There were a few successful methods of defeating bacteria, pre-antibiotic. They lost out due to cost and inconvenience. Might want to read up. Using silver or even copper for door handles, surfaces of tables, etc. was one, “environmental silver.” You see it today in clothing that is antimicrobial, it has literal silver thread woven into the fabric.
Interesting. I knew they used copper pipes for such things as refrigerator automatic ice makers because of it’s anti bacterial properties.
When I was a kid, Mother would treat impetigo with ammoniated mercury. It worked but I bet they would not allow it today.