Disinfectants are not required when cleaning the house

Lisa Vogel studied departmental journalism with a focus on medicine and biosciences at Ansbach University and deepened her journalistic knowledge in the master's degree in multimedia information and communication. This was followed by a traineeship in the editorial team. Since September 2020 she has been writing as a freelance journalist for

More posts by Lisa Vogel All content is checked by medical journalists.

Cleaning against germs, bacteria and viruses does not always make sense. If disinfectants are used permanently in a healthy household, it can even be harmful.

In most cases, disinfectants are not necessary when cleaning the house or in the household. This also applies to healthy people during the corona pandemic, explains the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment.

Common household detergents and cleaning agents are sufficient

Normal hygiene measures are reported to provide adequate protection against transmission of the virus through a smear infection. Measures include hand washing with soap and regular cleaning of surfaces and door handles with household detergents and cleaning agents.

Only if it is recommended by a doctor in exceptional cases can the targeted use of disinfection in private households also be appropriate, the institute continues.

Danger: Resistant microorganisms

Background: If disinfectants are used regularly - regardless of the corona pandemic - this can even have health consequences for the residents. There is the possibility that resistant microorganisms could develop in this way. If a resident becomes infected with the organisms, treatment is very difficult. The germs may no longer react to antibiotics.

In addition, the disinfectants kill not only the bad, but also the good bacteria. The ones that are harmless to health strengthen human defenses. And the ingredients of many disinfectants put a strain on the skin and can promote allergies. (lv / dpa)

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