Frequently Asked Questions

What ingredients are in natural cleaners that kill bacteria and viruses?

Hydrogen peroxide is active against a wide range of microorganisms, including bacteria, yeasts, fungi, and viruses. Seventh Generation, one of the natural cleaners we use at Alexa’s Green Cleaning Service, uses hydrogen peroxide in their Earth Essentials Multipurpose Disinfectant Cleaner.

Ethyl alcohol (ethanol) works by denaturing proteins and dissolving lipids, effectively destroying many types of bacterial and viral cells. Additionally, it’s antimicrobial against bacteria, fungi, and viruses.

Citric acid (lemon) kills bacteria, mold, and mildew, and it's great for general disinfecting. Method, another natural cleaning, uses citric acid in their antibacterial cleaner.

Thymol is an ingredient derived from common culinary herbs like thyme and others and is known for its anti-microbial properties. It is also a component in the botanical, thyme oil. Natural Cleaners like CleanWell and Seventh Generation have Thymol as an active ingredients.

Is bleach the only effective way to sanitize a home or office?

Bleach contains sodium hypochlorite, which harms humans and animals’ skin and respiratory system and is toxic for the environment. When improperly mixed with other cleaners or acids, sodium hypochlorite can be fatally poisonous. Natural alternatives for bleach are hydrogen peroxide, lemon juice, lemon essential oil, baking soda, vinegar, and citric acid. However, you can’t just mix it all up in a pot. Mixing vinegar and hydrogen peroxide creates peracetic acid, which can be incredibly irritating to the skin, eyes, and nasal passageways.

What precautions are you taking to ensure new germs are not introduced into my home or office during my service?

It is mandatory for all employees to wear masks, gloves, and shoe covers during services. We disinfect all cleaning tools before servicing your home or office.

What I can do between cleanings to safely and effectively minimize germs?

Don’t wipe surfaces right away. Instead, let the disinfectant sit as directed before rinsing or wiping dry.

How can I sanitize my home with natural cleaners?

Clean everything first! Cleaning removes dirt, debris, grease, and germs. Cleaning can physically remove germs from a surface, but doesn’t kill them. Sanitizing surfaces reduces the number of germs to an acceptable level and reduces the risk of spreading infections. Disinfecting kills the germs on surfaces so there is no risk of spreading the infection. The World Health Organization (WHO) had said that disinfecting surfaces like tables and door knobs and disinfecting hands with the use of alcohol is a must to avoid the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19).

Hydrogen Peroxide is an incredible disinfectant. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)- suggests three percent household-strength hydrogen peroxide. Never mix hydrogen peroxide with vinegar, because the combination forms caustic, peracetic acid. Just be careful with hydrogen peroxide as it can bleach colored fabrics.