Cleaning Products: Antibacterial vs Organic

I used to be all about antibacterial everything...soap, dish detergent, etc. The harsher chemicals didn't bother me because I wanted things disinfected. But now with the baby, I'm into more all-natural cleaning products (7th Generation, etc)...but I still want things disinfected. I miss seeing the word 'antibacterial' on the products.

Thoughts? Experiences? Opinions?

Re: Cleaning Products: Antibacterial vs Organic

I use the organic products. I love the greening the cleaning products, ecover, and 7th generation. The "rule" I use it is DD can touch it, eat off it, drink from it, or come into contact with it, I used the organic/ natural stuff. If it carries bacteria (raw meats) I use the Clorox anywhere spray.

Re: Cleaning Products: Antibacterial vs Organic

Ok here's my take. Recently it was proven (I'll try to find the article online) that soaps and other products with the "antibacterial" designation did not kill bacteria more or more effectively than products that did not use this phrase. Soap and cleaners by default are mostly antibacterial because the cleaning agents kill most surface bacteria. The key usually is to use disposable cleaning tools instead of sponges, etc that can build surface bacteria from the remaining water and particles that get stuck in them....

I use organic and bio-compatible products to clean, including laundry, which I was previously using Free & Clear All. DS began to get rashes around his neck, so I switched.

Re: Cleaning Products: Antibacterial vs Organic

I use all organic cleaning products including laundry.

I use Mrs. Meyers, 7th Generation and some other names. I buy everything from drugstore.com.

I love it and will never go back.

Re: Cleaning Products: Antibacterial vs Organic

There are definitly more natural poriducts out there, but there is no real organic cleaning prodcuts since there is no definition, jsut like there is no organic seafood. Organic vegetables and food have strict guidlelines and those other products there are none, so it is actually decieving to buy an organic cleaner. Yes it is more natural but it is not necessarily organic.

Re: Cleaning Products: Antibacterial vs Organic

Thanks so much for the replies. I already bought a lot of the 7th Generation stuff, but didn't try them yet. But I seriously freak with all the chemicals in the house and DD now...the smells are just so overpowering, I hate having her in the house.

All-natural products it is!! Sold

Oh, and I definitely called them the wrong thing I guess...not organic, but natural (chemical-free). That definitely makes more sense!!

ETA: Does anyone have a dishwashing detergent that they love? My SIL hated the 7th Generation one, but I bought it and haven't used it. Since I run DD's bottle thru the dishwasher, I want a really good natural one. Thanks!

Message edited 10/23/2007 6:19:40 PM.