidney or brain injury. For most of that 20%, it's just mild chronic kidney disease that just needs to be monitored. A portion of those kids need a kidney transplant, and about 5% of them have some degree of brain injury. About 75% with HUS who get aggressive treatment make a full recovery without any long term issues. Without medical treatment, HUS has a 10% survival rate. And that's because most kids need blood transfusions and about half need dialysis to get through it.
How can I prevent it?
You can prevent E. coli with good hygiene. It is extremely important for everyone to wash hands thoroughly after using the bathroom or changing a diaper, and make your kids do the same. Check out our E. coli prevention page to learn more.
