Microbes live in soapy water. Wash away with foam

  • The date: 08.03.2020

4514 0

It might make you throw away the soap after the first use, but the question needs to be answered.

YouBeauty editor Amy Marturana asked the experts: is it true that the bar toilet soap covered in disease-causing microbes?

Answering a question from the editor, Dr. Elaine Larson, Professor of Epidemiology and Hygiene, Columbia University's Mailman School of Medicine.

Germs can live on any bar of soap and are likely to be full of them. But it is extremely unlikely that soap will become a source of disease, including a skin infection. It is believed that only persons with a weakened immune system should avoid bar soap and use liquid soap. If you are quite healthy man, then your body can easily cope with those microorganisms that live on a piece of soap.

Many types of bacteria thrive on the surface of a bar of soap, but simple steps can help you get rid of most of them and not worry about the consequences. First, before using soap, rinse the bar well with running water to wash away any bacteria. Secondly, always store soap in a dry place, that is, the soap dish should not contain water: sagging soap is not only unpleasant, but also dangerous.

If you wash in the same bathroom with other family members, then you have nothing to be especially afraid of - you have already shared almost all microorganisms with him. But in in public places(toilet, shower room) or visiting strangers, do not use bar soap. Of course, at a party you may need to wash your hands, but then you should rinse the soap very well under running water, and then wash your hands thoroughly for 20-30 seconds on both sides and under the nails. If you washed your hands long enough, then the germs that might have lived on the bar of soap have most likely washed away completely.

(Rate first)

If , can it be dirty? If a bar of soap in a public toilet falls on the floor, can they move on? Can soap grow bacteria? Or is this item automatically safe from that point of view? Let's try to figure it out.

Soap as such is made from fatty acids and alkaline solutions through a process called saponification. Each soap molecule is a long nonpolar hydrophobic (“water repellent”) hydrocarbon tail and a polar hydrophilic (well water wetted) salt “head”. Due to the combination of polar and non-polar parts, soap is a good emulsifier, that is, it dissolves easily in water, forming tiny droplets.

When you do, the “tail” of the soap molecule is repelled by the water and attaches to the fat, “picking up” the impurities. These tails come together to form what are known as micelles and collect contaminants. Micelles are negatively charged and are distributed in water, dispersing due to mutual repulsion from each other and from water. After that, the resulting complex solution is easily washed off.

And yes, soap can actually get dirty. It constantly does this - it "locks" the particles of dirt in itself, reliably holding them from falling back into the hands. Only then does the water wash away this dirty layer of soap, and the surface remains relatively clean. The situation can change if the bar of soap is not washed with water, or if the soap is liquid and is in a closed container - then bacteria can actually multiply in it. However, this is not a danger - several studies have been carried out when soap, on which artificially planted various bacteria, and the volunteers used this soap intensively. None harmful effects after that, the volunteers were not found. True, these experiments were sponsored by manufacturers detergents to confirm the safety of their products, so it remains to believe in the word

In general, soap, like any other object, can be contaminated with bacteria, and you can only remove them the good old way - rub well and rinse. Clean hands and good health!

http://mindhobby.com/dirty-soap/#more-2782

Articles on the topic:

  • Here is a photograph of the Viennese doctor Ignaz Semmelweis, who taught Europe how to wash hands 160 years ago. The story began as a detective worthy of the pen of Agatha Christie - in 1846 […]
  • Washing and dishwashers, coffee makers are very often inhabited by microorganisms potentially dangerous to human health, scientists from the Ljubljana […]
  • What only the Americans do not come up with, if only not to wash. This is something they got from medieval wild Europe. When perfumes were invented to fill the stench with sticks, because wigs […]
  • American scientists have found that there are about 35 times more bacteria on the buttons of elevators than on the average toilet seat. public toilet reports the Daily Mail. […]
  • Northwestern University (USA) found that people who monitor their hygiene tend to impose more stringent requirements on the moral character of those around them - […]

Roskachestvo dispelled the myth about the antibacterial properties of children's toilet soap. Studies have shown that it often does not kill bacteria, but simply washes them away due to abundant foam. This was reported by the press service of Roskachestvo.

According to experts from Rospotrebnadzor, ordinary soap should not clean, washing off excess microorganisms and bacteria. Antibacterial soap is designed to kill them, which, by the way, is not recommended to be used often, because microorganisms get used to it, like antibiotics.

High quality baby soap should be able to prevent the growth of microorganisms, such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa or E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus, diploid fungus. So, the study showed that an hour after last application on half of all tested samples of soap continued to live staphylococcus aureus. This is not a violation, since our legislation does not contain requirements for such indicators.

Also, experts studied each sample for the ability to cause allergies, if it contains allergen components. To do this, doses of soap were injected into the previously donated blood of experts and it was observed whether the autoplaque-forming cells would react to the allergen and at what concentration in the blood plaques would begin to form.

"The higher the alkaline reaction of the soap foam, the more actively it removes the protective fatty mantle from the skin. The disappearance of the fatty impregnation at times enhances the aggressive effect of the chemical components of the soap, which can cause both skin irritation and allergic reaction. Also, the reaction can be caused by fragrances, essential oils, preservatives, flavors, various coloring agents, antibacterial components, such as triclosan and triclocarban.

If parents notice that after washing their hands or bathing, the baby’s skin turns red or itches, then the brand of soap used should be changed, ”says the candidate pediatrician medical sciences Elena Antsiferova.

Russian soap can compete with foreign brands

But blood was shed in vain - during the study, not a single potentially dangerous allergenic soap was found. However, experts warn: just in case, before using soap, carefully study its composition. And if it is indicated that it contains vaseline oil and chamomile extract, and the child, for example, is allergic to chamomile, it is better to refuse such soap.

In total, Roskachestvo tested 31 samples of baby toilet soap, produced both in various regions of Russia, and in Germany, Bulgaria, the United Arab Emirates, Italy, Poland, and Ukraine. It was studied on 21 indicators of quality and safety.

Not a single violation of safety standards defined by law was found. One third of products are soap high quality, which may qualify for the assignment of the state Quality Mark. Ten samples have increased hypoallergenicity and the ability to prevent the growth of bacteria. In addition, the study proved that Russian soap can compete with popular foreign brands.

In 13 cases out of 31, the difference between the net weight declared on the packaging and the actual weight of the soap was more than 4.5 percent, and although such deviations are not considered a violation, since there is no requirement for "underweight" in our legislation, these products will not be able to claim the Mark quality.

The Russian Quality System (Roskachestvo) has completed a study baby soap. This was reported on the website of the organization.


Imported and Russian samples were tested on 21 indicators, including the ability to clean, prevent the growth of bacteria and foam.

In the Russian market, all baby soaps are good - yes

As part of the study, experts evaluated 31 samples of children's toilet soap, produced both in Russia and abroad. The study included products from Bulgaria, Germany, Italy, the United Arab Emirates, Poland, Ukraine and many regions of Russia, including Altai Territory, Voronezh, Nizhny Novgorod and Samara regions, the Republic of Tatarstan, as well as from Moscow and St. Petersburg.

The study proved the complete safety of baby soap - not a single violation of current safety standards was identified. A third of the products are high-quality goods that meet not only the requirements of technical regulations and GOSTs, but also the increased standard of Roskachestvo.


So, ten samples have increased hypoallergenicity and bacteriostatic activity - the ability to prevent the growth of bacteria. Quality mark awarded to soap "D", "Neva Cosmetics", "Beauty Recipes", "Umka" and Baby's soap. Samples "Velvet Hands", "SpongeBob", Bebble, Johnsons baby and Weleda also recognized as high quality products.

Baby soap works the same as antibacterial soap - no

An important vector of research was the study of soap for cleansing properties. When checking, they refuted the consumer myth about the antibacterial properties of soap: Roskachestvo confirmed that toilet soap does not kill bacteria, but rather washes them off due to the abundance of foam.


However, high-quality baby soap should have high bacteriostatic activity - the ability to prevent the growth of microorganisms - for example, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and coli, Staphylococcus aureus and diploid fungus, including Candida.

Bacteria can live on the surface of soap - yes

The surface of a hard bar of toilet soap can become a breeding ground for bacteria. This happens if the soap was used by a person who is sick or is a carrier of a microorganism that can cause a disease of a staphylococcal, streptococcal nature or intestinal infection, Rospotrebnadzor experts said.



The study showed that 60 minutes after the last use, staphylococcus aureus was still living on half of all the studied soap samples. This is not a violation because this indicator not regulated Russian legislation. Nevertheless, Roskachestvo, using a recognized European test method, deprives these products of the potential opportunity to receive the Quality Mark.

Baby soap is hypoallergenic - yes

As part of the study, experts studied each sample for the ability to cause allergies. In order to check if there are allergen components in the soap, the samples were tested for early sensitization - curiously, this test was not without blood. During the study, experts injected doses of soap into pre-donated blood and observed whether blood cells would react to the allergen and in what concentration.

The higher the alkaline reaction of soap foam, the more actively it removes the protective fatty mantle from the skin. The disappearance of fatty impregnation at times enhances the aggressive effect of the chemical components of the soap, which can cause both skin irritation and an allergic reaction. Also, the reaction can be caused by fragrances, essential oils, preservatives, fragrances, various surfactants, coloring agents, as well as antibacterial components - for example, triclosan and triclocarban. If parents notice that after washing their hands or bathing, the baby’s skin turns red or itches, then the brand of soap used should be changed,” says the pediatrician, allergist-immunologist, gastroenterologist, expert on radio and television, head of the Smart Mom school, candidate Medical Sciences Elena Antsiferova.


At the same time, the study did not reveal a potentially unsafe allergenic soap. However, in order to protect yourself from potential risks, experts advise to carefully study the composition.


If it is written that the soap contains vaseline oil and chamomile extract, and the child is allergic to chamomile, such soap should be discarded. Availability Information active ingredients such as oils and extracts should always appear on the label. It is also desirable that the smell of baby soap is not too strong," said the chief specialist of the Association of Manufacturers of Perfumes, Cosmetics, Goods household chemicals and hygiene, candidate of technical sciences Galina Ulantseva.

Weight violations

In some bars of soap, the inspectors noted underweight. Branded goods "Alice" and "Tick Tock" which are indicated on the GOST package, do not meet the state standard in terms of quality number, which misleads the consumer.


In two more cases under trademarks "Baby" and Honey kid found to be in excess of salt. Since these manufacturers declared on the packaging of the product that it complied with GOST, they are violators of the standard, unlike two more manufacturers who exceeded it, but did not apply for GOST.

15 amazing and little known facts about the most ordinary soap "Household"!

It would seem the most ordinary laundry soap, what could be surprising in it? Nevertheless, we are sure that some facts about the most ordinary laundry soap will certainly surprise you, and maybe even shock you! And most importantly, in a crisis and tense situation in the country, laundry soap can significantly save your budget!


Laundry soap - TOP 15 interesting facts:

  1. The best antiseptic is ... laundry soap.

If you fell and tore off the skin on your knee, you were bitten by a neighbor's dog, or even worse by the neighbor herself, then before running to the doctor and stitching, wash the wound with “household” soap. Doctors have long been aware of its antiseptic properties and, in the absence of medicines, are always advised to treat the wound with “household” soap. It turns out that in terms of its antiseptic and medical indicators, it is not inferior to many medical preparations.

  1. Culinary secrets.

Many experienced cooks secretly use the fastest marinade - "laundry soap". Especially if you doubt the freshness of the meat. Most often, "household" soap is used for poultry. Before cooking chicken or chicken legs, they must be washed with laundry soap - it kills germs, eliminates unpleasant odors and quickly softens chicken meat. After that, the meat just needs to be thoroughly washed, as you usually wash your hands and that's it.

  1. Thick hair and no dandruff.

Laundry soap can compete with fashionable expensive shampoos and dandruff shampoos. It is enough to wash your hair with laundry soap twice a week, and in a few weeks the effect will amaze you, not to mention the savings. For thick and long female hair the following procedure is recommended (unless, of course, you want to have thick, luxurious hair below the buttocks, and not three hairs): after washing your hair for the first time - with shampoo (to wash off the main dirt), washing it for the second time - with laundry soap. In just a few months, thick luxurious hair!

True, so that the scalp is not overdried after laundry soap, you still need to then rinse your head with an acidic solution based on vinegar or lemon juice.

  1. Household soap - Dr. Aibolit!

If your child's elbows and knees are constantly torn off, then laundry soap is your savior. It can easily relieve even severe inflammation on the leg or hands.

Laundry soap has long been successfully used to treat the most serious inflammatory processes(up to the beginning of gangrene). The fact is that, unlike antimicrobial soaps, laundry soap does not kill, but restores the favorable microflora of the skin.

  1. Laundry soap - the best beautician?

- Some women successfully use laundry soap for peeling. It is necessary to apply a foam of laundry soap on the wet skin of the face and with a cotton swab moistened with calcium chloride, wipe the face along the massage lines. The skin is very well cleansed. The face after such procedures looks very good and, most importantly, there is no need for large expenses for salon acid peels.

- In addition, laundry soap is advised to wash - at least twice a week - so that the skin always looks young. After washing, you need to lubricate the skin with an ordinary baby cream. Moreover, the effect of such washings, as those who have tried it, is better than from the use of expensive professional cosmetics.

- Washing in a steam room with a birch broom soaked in a solution of laundry soap cleanses the skin very well: the skin is remarkably cleansed and then it seems to glow from the inside better than any peeling!

  1. Laundry soap - to help gynecologists?

Laundry soap even successfully treats some gynecological diseases. We will not tell the details, so as not to provoke self-treatment. But, we note that thrush and prickly heat are successfully treated with laundry soap. They wash well, it kills all bacteria and fungus such as thrush. Let's also say that in some maternity hospitals it is used to clean the floor in the departments where newborns are located, as a successful disinfectant, and not for savings.

  1. Soap instead of gloves!

Surgeons, especially military surgeons and surgeons of the Ministry of Emergency Situations, are aware of amazing ability laundry soap to replace surgical gloves (if you lather it on your hands and leave it to dry) - surgeons say that then even with a cut during surgery, the risk of infection is minimal.

8. Laundry soap against the common cold?

Traditional medicine advises to be treated with household soap from the beginning of a runny nose. Need to do soap solution, dip a cotton swab there and treat the sinuses. Then (although it will pinch a little at first), the nose will never be blocked, and after 2-3 such treatments, you will forget about the cold even in the summer itself.

9. Laundry soap against fungus.

Laundry soap successfully copes with the treatment of fungal diseases of the feet. It is advised to thoroughly wash the affected areas of the legs on the skin with soap and a brush, and then treat the surface of the skin with ordinary iodine.

10. Laundry soap and depilation.

After depilation, in order to eliminate skin redness and irritation in sensitive areas, laundry soap is also often used. It is enough just to lather once and there will be no irritation.

11. Laundry soap - against bruises.

If you anoint the bruised place with laundry soap, there will be no bruising.

12. Laundry soap - against acne.

Laundry soap is a successful remedy for acne. It is necessary to cut the laundry soap into a bowl, add water and beat it with a shaving brush or brush into foam. Now take 1 tbsp. l. the resulting foam, 1 tsp. salt "extra" and mix. Apply this mixture on a well-washed face. We warn you right away - it will pinch a lot, but this just means that it is coming healing process. Keep the mask for half an hour. Dry salt will remain on your face, brush it off and wash yourself first hot, and then cold water. Do this procedure 2-3 times a day for 2-3 weeks.

13. Laundry soap - a remedy for abscesses

A remedy for boils. Mix in equal parts grated onion, laundry soap and sugar. Apply this ointment on an abscess and bandage it. You need to do this at night, in the morning you will see that the wound has completely cleared.

14. Laundry soap - against corns.

From cracks on the heels and corns make a bath of 2 liters hot water, 1 teaspoon of baking soda and 1 tablespoon of planed laundry soap.

15.Laundry soap against burns.

If you lather the place of the burn with laundry soap and let it dry, then there will not only be no blisters from the burn, but there will be no redness!

Here is such a wonderful, irreplaceable and most importantly cheap laundry soap!