In our current germ hyper-awareness among shared public spaces, there’s nothing like the sharp scent of commercial disinfectant to convey a sense of super clean. But can disinfectants do as much harm as good? Some products may leave behind residue that includes volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can seriously affect the skin, eyes and respiratory system. Research also suggests that excessive disinfection removes the relatively harmless bacteria that helps us build natural immunity within our surroundings, making us more vulnerable to resistant “super” bugs.

But there are ways to reduce these risks for a more green-conscious cleaning program. Consider these simple guidelines when deciding your sanitation methods.

Choosing the right product

The use of disinfectants is legally mandated in certain situations, such as hospitals and food preparation areas. But that doesn’t mean you can’t reduce its negative consequences. Instead, go for Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) registered products that have more neutral pH values to reduce potential exposure to irritants. Strictly following directions as outlined by the product, particularly regarding wait times and dilution levels, also helps limit the risks.

Consider the alternatives

The market currently offers other options for low- to non-toxic cleaning. The EPA’s Safer Choice program offers a list of products certified for reducing toxin exposure to both individuals and the environment, many of which include alternative ingredients such as hydrogen peroxide, citric acid and acetic acid. There are also chemical free cleaning options on the market, such as liquid ozone, which uses regular tap water charged with oxygen molecules to cut through dirt and bacteria just as effectively as traditional disinfectants, according to recent research.

When in doubt, less is more

The danger of disinfectants isn’t just about what you use, but also how much. Avoid super concentrated products, as they fail to kill more bugs, but certainly increase exposure to more harmful chemicals. When cleaning, use non-toxic solutions to remove heavy soils before sanitizing, so disinfectants won’t have to play double duty. It is also more useful to identify products that specifically targets infections that are of high public concern, such as the H1N1 or swine flu virus.