The claim "kills 99.9% of bacteria" is often used in marketing for various cleaning products, including dishwashing liquids and hand soaps. While these claims are not entirely baseless, they do require some context to understand their significance.
It's important to note that using dishwashing liquid or hand soap to clean your hands or dishes can effectively remove bacteria and other germs from the surfaces. The action of scrubbing and rinsing with soap and water physically dislodges and washes away the bacteria, reducing their presence on the surfaces.
However, the claim of "kills 99.9% of bacteria" can be misleading for a couple of reasons:
Bacterial diversity: There are countless bacterial species, and the claim typically refers to a specific subset of bacteria that are commonly found on surfaces. While the soap can be effective against many types of bacteria, it might not eliminate all bacterial species.
Bacterial resistance: Over time, some bacteria may develop resistance to certain cleaning agents. The 99.9% claim doesn't guarantee that all bacteria will be eradicated, as some may survive and potentially multiply if conditions are favorable.
Limited contact time: The effectiveness of killing bacteria often depends on the contact time with the soap or detergent. In some cases, the product might need to remain in contact with the bacteria for an extended period to achieve the stated efficacy.
Regulatory requirements: In many regions, cleaning products need to meet specific regulatory standards and testing protocols to make such claims. The 99.9% claim might be based on laboratory testing that may not fully represent real-world scenarios.
For hand soaps, some antibacterial soaps may contain additional active ingredients specifically designed to kill or inhibit the growth of bacteria. However, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has stated that there is no significant evidence that antibacterial soaps are more effective than regular soap and water for everyday use. In 2016, the FDA banned certain antibacterial chemicals, including triclosan and triclocarban, from over-the-counter hand soaps due to concerns about their long-term effectiveness and potential health risks.
In summary, while using dishwashing liquid or hand soap is an essential part of maintaining good hygiene and reducing the spread of bacteria, the 99.9% claim should be taken with a grain of salt. Regular handwashing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds is generally sufficient for everyday hygiene needs, and there's no need for special antibacterial soaps for most people.