How Effective Are Natural Disinfectants?

With all the powerful chemicals in our daily lives, it’s not unreasonable to search for natural alternatives. But how effective are they? A University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill study casts doubt on the ability of vinegar and baking soda to kill common food-borne microbes. On the other hand, an article in the Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy recommends tea tree oil for further clinical study. Initial tests show tea tree oil may be useful for killing a broad range of nasty bugs, including antibiotic-resistant MRSA.