5 ways to clean your house safely

While cleanliness is a virtue, germ fixation is not. Cleaning your house too thoroughly, or with the wrong kinds of products, can be harmful to health.

- MATT FUCHS

Of particular concern is the overzealous use of potent disinfectants that kill 99% of common bacteria. "The pandemic has had a long-term impact, and people use stronger disinfectants now," says Orianne Dumas, a respiratory epidemiologist at the French Institute of Health and Medical Research.

Studies reveal that the air inside our homes is more polluted than the air outdoors—and a portion of these toxins come from household cleaners. They contain scores of chemicals linked to health problems, including those that affect breathing. The risks depend on the dose, so it's worthwhile to reduce your chemical exposure as much as possible.

Here's what researchers know about the risks and how to clean house effectively while protecting yourself and those around you.

1. Use just a few high-quality products