Cleaning for health isn’t a new idea. It took root in the 19th century when germ theory transformed hygiene practices and evolved further in the 20th century as the link between indoor air quality (IAQ) and respiratory illness became acutely obvious.
Despite that revelation, the cleaning industry has been slow to act. Most businesses stop at allergy reduction or surface-level sanitising. Few build systems that make health-first cleaning part of their core identity. Thankfully, change is in the air.
Seventy-two percent of Americans now say health, not appearance, is the main reason they clean their homes. This shift signals a growing public demand for science-backed care.
Dust clouds and unseen hazards
“Surface dust isn’t just debris, it’s a source of biological and chemical contamination that comes alive when disturbed,” Litmus technical and managing director Clair Bird says. “Research shows that resuspension during vacuuming or moving furniture can increase airborne contaminants up to a hundred-fold.”
Furniture, flooring and HVAC vents collect pollen, mould and viruses, quietly accumulating risk. The moment you begin to clean, that risk rises. And without a genuine HEPA vacuum, not one that simply has a HEPA label but leaks, you may be stirring more than you’re removing.
“Knowing the vacuum cleaner you’re using is a real HEPA is the best protection against resuspended biological particulate matter that is then inhaled by the operator,” Bird says.
The microbiome, indoors and out
Research into the built environment shows a striking relationship between the microbial life in buildings and the people who live in them. “The microbiome of the building eventually equilibrates with that in the human body,” Bird explains. “We end up a bit like an image of where we live and work.”
That exchange becomes more fragile when exposed to airborne pollutants. VOCs, for instance, can irritate the respiratory tract and destabilise the body’s microbial balance, setting the stage for inflammation and illness.
When chemistry collides
The interaction between certain cleaning products can generate hazardous by-products. “Terpene-based cleaners like pine or citrus interact with oxidising agents such as bleach or hydrogen peroxide to produce aldehydes and secondary organic aerosols,” Bird explains. “These reactions can happen on surfaces and continue for days, turning homes into long-term pollutant sources.”
PFAS, known as ‘forever chemicals’, also raises concern. Found in many everyday products, from carpet sprays to air fresheners, these substances are linked to reduced microbiome diversity in children and have been associated with cancer. “The link between exposure and disease includes the impact of PFAS on the microbiome,” Bird adds.
The case for certified care
For cleaning professionals, this is a chance to lead with substance. “It’s important to not only look at the safety data sheet for a material,” Bird advises, “but to ensure there’s no cross-reactivity with other products or processes used in the building.”
Cleaning for health is no longer a niche idea. It is a compelling business model for the safety of all.
A version of this article first appeared in Cleanfax.
