Making your own powerful disinfectant at home
The COVID-19 pandemic and the increase in antibiotic-resistant bacteria have highlighted the need for effective, yet environmentally friendly, strategies to maintain hygiene. Conventional disinfectants on the market, however, are either ineffective or contain toxic chemicals such as bleach or alcohol and harmful ingredients for people, animals and the environment. Moreover, commercial products rely on a production chain and can run short in supply in periods of high demand. They also require packaging and transportation, both associated with high carbon emissions.
A powerful disinfecting solution using tap water and salt
The key objective of the EU-funded 3E(opens in new window) project was to develop a novel disinfectant solution without harsh and toxic chemicals that also exhibits a favourable environmental footprint. “We offer a new way of cleaning and sanitising through a household device that generates a nontoxic, low-cost and highly effective cleaning and disinfecting solution,” explains project coordinator Hakan Yedier. The 3E device is a simple gadget that uses just tap water and table salt found in almost every household. It utilises electrolysis(opens in new window) to produce a powerful cleaning and disinfecting solution of hypochlorous acid(opens in new window) and sodium hydroxide. The solution can be produced in situ at very low cost and can be used to combat pathogens on surfaces or in the air, as well as remove pesticides from vegetables and fruits.
Cleaning with safe ingredients
Hypochlorous acid has been approved as a broad-spectrum disinfectant, killing infectious microorganisms by breaking their cell walls. It is highly effective against bacteria, fungi and viruses. Hypochlorous acid is a nontoxic substance that is naturally produced by our immune system to fight pathogens. Therefore, it is very safe for humans and pets, does not irritate the skin and is non-flammable, which is the case with alcohol-containing disinfectants. Moreover, it can be used as an air refresher to remove bad odours. Sodium hydroxide is also known for its cleaning and sanitising properties. It is very effective in dissolving grease, fats and protein-based deposits and has thus been extensively used in industry as a cleaning agent.
A green cleaning system
The 3E device, apart from being 99.9 % effective at killing pathogens, reduces the use of raw material consumption by up to 82 % and transport need by up to 87 % compared to conventional ready-to-use detergents. In addition, it consists of a reusable spray bottle rather than disposable bottles used in conventional methods and thus generates little plastic waste. Collectively, these significantly reduce the environmental footprint of the production, rendering the 3E solution environmentally friendly. “3E is not only making cleaning toxin free, easier and fun but is helping us to contribute to a greener environment in many respects,” emphasises Yedier. Besides the 3E device, the consortium has developed specially formulated detergent extracts for extra stubborn stains that consumers might need in the kitchen and bathroom and as a multipurpose cleaner. Implementation of the 3E device will help reinforce prevention measures against the spread of pathogens and disease. At the same time, it will help maintain personal hygiene at the highest level as its use extends to clothes, carpets and shoes.
Keywords
3E, disinfectant, pathogen, disinfecting solution, hypochlorous acid, sodium hydroxide, household device, sanitation, home cleaning
