Housekeeping directly contributes to indoor air quality and helps reduce allergens. Choosing the right products—disinfectants, organic cleaners, and anti-dust mite products—protects the health of occupants while keeping your home clean. Drugstores offer a range of organic and eco-friendly cleaning products for every need.
How to Choose Household Products That Are Better for Your Health?
Conventional household products may contain volatile compounds that irritate the respiratory tract. A few selection criteria can help you choose safer alternatives.
- Opt for formulas free of endocrine disruptors (phthalates, parabens, synthetic fragrances)
- Check for certifications: Ecocert, EU Ecolabel, and COSMOS for natural household products
- Opt for concentrated products that reduce plastic use and chemical residues in the air
- For sensitive skin and respiratory tracts: choose pH-neutral formulas free of dyes
Which disinfectants should you use to sanitize your home?
Disinfecting surfaces is essential in high-touch areas, especially during the winter months.
- Bactericidal and virucidaldisinfectants: for doorknobs, light switches, kitchen surfaces, and bathrooms
- Alcohol-based disinfectants: fast-acting on non-porous surfaces
- Natural alternatives: white vinegar (descaling, bacteriostatic) + baking soda (deodorizing) for everyday use
- Ventilate well during and after disinfection to eliminate residual vapors
Housekeeping and dust mites: what to do?
Dust mites thrive in the dust found in carpets, bedding, and textiles. Regular cleaning is the first line of defense.
- Vacuum frequently with a HEPA filter: it traps dust mites, pollen, and spores without releasing them back into the air
- Wash bedding at a minimum of 60 °C once a week
- Keep the room temperature below 20 °C and humidity below 50% to limit their proliferation
- Use anti-dust mite sprays on non-washable textiles (carpets, sofas)
Are natural products safe for household cleaning?
Several naturally derived ingredients cover most common household needs.
- Baking soda: cleaning, deodorizing, gentle degreasing
- White vinegar: descaling, antibacterial on surfaces, no rinsing required
- Essential oils (tea tree, eucalyptus): a few drops in cleaners for natural sanitizing action
- Marseille soap or black soap: versatile cleaners without chemical additives
How can you reduce allergens in your home?
Reducing indoor allergens significantly improves comfort for people with allergies.
- Ventilate each room for at least 10 minutes a day to refresh the air and reduce indoor pollutants
- Avoid carpeting and opt for hard floors in the bedrooms of people with allergic rhinitis
- Treat both bedding and pets (if any) at the same time—see our flea and parasite control products
- Use an air purifier with a HEPA filter in living areas
Housekeeping with Children and Pets: Precautions?
Conventional household cleaning products may pose specific risks to children and pets.
- Keep all products out of children’s reach and in their original packaging
- Allow treated surfaces to dry before letting children or pets access them
- Avoid using sprays and aerosols around infants or people with asthma
- Household cleaning products containing essential oils can be toxic to cats —check the ingredients before use
