What Works
Basic Cleaning Is Enough
- Common household cleaners effectively kill viruses[1]
- Soap and water handle most situations
- Food residue protects viruses on surfaces[2]
When to Disinfect
- After someone has been ill
- High-touch surfaces during cold/flu season
- Clean before disinfectingⓘ
- Let disinfectants sit for their contact time (check the label)
High-Touch Areas
- Door handles, light switches
- Phones and keyboards
- Bathroom surfaces
- Kitchen counters and handles
What Doesnt Help
Antibacterial Products
Myth: Antibacterial soap is better than regular soap
Reality: No evidence antibacterial soap reduces illness more than regular soap[4]. Antibacterial ingredients can disrupt skin microbiome[5]. Regular soap + proper technique = equally effective.
Reality: No evidence antibacterial soap reduces illness more than regular soap[4]. Antibacterial ingredients can disrupt skin microbiome[5]. Regular soap + proper technique = equally effective.
Excessive Cleaning
- Daily deep cleaning isn't necessary for health
- Cleaning habits are driven more by disgust and social norms than disease risk[6]
- Clean when dirty; disinfect when someones ill
Air Quality
Cleaning Products and Indoor Air
- Cleaning products release VOCs[7]
- VOCsⓘ
- Open windows while cleaning and afterward
- Avoid more is better with chemical cleaners
Natural vs Chemical
- Natural doesn't mean safe (vinegar can damage surfaces, essential oils can irritate airways)
- Commercial cleaners are tested and regulated
- The issue isn't natural vs synthetic—it's using products appropriately
Practical Tips
Kitchen
- Clean cutting boards and counters after raw meat
- Let dishes air dry when possible
- Sponges harbor bacteria—replace often or microwave wet sponge for 2 minutes
Bathroom
- Focus on toilet handle, taps, and door handle
- Good ventilation prevents mold
- Weekly cleaning is usually sufficient
General House
- Vacuum and dust regularly for air quality
- Wash bedding weekly in hot water
- Dont forget: phones, remotes, light switches
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References
- Greatorex JS, et al. (2010). Effectiveness of Common Household Cleaning Agents in Reducing the Viability of Human Influenza A/H1N1. PLOS ONE. [DOI]
- Takahashi H, et al. (2011). Effect of Food Residues on Norovirus Survival on Stainless Steel Surfaces. PLOS ONE. [DOI]
- Savage JH, et al. (2018). Triclosan and triclocarban exposure, infectious disease symptoms and antibiotic use in a cohort of pregnant women. PLOS ONE. [DOI]
- Buerger S, et al. (2018). Antibacterial soap use impacts skin microbial communities in rural Madagascar. PLOS ONE. [DOI]
- Curtis V, et al. (2016). The Determinants of Reported Personal and Household Hygiene Behaviour. PLOS ONE. [DOI]
- Pirrie L, et al. (2021). Visualising household air pollution: Colorimetric sensor arrays for monitoring cooking and cleaning activities. PLOS ONE. [DOI]