Don’t Use These Disinfectants at Home (Here’s Why)

May 29 2025, by Tatianna Gerard, 15 min reading time

We all want a clean and healthy home — one that’s safe for our kids to play in, where our pets can roam freely, and where we can breathe easy. So it’s no surprise that many of us reach for strong disinfectants to wipe down surfaces, kill germs, and keep things sanitised. But here’s the thing most people don’t realise: some of the most common household disinfectants may actually be doing more harm than good.

From overpowering chemical smells to ingredients that can irritate your skin or trigger asthma, not all disinfectants are as safe as they seem. In fact, what you’re using to clean your home could be leaving behind invisible hazards — especially in closed-in spaces like bathrooms, bedrooms, or kitchens.

In this article, we’ll break down which disinfectant ingredients to look out for, why they’re best avoided in everyday use, and what you can do instead to keep your home both clean and low-tox.

The problem with common household disinfectants

When we think of disinfectants, we often picture sparkling clean surfaces and a reassuring “just cleaned” smell. But what many households don’t realise is that some of the most commonly used disinfectants come with hidden risks — especially when used frequently and without proper ventilation.

1. Harsh chemicals that linger

Many mainstream disinfectants are formulated for industrial or hospital-grade environments. While they’re highly effective at killing germs, they often contain potent chemical agents that aren’t always necessary — or safe — for everyday household use. When used in your kitchen, bathroom, or even on children’s toys, these chemicals don’t just vanish after application. Instead, they can leave residues on surfaces that may irritate the skin, eyes, or lungs — especially in people who are more sensitive.

2. Poor indoor air quality

Have you ever noticed your eyes watering or throat feeling scratchy after using a strong cleaning spray? That’s likely due to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) — chemicals that easily become vapours or gases. Many disinfectants release VOCs into the air during and after application, which can contribute to poor indoor air quality. In enclosed spaces or areas with poor ventilation, these vapours can build up quickly and may trigger headaches, dizziness, or respiratory irritation.

In fact, frequent use of harsh disinfectants has been linked to occupational asthma in those exposed to it — and while your home isn’t a hospital, using industrial-strength sprays regularly can still have long-term impacts.

3. The risk for kids, pets, and vulnerable groups

Children and pets are particularly vulnerable to the effects of toxic disinfectants. Why? They spend more time close to the ground, touch surfaces constantly, and are more likely to put their hands (or paws) in their mouths. Their smaller bodies and developing systems also make them more susceptible to chemical exposure.

Likewise, people with asthma, allergies, eczema, or chronic respiratory conditions can be especially sensitive to ingredients found in everyday disinfectants. For these individuals, something as routine as wiping down a bench could trigger coughing, wheezing, or skin irritation.

4. Misuse and overuse

Another concern is how disinfectants are used. Many people assume that more is better — spraying surfaces multiple times a day, mixing products (e.g., bleach and ammonia, which is dangerous), or not letting sprays air out properly. This kind of overuse not only increases chemical exposure but also contributes to antimicrobial resistance, a growing public health concern where microbes adapt and become harder to kill.

Ingredients to watch out for

Reading the label on your cleaning spray may not be top of mind when you’re doing the chores — but if you take a closer look, you might be surprised at what’s inside. Many household disinfectants contain chemicals that can irritate your skin, eyes, and lungs, or even pose long-term health risks with frequent exposure.

Here’s a breakdown of commonly used disinfectant ingredients to be cautious about, and why they’re best avoided — especially in homes with children, pets, or anyone with respiratory conditions.

1. Sodium Hypochlorite (Bleach)

Found in: Surface sprays, toilet cleaners, bathroom disinfectants

Why it's a problem: Bleach is corrosive and releases chlorine gas, especially when mixed with other cleaners (like vinegar or ammonia). It can irritate the eyes, skin, and respiratory tract, and is particularly hazardous in enclosed or poorly ventilated spaces.

2. Quaternary Ammonium Compounds (Quats)

Includes benzalkonium chloride, dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid, and others

Found in: Hospital-grade disinfectants, surface sprays, wipes

Why they're a problem: Linked to asthma, skin sensitisation, and respiratory inflammation. Long-term exposure can contribute to antimicrobial resistance. Some studies suggest they may also impact fertility with prolonged use although more research needs to be done as the primary studies were done on mice.

That said, not all quat-based products are created the same. Some formulations in certain brands, like ViroCLEAR, use benzalkonium chloride at a very low and carefully controlled concentration (0.12%), well below the levels found in harsher chemical disinfectants. ViroCLEAR also contains no ethanol or alcohol, making it a safer, low-tox alternative that’s suitable for use around children, pets, and those with sensitivities.

3. Alcohols (Ethanol, Isopropyl Alcohol)

Found in: Hand sanitisers, disinfecting sprays, wipes

Why it's a problem: While effective at killing germs, alcohols can dry out the skin, cause irritation, and are highly flammable. Their strong vapours can irritate the lungs, especially in children or asthmatics.

4. Phenols (e.g., o-phenylphenol)

Found in: Heavy-duty cleaners, multi-surface sprays

Why they're a problem: Phenols are corrosive and have been associated with skin burns and respiratory irritation. They are also highly toxic to cats and may cause kidney or liver damage with chronic exposure.

5. Formaldehyde and Formaldehyde Releasers

Includes ingredients like DMDM hydantoin, imidazolidinyl urea

Found in: Some disinfectants, air fresheners, and preservatives

Why it's a problem: A known carcinogen, formaldehyde can cause eye, nose, and throat irritation, and exacerbate asthma or allergies.

6. Synthetic Fragrances (Parfum)

Found in: Almost all scented disinfectants and cleaners

Why they're a problem: Often a cocktail of undisclosed chemicals, many of which are allergens or hormone disruptors. Fragrance is a common trigger for migraines, skin reactions, and respiratory symptoms.

7. Triclosan

Found in: Some antibacterial soaps, wipes, and cleaning products

Why it's a problem: Triclosan has been linked to hormone disruption, antibiotic resistance, and environmental toxicity. Many countries have restricted or banned its use in personal care, but it may still appear in some surface products.

8. Ammonia

Found in: Glass cleaners, multi-surface cleaners

Why it's a problem: Strong ammonia fumes can irritate the lungs and eyes. When mixed with bleach, it creates toxic chloramine gas — a serious health hazard.

9. 2-Butoxyethanol (EGBE)

Found in: Multi-purpose and degreasing cleaners

Why it's a problem: This solvent can cause skin and eye irritation, and prolonged inhalation has been linked to liver and kidney effects.

Key takeaways

Many of these ingredients are legal and commonly used, and there’s no denying they’re effective at killing germs. However, when used frequently, especially in indoor environments with limited airflow, they may pose health risks for certain individuals.

People with asthma, allergies, or sensitive skin, as well as young children, pets, and elderly family members, may be more vulnerable to the effects of chemical residues or vapours. Over time, repeated exposure in the home can lead to respiratory irritation, skin reactions, or other sensitivities — even if the product is used according to instructions.

That’s why many households are now looking for gentler, low-tox alternatives that still offer strong protection without the potential downsides.

What to look for in a safer disinfectant

Choosing a disinfectant for your home shouldn’t feel like reading a chemistry textbook — but with so many options on the shelf, it can be tricky to know which ones are truly safe for everyday use. There are products out there that offer powerful germ-killing performance without the harsh ingredients or overpowering fumes.

Here’s what to look for when choosing a safer, low-tox disinfectant for your home:

✅ Alcohol-free

Many disinfectants rely on high concentrations of alcohol to kill bacteria and viruses — but this can dry out your skin, trigger respiratory irritation, and pose a fire risk, especially in enclosed spaces. A safer alternative will skip the alcohol but still maintain strong antimicrobial efficacy.

✅ Non-toxic & low-irritant

Look for formulas that are classified as non-toxic and specifically labelled as safe for use around children and pets. These products typically avoid corrosive ingredients like bleach and harsh quats, and are gentler on skin and lungs, even with frequent use.

✅ Fragrance-free or naturally scented

Synthetic fragrances are among the most common triggers for allergies and asthma. A safer disinfectant should be fragrance-free, or use low-allergen essential oils. When used, essential oils in cleaning products are generally considered safe in concentrations of 0.1% to 1.0%. Less fragrance also means less chemical residue lingering in the air.

✅ TGA-listed or independently tested

In Australia, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) listing offers an added level of reassurance that a disinfectant has been tested and proven to kill specific pathogens. Look for disinfectants that are TGA-listed as hospital-grade, especially if you’re using them in high-touch areas or during illness.

✅ Formulated for household use

Some disinfectants are made for industrial or hospital environments and aren’t ideal for the home. A good household disinfectant should be:

Safe for food-preparation surfaces (or HACCP certified)
Suitable for use on children’s toys, pet bowls, and soft furnishings
Easy to apply and doesn’t require gloves or rinse-off steps for general use

✅ Transparent labelling

If a product doesn’t clearly list its active ingredients, you should be wary of those. A safer choice will always disclose exactly what’s inside, including concentrations — giving you the confidence to use it in your home with peace of mind.

So, what’s the alternative? Introducing ViroCLEAR

If you’re looking to reduce the chemical load in your home without sacrificing hygiene, ViroCLEAR offers a refreshing alternative. It’s a hospital-grade disinfectant developed right here in Australia — but unlike many conventional products, it’s been formulated with safer use in mind, especially for everyday environments like homes, schools, aged care facilities, and offices.

Gentle, yet powerful

At the heart of ViroCLEAR’s formula is benzalkonium chloride (BKC) — a well-known antimicrobial agent — but used in a very low concentration (0.12%). This level is effective against 99.99% of bacteria and viruses, yet low-tox and less likely to trigger adverse reactions compared to harsher disinfectants.

What sets ViroCLEAR apart is its use of BioInnovate technology, which stabilises the active ingredient with natural plant-based acids. The result? A powerful disinfectant that’s tough on germs but gentle on people, pets, and the planet. Plus, ViroCLEAR Surface Disinfectant is ARTG-listed (ARTG No. 354369) as a hospital-grade disinfectant, meaning it’s been independently tested and approved for its effectiveness against bacteria and viruses — giving you an added layer of confidence when using it at home.

🚫 What’s not in ViroCLEAR:

No alcohol
No bleach
No synthetic fragrances
No corrosive ingredients
No sticky residues or overpowering fumes

That makes it ideal for:

Families with young children
Asthma and allergy sufferers
Pet owners
Anyone looking to reduce chemical exposure at home

✅ Where you can use it:

ViroCLEAR is incredibly versatile. Use it on:

Kitchen benches and dining tables
Children’s toys, highchairs, and nappy bins
Doorknobs, light switches, and remotes
Phones, keyboards, and office surfaces
Pet bowls, litter trays, and bedding

It’s non-flammable, non-corrosive, and doesn’t require gloves or rinsing for general use — making it one of the most convenient and safe disinfectants for day-to-day cleaning.

Shop ViroCLEAR disinfectants and sanitisers at Aussie Pharma Direct.

How to switch to safer cleaning without sacrificing hygiene

Making the switch to low-tox cleaning doesn’t mean lowering your standards or compromising on hygiene — far from it. It’s about being more intentional with the products you use, knowing what’s in them, and choosing options that are safer for your family, your pets, and your environment.

1. Read the labels — even the fine print

Before buying a disinfectant, take a quick look at the ingredients. Skip products that contain bleach, strong alcohols, synthetic fragrances, quats (like high levels of benzalkonium chloride), or phenols for everyday use — especially in spaces like kitchens, bedrooms, and nurseries.

Look instead for:

Clear ingredient disclosure
“Alcohol-free” or “low-irritant” labels
Products listed with the TGA (Therapeutic Goods Administration)

2. Reserve harsh chemicals for occasional use

Not every cleaning task needs industrial-strength disinfectants. Save the heavy-duty stuff (like bleach or ammonia) for serious messes or once-in-a-while deep cleans — and even then, make sure the area is well-ventilated.

For regular surface cleaning and high-touch areas, gentler alternatives like ViroCLEAR are more than enough to keep germs at bay.

3. Improve ventilation while cleaning

Whatever product you use, make it a habit to open windows and doors when cleaning. Proper airflow helps minimise chemical build-up indoors — especially important if you’re using sprays, wipes, or mists frequently.

4. Prioritise safer options in kid and pet zones

Children and pets are more likely to come into contact with treated surfaces, toys, or floors. Choose disinfectants that are non-toxic, residue-free, and fragrance-free for these spaces. ViroCLEAR is a great fit here, as it can be used on everything from playmats to pet bowls.

5. Make small, gradual swaps

You don’t need to overhaul your entire cleaning cabinet overnight. Start by swapping out:

These are the products you likely use the most — and replacing them with low-tox alternatives can significantly reduce your family’s exposure to harsh chemicals.

A clean home should also be a safe home. With a few simple changes and the right products on hand, you can stay on top of hygiene without compromising health or comfort.

Conclusion: A safer way to clean starts with what you choose

Disinfecting your home is important — especially in a world where hygiene and health go hand in hand. But the products we use to stay safe shouldn’t come at the cost of our air quality, our skin, or our family’s wellbeing.

The reality is, many everyday disinfectants contain harsh chemicals that may be effective at killing germs, but can also pose certain health risks— especially with regular use in enclosed, everyday spaces.

But you don’t have to choose between effective disinfection and a safer home. With options like ViroCLEAR, you can confidently clean high-touch surfaces, children’s toys, pet areas, and more — without the worry of harsh fumes, sticky residues, or chemical overload.

Because protecting your home should never mean compromising your health.

Make the switch to a gentler kind of clean — try ViroCLEAR today.

ViroCLEAR contains 0.12% w/w benzalkonium chloride. When using ViroCLEAR always read the label and carefully follow directions for use.