You may rely heavily on cleaning products like aerosol sprays or antibacterial sanitizers to clean your home. They usually come in various scents that give that fresh, clean feel making you think your indoor air cleaning and surface hygiene methods are top-notch. However, cleaning products are not created equal. Many commercial cleaning products emit harmful chemicals that could result in immediate harm due to direct exposure or cause a reaction when combined with existing particles in the air.
Without proper indoor air quality sensors, you may unknowingly unleash a lot of invisible, harmful particles and pollutants into your home. Although you have the best intentions of cleaning your space, the products you use may result in respiratory problems. Learn more about this issue to follow indoor air quality guidelines and use household cleaning products correctly.
How Do Cleaning Supplies Affect Health?
Although cleaning products are slated to clean, disinfect, and sanitize your home, they are not entirely safe because they can increase indoor air pollution. Liquid cleaners and aerosol spray release byproducts called VOCs (volatile organic compounds) into the air. These noxious gases could trigger asthma, lower immunity resulting in frequent respiratory infections, and even promote cancer.
In fact, studies on IAQ standards show that these indoor air pollutants from fragrant chemicals in scented cleaners react to ozone pollutant particles in the atmosphere, resulting in respiratory issues. Unknown to many, household cleaning products increase indoor air pollution levels similar to a busy road. What IAQ solutions can be done to protect health?
How to Clean Home Correctly and Prevent Harm from Toxic Products
Routine cleaning can help reduce dust mites, pathogens, allergens, and the like. However, aggressive cleaning with potent chemicals like ammonia and bleach has been proven to result in poor indoor air quality. Check out these indoor air quality strategies to clean your home without harming your health.
Read labels
Read the labels on all cleaning products and avoid those with aggressive chemicals like phosphorus, ammonia compounds, chlorine, nitrogen, or potassium hydroxide. Opt for eco-friendly or green cleaning products with no phosphates, artificial ingredients, harmful scents, and artificial colors as much as possible.
Use homemade cleaners
If you’re serious about home cleaning without harming health, you can use alternative cleaners that are non-toxic to humans. IAQ products that prevent air pollution don’t have to break the bank. Vinegar and water with peppermint oil work well. Baking soda and lemon also create a reaction that’s good for scrubbing. You can get the squeaky clean scent and feel using gentle ingredients that don’t unleash harmful chemicals into the air.
Monitor your indoor air quality
Always check your home through an indoor air quality monitor. If it’s poor, open all windows and entryways to bring fresh air. You can also run electric fans to keep air flowing. IAQ sensors can help you detect how much particulate matter is in the air. Some of these particles can react with store-bought cleaners. Hence, if pollution is high, refrain from commercial products and use alternatives.
Enforce safe cleaning practices
The best IAQ solutions include enforcing safe practices when handling standard, green, or alternative cleaners. If you cannot help but use commercial cleaning products, ask family members to vacate the home temporarily. Wear a mask, gloves, and goggles when you clean. After cleaning, ventilate the house for some time. Use a smart air monitor after sanitizing and general cleaning before inviting family members back.
You clean your home to ensure it’s safe for your loved ones. Ensure you’re not unknowingly harming them with cleaning products containing harmful VOCs. Make smarter choices by choosing a seamless, integrated solution to cleaner, healthier air.
