Cleaning a house feels like something that only improves air quality, and for dust and dirt, that is true. Yet, many cleaning agents release substances into the air during and after use, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and fragrances. It is worth being mindful of this.
What are volatile organic compounds (VOCs)?
VOCs are substances that evaporate easily at room temperature and thus end up in the air. They are found in all kinds of products, from all-purpose cleaners and glass cleaners to degreasers and some air fresheners. When used in a poorly ventilated room, the concentration of VOCs can temporarily increase significantly, which some people notice as an irritated nose, throat, or headache. The Lung Foundation (Longfonds) therefore identifies VOCs, alongside particulate matter, moisture, and CO2, as one of the substances that can make the air in your home unhealthy.
Sprays deserve extra attention
Aerosols and spray bottles disperse the product into the air as tiny droplets, meaning you inhale them more quickly and directly than with a product applied with a cloth. This is especially true for sprays with strong fragrances or chemical additives.
Never mix products
An important safety rule: never mix cleaning agents with each other, especially chlorine-based products with ammonia or other chlorine products. This can create dangerous vapors that can severely irritate the airways. Always use products according to the instructions on the packaging and never together in a bucket or spray bottle.
Practical tips
A pediatric pulmonologist explains in the air quality consultation hour of the Lung Foundation that cleaning, just like cooking and showering, worsens the air quality in the home and that ventilation is therefore important. These tips help with that:
- Ventilate during and after cleaning, especially when using sprays or strongly scented products.
- Where possible, choose products with fewer fragrances and a simpler composition.
- Dose according to the directions on the packaging; more product does not make it cleaner, only more fragrant.
- Store cleaning agents tightly closed so that they do not constantly release faint vapors.
- Never mix products with each other, even if they are considered safe individually.
If a persistent odor or a heavy feeling remains in the air after cleaning, an air purifier with active filtration can help reduce this faster, in addition to proper ventilation. We recommend the Dynter AirPure Plus PA244, with a 4-stage filtration system and a HEPA13 filter. View the full range at dynter.eu.