For many parents, keeping a clean and tidy home feels like a never-ending task—especially with little ones running around. We've been conditioned to believe that the cleaner our environment, the healthier our families will be. Supermarkets are stocked with antibacterial sprays, disinfectant wipes, and chemical-heavy cleaning products that promise to kill 99.9% of germs. But eliminating all microbes from our homes may actually weaken our immune systems, particularly for young children.
1. Not All Bacteria Are Bad
Bacteria often get a bad reputation, but the reality is, most microbes aren’t harmful. In fact, they play a vital role in maintaining our health—helping with digestion, protecting our skin, and training our immune system to fight off real threats.
Research has shown that early exposure to a diverse range of microbes can reduce the risk of asthma, allergies, and autoimmune conditions. This idea, known as the hygiene hypothesis, suggests that overly sterile environments can contribute to immune system dysfunction. When children aren’t exposed to enough microbes, their immune systems don’t develop properly - leading to an increased risk of allergies and inflammatory conditions later in life.
What This Means for Your Home:
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Clean high-touch surfaces (door handles, worktops, light switches) regularly, but avoid excessive use of antibacterial products.
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Encourage outdoor play - exposure to soil and natural environments supports a healthy immune system.
2. A “Clean” Smell Doesn’t Mean Clean
We often associate the smell of bleach, lemon-scented sprays, or artificial lavender with cleanliness. But in reality, clean has no smell. Many conventional cleaning products contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs)—chemicals that can cause respiratory issues, disrupt hormones, and worsen indoor air pollution. In fact, studies have shown that regular use of harsh cleaning chemicals can damage lung health over time.
What This Means for Your Home:
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Opt for fragrance-free, non-toxic cleaners to reduce exposure to harmful chemicals.
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Ventilate your home daily by opening windows to improve air quality.
3. Air Quality Matters More Than You Think
Most of us focus on wiping down surfaces, but indoor air pollution is just as important to address. Dust, mould spores, and chemical fumes can all contribute to respiratory issues, especially in children. Poor indoor air quality has been linked to an increased risk of allergies, asthma, and even difficulties with concentration and sleep.
What This Means for Your Home:
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Open windows daily to let fresh air circulate.
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Add air-purifying plants to naturally filter toxins.
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Check for the presence of mould using our testing kit available here.
