Unlike these traditional cleaners, antibacterial products leave
surface residues, creating conditions that may foster the
development of resistant bacteria, Levy notes. For example, after
spraying and wiping an antibacterial cleaner over a kitchen
counter, active chemicals linger behind and continue to kill
bacteria, but not necessarily all of them.
When a bacterial population is placed under a stressor—such as an
antibacterial chemical—a small subpopulation armed with special
defense mechanisms can develop. These lineages survive and
reproduce as their weaker relatives perish. "What doesn't kill
you makes you stronger" is the governing maxim here, as
antibacterial chemicals select for bacteria that endure their
presence.