Why Safer Cleaning Matters: Protecting Your Home from Harmful Chemicals

Highlights

Health risks of harsh cleaners – Studies in Canada and Europe link repeated use of bleach, ammonia, and conventional sprays to lung damage, airway inflammation, and asthma.
Asthma connection – European research found weekly spray users had a 50% higher asthma risk; Canadian school cleaners using harsh products were nearly 4× more likely to show symptoms.
Poison control concerns – Thousands of calls each year involve accidental exposure to cleaning agents, often children, with hospital visits reported among frequent adult users.
CleanSmart difference – Powered by hypochlorous acid (HOCl), CleanSmart kills 99.9% of bacteria and viruses while leaving no toxic fumes or residues.
Safe for everyday life – Fragrance-free, alcohol-free, and gentle on lungs and skin, CleanSmart is safe to use around babies, pets, and food surfaces—no rinsing required.
Made in Canada & trusted – Health Canada–approved and science-backed, CleanSmart offers professional-grade disinfection across multiple collections for home and workplace use.

The Hidden Risks in Traditionally Accepted Cleaning Agents

Most people think cleaning sprays and wipes keep their homes safe—but many traditionally accepted cleaning agents may be doing more harm than good. Research across Canada and Europe has shown that repeated use of products containing bleach, ammonia, and other harsh disinfectants can damage lungs, trigger asthma, and even cause long-term breathing problems. One major European study found that people who used cleaning sprays at least once a week had a 50% higher risk of developing asthma. In Canada, school cleaners who used bleach, degreasers, and conventional disinfectant sprays were nearly four times more likely to have asthma symptoms compared to other workers. Even at home, breathing in mist from these products has been linked to lower lung function and increased airway inflammation.

Unlike these products, CleanSmart hypochlorous acid spray is not part of the problem. It’s a science-backed, Health Canada–approved option that cleans effectively—without releasing harsh fumes or leaving behind toxic residues.

Alarming Injury and Illness Statistics

Across North America, poison control centres receive thousands of calls each year due to accidental exposure to cleaning agents. Many of these involve children who come into contact with traditional sprays, wipes, or spilled chemical solutions. Hospital visits linked to conventional cleaning chemicals have also been reported among adults, especially those who clean frequently at home or work. The long-term health impact is now well documented in medical and occupational health studies.

A Safer Option: Hypochlorous Acid Spray

CleanSmart offers a safer, equally powerful alternative—hypochlorous acid spray (HOCl). This naturally occurring substance kills 99.9% of bacteria and viruses but is gentle enough for daily use on toys, highchairs, pet bowls, phones, and food surfaces. It leaves no harmful residue, produces no strong smell, and doesn’t irritate skin or lungs. CleanSmart’s formula is made in Canada and approved by Health Canada.

If you're new to HOCl, CleanSmart makes it easy to get started. Explore our Kitchen & Bath Collection for disinfecting high-touch surfaces, or visit our Toy & Nursery Collection for safe cleaning around babies and toddlers. Our Hand Hygiene Collection features alcohol-free options for clean hands at school, work, or home. For broader workplace use, check out the School & Workplace Collection, and for unique tools like hand misters or stabilized HOCl solutions, visit the Other Hypochlorous Acid Collection.

Safer Cleaning in Real Life

No need to rinse after spraying
Safe to use near babies and pets
Fragrance-free and alcohol-free
Made in Canada and backed by science

Ready to Make the Switch?

Safer cleaning doesn’t have to mean less effective. CleanSmart Canada gives Canadians access to professional-grade disinfection that fits into everyday home life. If you have questions about how to use HOCl or which product is best for your needs, we’re happy to help. Just visit our Contact Us page.