The Coshocton County Beacon September 17, 2020 | Page 19

September 17, 2020 The Beacon • 19 Try using some ‘greener’ cleaning products this fall Tammi Rogers Recycling with Tammi We all know the importance of cleaning, sanitizing and disinfecting, especially during the last several months. Do you ever think about how safe it is to use the products you are using to reduce the spread of COVID-19? Hazardous chemicals are common in cleaning, sanitizing and disinfecting products that many people are using daily. When not used properly or used within an enclosed space, people can get sick or develop illnesses including asthma. First, let’s break down what we’re talking about when we say “cleaner, sanitizer and disinfectant.” These terms do not all have the same definition. Cleaner: These products remove germs and dirt from surfaces. They work by using soap and friction or “elbow grease” to physically remove dirt and germs from surfaces. Cleaning before disinfecting reduces spread of infection more than disinfecting alone. Sanitizer: These products must be EPA registered. They reduce germs on surfaces to levels considered safe for public health (usually 99.99%). Disinfectant: These products destroy almost all infectious germs when used as labeled. They have no effect on dust or dirt. Products must be EPA registered and should be used in highrisk and high-touch areas. Look on product labels to find safer options. Products marked with Safer Choice, Green Seal, Ecologo and Design for the Environment labels are environmentally preferable cleaning and disinfecting options. They have a lesser or reduced effect on both human health and the environment. With this labeling comes much more strict requirements that can help you avoid chemicals that have negative impacts. Continue consciously cleaning the surfaces around you. Even if the stores are out of sanitizing products, don’t forget soap and water work great, so start there to clean hands, sinks, countertops, door knobs and such. Another option for sanitizing is a solution of half water and half rubbing (isopropyl) alcohol (70% or higher). Straight 70% alcohol can even be poured directly on a cleaning rag to See greener Page 20 WE COME, PESTS GO! Spiders, Bees, Fleas, Ants, Mice, Rats, Termites, Roaches & More Family Owned & Operated West Lafayette 740-545-9786 “Over 85 Years of Service” BF-00492103 Olinger & Co. Realty dream kitchens Christi Olinger Broker/Owner 740.202.0150 [email protected] 416 N Whitewoman St., Coshocton, OH 43812 Local Serving Local BF-00491445 BF-00491581 Stewart INTERIORS LLC 1941 Ostego Ave, Coshocton 740-622-9863 • M-F 9-5 • Sat 9-12 Serving Coshocton for Over 75 Years