Last Updated & Content Validated On: Nov 10, 2025
Clean House, Damaged Lungs?
First Published: Nov 10, 2025
We all want a spotless home — but could our cleaning habits be harming our lungs?
A 20-year European study published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine found that frequent cleaning, especially with sprays and strong chemical products, may contribute to long-term lung damage — particularly in women.
Researchers followed more than 6,000 adults from 22 centers across Europe, tracking both their cleaning habits and changes in lung function over time. The results suggest that regular exposure to cleaning products can gradually weaken the lungs, even in otherwise healthy people.
When Cleaning Becomes a Health Hazard
The study found that women who cleaned regularly — whether at home or as professional cleaners — experienced a faster decline in lung function compared to those who didn’t clean as often.
This gradual loss of lung capacity means that over time, the airways become less efficient at moving air in and out — a sign of long-term irritation and inflammation.
Importantly, both cleaning sprays and liquid cleaning agents were linked to this decline. The effect was strongest in women, while men did not show a clear association, possibly due to less frequent exposure or differences in biological response.
These findings raise an important point: cleaning isn’t just a household chore — it’s an exposure, and one that can affect respiratory health over decades.
The Invisible Chemicals Lurking in Every Spray
What makes cleaning products risky isn’t the act of cleaning itself, but the chemical mix that many products release into the air.
Common cleaning ingredients — such as bleach (chlorine compounds), ammonia-based agents, and fragranced products containing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) — can release gases and microscopic droplets into the air. These can form particles that reach deep into the lungs. Over time, repeated exposure can gradually irritate airway tissues and reduce lung capacity.
The problem is often worst with spray cleaners, which spread fine droplets into the air that linger long after the surface looks clean. Even “fresh scent” or “antibacterial” products can contain compounds that irritate the respiratory tract — especially when used in enclosed spaces without ventilation.
How to Clean Smarter — and Breathe Easier
A healthy home doesn’t have to come at the expense of healthy lungs. Small changes in how you clean can make a big difference:
- 🧴 Choose simple, fragrance-free cleaners. Strong scents often mean more chemical additives.
- 🌬️ Ventilate while cleaning. Open windows or turn on a fan to clear out airborne particles.
- 🧽 Avoid sprays when possible. Use diluted liquid cleaners and reusable cloths instead.
- 🌿 Try natural alternatives. Vinegar, baking soda, and mild soap can safely handle most everyday messes.
The Bottom Line
Clean homes feel good — but harsh cleaning products can quietly take a toll on your respiratory health.
This long-term European study shows that frequent exposure to cleaning chemicals can gradually weaken lung function, particularly among women who clean regularly at home or for work.
Protect your lungs by cleaning smarter: choose milder products, keep your space ventilated, and ditch the sprays. A clean home should also mean clean, healthy air. 🌿
Reference(s)
[1] Svanes, Ø., Bertelsen, R. J., Lygre, S. H. L., Carsin, A. E., Antó, J. M., Forsberg, B., García-García, J. M., Gullón, J. A., Heinrich, J., Holm, M., Kogevinas, M., Urrutia, I., Leynaert, B., Moratalla, J. M., Le Moual, N., Lytras, T., Norbäck, D., Nowak, D., Olivieri, M., Pin, I., … Svanes, C. (2018). Cleaning at Home and at Work in Relation to Lung Function Decline and Airway Obstruction. American journal of respiratory and critical care medicine, 197(9), 1157–1163. https://doi.org/10.1164/rccm.201706-1311OC
