How to choose safer cleaning products for respiratory health
This World Asthma Day (on 5 May) is a great opportunity to highlight the triggers that can make asthma and allergy worse, and how we can reduce the risks of employees experiencing flare ups because of workplace exposure to these triggers.
Last updated 3 May 2026
Related topics
Asthma and allergy risks after bushfires
Breathe easier at home: Choosing a vacuum cleaner for asthma and allergy households
With one in eight Kiwis living with asthma (NZ Health Survey 2022/23), it’s important to understand that common cleaning products can be harmful to respiratory health and wellbeing.
It may come as a surprise that conventional cleaning products can be a hidden culprit behind asthma and allergy flare-ups. Many of them have chemical irritants that accumulate, reducing indoor air quality and causing reactions. It’s worth knowing what to look out for and what to steer clear of – so we can be productive, healthy and happy at work, school and home.
Understanding common indoor triggers
Asthma and allergy triggers are often caused by substances found in everyday indoor spaces such as dust mites, mould, pet dander and pollen. Regular cleaning is important to reduce allergies, but certain cleaning products can be triggers themselves.
Many conventional cleaners contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs), synthetic fragrances, and harsh chemicals such as bleach, ammonia and chlorine. Inhaling these ingredients over time can irritate the airways and cause illness.
According to a 2024 study by Environment International, “Occupational exposure to cleaning and disinfectant products has been linked to an increased risk of asthma and rhinitis (hay fever). Residential exposure to cleaning products has been shown to have an adverse effect on respiratory health, particularly on asthma onset, and on the occurrence of asthma(-like) symptoms among children and adults.”
Reducing exposure to these ingredients is a key step in managing asthma and allergies.
Why cleaning choices matter
Cleaning is essential to maintain healthy indoor environments, but with numerous providers and products on the market, it can be difficult to know what or who to choose.
This is where products and services that have been independently assessed and certified, such as Sensitive Choice® approved and BioGro Organic certified, can make a big difference. When choosing a cleaning company and products that carry such accreditations, you can trust that they have been through a rigorous review process to ensure your respiratory wellbeing is top of mind.
Clean Planet, is New Zealand’s only Sensitive Choice® approved commercial cleaning company offering eco-friendly cleaning services for businesses and homes. This means Clean Planet products and processes have been independently reviewed to ensure they are suitable for people with asthma and allergies.
What makes Clean Planet asthma and allergy friendly?
Clean Planet focusses on two core principles to help reduce asthma and allergy triggers:
- Minimising irritants by avoiding toxic or unnecessary chemicals.
- Reducing airborne exposure through safer application methods.
Clean Planet uses 100% non-toxic, plant-based cleaning products, free from common irritants such as bleach, ammonia, synthetic fragrances, dyes and phosphates. Better still, they manufacture their own BioGro certified organic cleaning products – meaning they have full control over ingredients to ensure high standards for respiratory health.
Cleaning methods are just as important. Instead of relying on sprays and aerosols, products are applied directly onto cloths to reduce airborne exposure. HEPA filters and antibacterial microfibre cloths capture dust and allergens while minimising the need for cleaning products.
Tips to minimise triggers in everyday life
Follow these five tips to create a healthy indoor environment:
- Schedule regular cleaning.
- Ventilate daily.
- Choose toxic-free or hypoallergenic.
- Avoid or limit spraying and aerosols.
- Use vacuum cleaners with HEPA filters.
Breathe easier with Clean Planet
Creating asthma and allergy friendly spaces doesn’t require drastic change. Choosing non-toxic products with smart cleaning methods is a simple step that can positively impact long-term respiratory wellbeing.
Clean Planet offers a nationwide network of trusted cleaning partners to take care of all your cleaning needs.