Uncover the Key to Effective Cleaning for a Healthier Home
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The pandemic has heightened our awareness of germs, leading to more frequent and thorough cleaning habits that have endured over time. While maintaining cleanliness is important, becoming fixated on germs can be detrimental to our health. Excessive cleaning or using harsh products can pose risks to our well-being.
One major concern is the excessive use of strong disinfectants that claim to eliminate 99% of common bacteria. Orianne Dumas, a respiratory epidemiologist at the French Institute of Health and Medical Research, notes that the pandemic has influenced people to use stronger disinfectants, which can have both positive and negative effects on health. Jill Heins Nesvold, senior director of indoor air quality at the American Lung Association, emphasizes the need to strike a balance in our cleaning routines.
Research indicates that indoor air can be more polluted than outdoor air due to the chemicals present in household cleaners. These products often contain numerous harmful chemicals that can impact our respiratory health. The Environmental Working Group’s 2023 study of 30 common cleaning products revealed 193 hazardous chemicals, including volatile organic compounds like acetone and methanol. These compounds can be inhaled and cause allergic reactions, eye and throat irritation, and potentially lead to respiratory issues like asthma.
Overexposure to these chemicals can have serious consequences, such as an increased risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and disruptions to the endocrine system that may raise cancer risk. It is important to be mindful of the products we use and their potential health impacts.
To clean your home effectively while safeguarding your health, consider using fewer high-quality products to minimize exposure to harmful chemicals. Opt for multi-purpose cleaners instead of a variety of specialized products to reduce contact with potentially harmful substances. Reevaluate your cleaning product selection to prioritize safety and well-being.
Learning about cleaning science at EWG. Here’s an easy tip: Instead of using a specialized kitchen cleaner, try using dish soap and water on your countertops. According to Geller, you don’t always need a specific product for the kitchen. Only disinfect when necessary and avoid excessive use of bleach and strong disinfectants. Cleaning and disinfection should not always go hand in hand, explains chemist Doug Collins from Bucknell University.
For tough dirt like bacteria, viruses, mold, and fungi, a disinfectant is essential, similar to how hospitals use them daily. However, for everyday cleaning at home, plain soap and water can be effective. Collins emphasizes the cleaning power of soap in removing grease. Alcohol-based cleaners without additional germ-killing chemicals are also effective basic cleaners.
Improper use of bleach can be harmful due to its strong oxidizing properties. While bleach is a powerful disinfectant, it can also be dangerous if not used correctly. Collins warns against regular exposure to bleach, as it can have damaging effects on the body’s defense mechanisms.
When disinfecting, focus on high-touch surfaces like faucets and doorknobs, advises immunobiology professor Akiko Iwasaki from Yale University. It’s important to disinfect in a targeted manner rather than overusing cleaning products. Consider alternatives to bleach, such as hydrogen peroxide or vinegar, which are effective and less irritating. Be cautious not to mix cleaning products like bleach with vinegar or ammonia, as this can produce toxic gases.
Follow the safety precautions outlined on cleaning product labels to ensure safe and effective use.
“It’s important to select the appropriate product for the task at hand and adhere to the instructions on the label,” advises Nicholas Georges, the senior VP of scientific and international affairs at the Household and Commercial Products Association, representing companies that manufacture these items.
Opt for fragrance-free options. While we may enjoy the pleasing scents of cleaners like pine or lemon, chemicals such as limonene responsible for these aromas can be volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that may pose concerns. Studies have shown that a significant number of individuals using scented products experience symptoms such as breathing difficulties and migraines.
Fragrance-free cleaners emit fewer VOCs, which are deemed as healthier choices. Companies conduct risk assessments on their cleaning products to ensure safety and minimize liabilities, meeting standards set by the International Fragrance Association for protecting health.
Consider using certified “green” cleaners. Various organizations certify certain cleaning products as being safer for health. The American Lung Association and the Environmental Working Group (EWG) recommend choosing cleaners certified as Safer Choice, a label established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. EWG has also introduced its EWG Verified certification for cleaning products.
When evaluating green products, it is important to note that they may contain fewer hazardous VOCs. However, the quality of green products can vary. While some government regulations aim to prevent misleading claims about product sustainability, enforcement may be lacking.
Ensure to examine the chemical ingredients of a product on its label and online for transparency. Labels are required to disclose allergens and other ingredient types that could impact individuals with sensitivities like asthma. Some chemicals found in the air were not listed on product labels in a study conducted by EWG in 2023, indicating that labels may not fully disclose all ingredients.
Proper ventilation is essential to minimize exposure to potentially harmful chemicals released in indoor environments. By allowing fresh air to circulate, the likelihood of chemical reactions forming new substances, such as formaldehyde, can be reduced.
You can further reduce your exposure to chemicals by increasing air circulation while cleaning and immediately afterward. Open windows, run fans, and keep the HVAC system on to help remove chemicals from the indoor environment, advises Geller. For example, Collins makes sure to run the bathroom fan for at least 15 minutes after cleaning up his kids’ mess. It’s important to protect your skin and airways during cleaning tasks to minimize exposure. When engaging in heavy-duty cleaning, consider wearing gloves and an N95 mask. Collins suggests limiting the use of sprays containing quaternary ammonium compounds, also known as “quats”, as they can easily be inhaled when sprayed, potentially causing irritation and disrupting the endocrine system. Even sprays without quats can be harmful if inhaled excessively, so it’s advisable to spray onto a cloth first and then wipe surfaces to reduce inhalation. This method can significantly decrease the amount of spray inhaled, especially when wearing a mask, according to Collins. Those who are particularly sensitive to chemicals, such as children and individuals with asthma, should try to go outside during cleaning activities whenever possible. A study conducted in 2025 by Dumas revealed that overuse of cleaning products in daycare settings is linked to wheezing symptoms in children under three years old. Bradman has worked on developing a toolkit outlining safe cleaning practices for daycare providers. Pregnant women should also take precautions as some research suggests a connection between chemical exposure during pregnancy and childhood asthma. If you enjoy a fresh scent after cleaning but want to avoid fragranced cleaners, try simmering a pot of water with your favorite herbs and spices, as recommended by Geller. While it’s important to be mindful about the chemicals we introduce into our indoor air, disinfectants can still be necessary to combat stubborn odors and mildew. As Heins Nesvold from the Lung Association points out, it’s not about being anti-cleaning products but rather about being informed about what we are using in the air we breathe. For further inquiries, contact us at letters@time.com.
