Can salt sterilize and disinfect

Salt can have a certain antibacterial effect, but it cannot completely replace professional disinfectants. High concentration saline can destroy some bacterial structures through osmotic pressure, but its effect on viruses and most stubborn pathogens is limited. The main component of table salt, sodium chloride, can alter the osmotic pressure balance inside and outside microbial cells at high concentrations, leading to bacterial dehydration and death. Rinsing mouth or washing wounds with salt water on a daily basis can inhibit common bacteria on the surface of the mouth and skin, such as streptococcus and staphylococcus. Experiments have shown that salt water with a concentration of over 10% has an inhibitory effect on some bacterial colonies, but cannot kill bacterial spores. This method is suitable for emergency treatment of minor injuries and can reduce the probability of infection.

Salt disinfection has obvious limitations. Enveloped viruses such as COVID-19 and norovirus are not sensitive to salt solution, and acid resistant bacilli such as tubercle bacillus are difficult to be killed by salt water. The pickling method used for food preservation requires a salt concentration of over 15% and can last for several days, which is much higher than the practical concentration for daily disinfection. Misuse of high concentration saline may damage mucosal tissue, leading to delayed wound healing.

It is recommended to prioritize using medical grade alcohol or chlorine containing disinfectants for daily disinfection, and salt should only be used as a temporary substitute. When processing fresh ingredients, salt water soaking can be used to assist in cleaning, but it is necessary to ensure that flowing water is used for rinsing. Skin damage should be kept dry after disinfection to avoid repeated salt irritation. During special periods, 3-5% physiological saline can be prepared for throat cleaning, but it cannot replace epidemic prevention measures such as mask protection. When there is a major epidemic or serious wound infection, it is necessary to seek medical attention in a timely manner and not rely on salt disinfection.