Detergents are washing-active substances that dissolve greasy dirt from the surface. They envelop the dirt particles, which can thus no longer agglomerate or adhere. If dirt is dissolved with the aid of cleaning agents and then removed from the surfaces to be cleaned, this is referred to as “wet cleaning”. To protect the environment, only easily biodegradable agents should be used for this purpose.
Food
Food should not be cleaned with detergents, because residues can remain on them, which are then eaten. Here, cleaning under running drinking water is sufficient, which removes dirt and reduces the number of microorganisms. In areas with unclear hygienic conditions (e.g. on vacation), fruit and also vegetables that are eaten raw should also be peeled or cooked. Food of animal origin (e.g., poultry or fresh fish) should also be cleaned under running water before preparation.
Body cleansing
When cleaning the body, dirt, sweat or even small skin particles can be removed with soap. Whether this is really necessary or cleaning with clear water is sufficient, is an individual decision. However, it should be noted that the skin is a stable “ecosystem”, which is kept in balance by the naturally existing microorganisms (the skin flora) and is disturbed by excessive cleaning (and especially by disinfection).
Kitchen and bathroom
Thorough cleaning with detergents dissolves dirt particles (especially fat and protein). In the process, more than 90% of all surface germs are removed. However, caution is advised when using special cleaner concentrates in the sanitary area. Mixing acidic with alkaline cleaners is dangerous because of possible gas formation. Warnings regarding the formation of toxic gases or corrosive effects must be observed!
The addition of disinfectants is not necessary when cleaning kitchens and bathrooms. They only unnecessarily pollute the waste water. In an average German household, the biggest germ-spinner is the refrigerator with over 11 million germs per square centimeter, followed by the dishwashing sponges with 4 million germs per milliliter of wringing water (of which 2500 can cause diarrhea). The kitchen floor has 10,000 germs per square centimeter. The toilet is almost clinically clean with 100 germs per square meter!
