Most of us have been rinsing fresh fruits and vegetables under the faucet for a long time, but have you ever wondered if washing your produce with water before eating really removes all the dirt, germs and contaminants?
There is a very low probability that washing your produce with water only will remove all bacteria, spoilage causing organisms, chemicals and germs associated with growing, harvesting, and human handling.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that germs on fresh produce cause a large percentage of U.S. foodborne illnesses. (1)*
Furthermore, the CDC estimates 48 million cases of foodborne illness annually—the equivalent of sickening 1 in 6 Americans each year. And each year these illnesses result in an estimated 128,000 hospitalizations and 3,000 deaths. (2)*
The Center for Disease Control (CDC) suggests that you should clean your produce before you cut, eat or cook it to remove germs and bacteria. Experts recommend cleaning all produce to reduce bacteria that may be present on the surface.
Even if your fruit has skin (cantaloupes, for example) that you don’t plan on eating, you should still clean the entire fruit to prevent dirt and organisms from being transferred from the outside to the inside portions by the cutting instrument.
ArmiClenz™ Disinfectant Spray safely and effectively removes non-pathogenic bacteria, spoilage causing organisms, soil, and usage handling materials from fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs, sprouts and/or spices, when used as directed.
This is why: ArmiClenz™ is an EPA Registered Disinfectant which kills 99.9% of viruses and 99.999% of Bacteria.
It's safe AND effective. We promise.
If you're concerned about potential health risks and environmental impact of prolonged, frequent use of household cleaners containing strong chemicals, natural disinfectants provide a suitable alternative. The best natural disinfectants include hydrogen peroxide, vinegar, hot water, and some essential oils.
Evidence suggests that natural disinfectants can be as effective at killing germs as chemical cleaners like bleach.
In a 2018 study published in Antimicrobial Resistance and Infection Control, researchers found that hydrogen peroxide was more effective at killing some forms of bacteria than harmful compounds, typically found in chemical disinfectants.
Additionally, peracetic acid is an organic chemical compound that is a very effective antimicrobial agent and is highly effective against a broad range of microorganisms.
Rest assured, ArmiClenz™ Disinfectant Spray contains hydrogen peroxide and peracetic acid as primary ingredients.
Learn about our Registered EPA Claims here.
Is Organic Food Healthier?
Read our latest blog to learn if "organic" means better, healthier and more nutritious.
You may be surprised to read the common myths about organically processed foods.
Deep Cleaning Your Kitchen; Are You Doing it Right?
Deep cleaning your kitchen efficiently and effectively keeps germs away.
Read on to learn how to effectively deep clean your kitchen.
ORGANIC fruits & veggies host pesticides, handling residue, soil, and bacterial decay.
Many people believe that organic produce does not contain pesticides, which is a common misconception.
The organic food production industry is proving to be an increasingly profitable category of food sales. In fact, for the forecast period of 2021 – 2026, the trend in the organic food market is expected to grow at a CAGR of about 20.5% to reach about USD 2601 million by 2026. (1)
It has been said that 62% of Americans reveal they would choose organic if it were more affordable. Why is there such an increase of interest in consuming organic foods?
It is a common conception among consumers that "organic" means sustainable, pesticide-free, safer and that those food products labeled, "organic" are healthier and more nutritious than conventionally processed foods.
Due to the lack of consumer education, consumers are unaware of the true meaning of organic. The dictionary definition of organic, when describing food, is, “Grown or made without the use of artificial chemicals” (Merriam-Webster, 2012).
The USDA however has many definitions and separate regulations surrounding organic foods, which, unfortunately, allow for a large spectrum of farming practices.
The first and biggest misconception of consumers is that "organic food" means that farmers and food producers do not use pesticides.
That is not true; organic food and organic produce have indeed been treated with chemicals.
According to the Farmer's Almanac (March 2021), "organic" farmers and food producers are able to use over 20 chemicals in order to help keep those crops pest-free. Even though the pesticides available to organic food producers seem to be "healthier," they are claimed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as a pesticide. A complete list of allowed substances and natural prohibited substances can be found here.
A second misconception among consumers about organic food is that some perceive organically produced food to be more nutritious than conventionally processed food. This subject has been debated by many. In an interesting a study done by Stanford University, the researchers found no evidence that organic foods are more nutritious or better for you than conventionally processed foods. Another study revealed, yet again, “[t]he published literature lacks strong evidence that organic foods are significantly more nutritious than conventional foods” (Smith-Spangler et al, 2013, p348).
Another misconception is that an "organic label" really means 100% organic food. Yep, you guessed it - this is not true. According to USDA rules, the majority of ingredients within a product must be organic for the product to qualify for the organic label. The current minimum is 70%. So, what this really means is you want true organic food, you’ll need to begin a garden or read labels very carefully. Look for the 100% organic label to make sure that all ingredients are truly "organic".
As you can see there are many misconceptions about organically processed farming and consumers need to be aware of what they are eating.
Sources:
No one wants a runny nose or sore throat, which are usually the first signs of a cold, not to get confused with the symptoms of COVID-19.
(If you suspect you have COVID-19, please click here to view recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control.)
A common cold or rhinovirus is the most common illness known and are the main reason that children miss school and adults miss work. *(1)
Colds can spread from infected people to others through the air and close personal contact. Transmission of the virus occurs when an infected person touches or exchanges body fluids with someone who has a cold, or touch a surface, like a doorknob, that has the virus on it, then touch your eyes, mouth, or nose.
To help reduce your risk of getting a cold the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends the following: *(2)
* Wash your hands often with soap and water.
* Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
* Stay away from people who are sick.
The CDC also recommends cleaning, sanitizing and disinfecting your home everyday, especially when someone in your home is sick. *(3)
Click here to learn the difference between cleaning, sanitizing, deodorizing, and disinfecting.
Luckily, ArmiClenz™ Disinfectant Spray kills 99.999% of bacteria and 99.9% of viruses (when used as directed) to protect you from harmful germs, viruses and bacteria. (Click here to learn how ArmiClenz™ kills germs.)
ArmiClenz™ Disinfectant Spray has been clinically proven to kill the following: (when used as directed):
* Kills 99.999% of Bacteria; Kills 99.9% of Viruses ; Kills 99.9% of the virus that causes COVID-19
* Demonstrates effectiveness against: Human Rhinovirus 42 (the common cold), Influenza A Viruses: ArmiClenz™ is expected to inactivate all Influenza A viruses including Pandemic 2009 (formerly called swine flu)
Additionally, ArmiClenz™ Disinfectant Spray is on EPA Registered List N and is Effective Against COVID-19*
For more information about the EPA's Registered List N, click here
*The EPA expects all products on List N to kill the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) when used according to the label directions.
Also recommended are tips on Cleaning, Sanitizing and Disinfecting your home: *(4) Click here to learn the difference.
* Remember to clean, sanitize and disinfect surfaces regularly or as needed and after you have visitors in your home.
* Focus on high-touch surfaces such as doorknobs, tables, handles, drawer pulls and knobs, light switches, and countertops.
* Clean, sanitize and disinfect all surfaces in your home to rid of harmful viruses, bacteria and other living microorganisms.
Sources:
Yes, that's true! Kitchens contain more germs than any other room in your house! In fact, there was a germ study done by the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) in which families swabbed 30 everyday household items ranging from kitchen surfaces to cell phones to pet items in order to measure contamination levels of yeast, mold and coliform bacteria (a family of bacteria that includes Salmonella and E. coli). *
This same study (2011) revealed that three of the top five germ hot spots in the home actually were in the kitchen. Additionally, researchers suggest that about 9% of food borne illness outbreaks occur in the home and it’s almost impossible to tell where the bacteria may live with the naked eye?
In fact, germs and bacteria can live on countertops, cabinets, knobs, pulls and faucets, sinks, the grooves between tiles, and many, many other places in your kitchen. Bacteria and other germs grow in moist conditions in your kitchen and can be transferred from one surface to another by hands or dish towels.
ArmiClenz™ Disinfectant Spray is an EPA Registered, Antibacterial Spray for Non-Porous Hard Surfaces and is a perfect deep cleaning agent.
Those are two questions which seem to deter some people from deep cleaning their kitchen. It often seems like such a large and time-consuming task. However, we found it may be easier if you break things down and have a game plan.
First, you have to make sure to set time aside and schedule the deep clean on your calendar. We suggest scheduling at least a 4 hour block of time to dedicate yourself to rid your kitchen from harmful bacteria, mold, germs, and visruses.
The next step is to get your supplies in order.
We suggest using ArmiClenz™ Disinfectant Spray to clean, sanitize, deodorize AND disinfect your kitchen.
Below is a list of areas and tips to deep clean your kitchen.
1. Deep clean kitchen cabinets.
Spray and wash down both the inside and outside of cabinets. Remove items, spray, and wipe down shelves. Now is a great time to reorganize your cabinets. Don't forget to spray the cabinet handles, pulls or knobs.
Spray and clean out any drawers in the same manner; remove items, preclean (if necessary), spray ArmiClenz™ Disinfectant Spray until visibly wet, let stand, then wipe (optional).
2. Deep clean your sink, faucets, drains and backsplashes.
Deep clean your sinks, faucets, drains, and backsplashes. We also recommend deep cleaning the small crevices around the sink, faucet, drain etc., where stubborn germs linger. If you have a garbage disposal, now is the time to pour ArmiClenz™ Disinfectant Spray down the disposal to deodorize and freshen the drain. Another tip, put ice cubes through the disposal to sharpen the blades.
3. The dishwasher.
Next step, the dishwasher. Run the dishwasher empty. Try adding 1/2 cup of ArmiClenz™ Disinfectant Spray to the empty dishwasher before running it. If your dishwasher has a food trap in the bottom, clean it out thoroughly then spray the entire surface with ArmiClenz™ Disinfectant Spray then let stand 10 minutes. Spray the inside of the dishwasher door as well. Spray down the dishwasher door rims and, of course the outside of the dishwasher.
Turn to the appliances next. Unplug all appliances first. Spray down and clean the toaster, blender, microwave, and other small appliances with ArmiClenz™ Disinfectant Spray. If the spills in the microwave are fossilized, bring a water-filled cup to boiling in the microwave. The steam should help loosen the gunk. If the microwave smells, spray ArmiClenz™ Disinfectant Spray throughout the microwave and let stand. Wipe away any leftover formula. This will not only clean and sanitize the microwave, but it will deodorize the appliance, also. Do not forget to clean the turntable.
The oven and refrigerator are large appliances to tackle next. Apply oven cleaner to the oven and as it does its magic, get started on the refrigerator. Leave the windows in the kitchen open to avoid the overpowering smell from the oven cleaner. Sort through the freezer and refrigerator. Throw out any expired food, empty containers, and the like. Remove all items to the counter and take out the refrigerator shelves and drawers. Spray them down with ArmiClenz™ Disinfectant Spray as well as the entire inside of the refrigerator. If you have a fresh box of baking soda, open it, and leave it in your refrigerator to keep odors at bay.
Now, return to the oven, to spray and wipe away grease and residue. Be sure to follow the directions on the oven cleaner. Of course, the stove is also a germ, grease and grime catcher. Take off knobs, burners, burner covers, and spill catchers and follow the owner's manual for information on cleaning methods for your model. Be mindful of the best ways to clean a cooktop, gas burners, electric burners, and a range hood.
Kitchen walls should also be sprayed down and cleaned for a deep cleaning, freshly scented kitchen. Spray ArmiClenz™ Disinfectant Spray until visibly wet, let stand, then wipe (optional).
Kitchen floors are next and should be swept nightly to prevent dust and grime build-up. Be sure to clean hard, non-porous floors with ArmiClenz™ Disinfectant Spray. It's easy, all you do is spray and wipe.
Answer: Yes! In fact, ArmiClenz™ Disinfectant Spray kills 99.999% of bacteria and 9.99% of viruses when used as directed.
ArmiClenz™ Disinfectant Spray was designed for use as a surface disinfectant and is registered with the EPA (US Environmental Protection Agency). Please click here for more EPA Registration information.