Can a House with Kids Be Too Clean?

When you have a baby, the first thing you might do before the homecoming may be to sanitize everything in the house. But that may not be the best practice and could even lead to health risks, according to research. Can a house with kids be too clean? How much cleaning is too much?

Is Sanitizing a Good Thing? Do Germs Have Hidden Benefits?

Sanitizing is is obviously a good idea when known viruses are around, such as the flu. However, WebMD states that too much sanitizing can actually kill the germs that help build a child's immune system. These germs are a necessary component to teaching our children's bodies to build immunity. If we kill them off, kids can be more prone to allergies and other illnesses.

Dangers of Household Chemicals

WebMD also reports that common household chemicals, like chlorine bleach, can actually be more harmful than some of the germs you're trying to kill with them. According to the Wisconsin Department of Health, if you can smell the chlorine bleach, exposure levels may be too high to be safe. So, the next time you want your house to smell fresh and clean from bleach or other chemical cleaners, think again for the safety of the kids and yourself.

Healthy Cleaning Habits

Washing hands often has long been known to help prevent the spread of infection. This is still true. Use sanitizers and antibacterial soaps sparingly. Using them too often can actually cause certain bacterias to build up a resistance. Then, when you actually do need the extra protection, it may not be as effective. Plain soap and water does the trick for general use throughout the day. Oh, and if your baby drops a couple Cheerios on the floor and pops them in her mouth afterward, don't panic. She'll most likely be just fine.

Now, just because you don't need to sanitize as much does not mean you should just let the messes pile up. However, letting your child play in the dirt is most likely not going to harm him or her. It may even be a good thing. A fair balance between too much cleaning and not enough is recommended. So, the next time you go on a crazy housecleaning spree, remember not to overdo it with the sanitizing. Some things just do not need to be cleaned in that way.

Alternative Cleaning Solutions

You may now be thinking what to clean with if not bleach. Some alternative household cleaners include vinegar and water, lemon juice, and diluted thyme oil. By using natural household cleaners, you are helping save the environment and possibly the health of your child. Click here for instructions on how to make your own natural cleaners and for more elaboration on the dangers of bleach.

Sources:

http://www.webmd.com/parenting/features/kids-and-dirt-germs

http://www.grist.org/article/2010-05-18-are-we-too-clean/

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2956288/natural_green_homemade_disinfectants.html

http://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/eh/chemfs/fs/chlorine.htm

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703315404575250390129070502.html?mod=WSJ_LifeStyle_Lifestyle_5