What's in the Air We Breathe - And How Cleaning Contractors Can Deliver the Cleanest, Healthiest Indoor Air Possible
What’s in the Air We Breathe — And How Cleaning Contractors Can Deliver the Cleanest, Healthiest Indoor Air Possible
Every breath we take indoors can carry more than just oxygen. In fact, the air in our homes, offices, and schools is often filled with a complex mixture of allergens, pathogens, moisture, and invisible pollutants — many of which can negatively impact our health and quality of life.
For cleaning contractors, this is more than just interesting science — it’s a business opportunity. When you understand what's in the air we breathe and how to remove it, you position yourself as more than a cleaning provider. You become a Health Hero — the trusted expert your clients need to make their homes and buildings healthier, safer, and more comfortable.
Let’s break down what’s really in the air and how deep cleaning, air purification, dehumidification, and even eco-friendly cleaning products can work together to deliver the cleanest indoor air possible — and how these simple, plug-in services can transform your business.
What’s in the Air? More Than You Think.
According to the EPA, indoor air can be 2 to 5 times more polluted than outdoor air, and in extreme cases, up to 100 times worse (EPA, 2023). Common contaminants include,
- Dust and Dust Mites – Linked to asthma and allergies, especially in children (AAFA).
- Pollen – Seasonal allergens that enter through open windows and attach to surfaces.
- Mold Spores – Thrive in humid spaces and release allergens and mycotoxins.
- Bacteria and Viruses – Easily spread through air and on surfaces in enclosed spaces.
- Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) – Emitted from paints, cleaning products, furniture, and building materials (NIH).
- Radon Decay Products – Radioactive particles that attach to airborne dust; a leading cause of lung cancer after smoking (CDC).
- Pet Dander – Microscopic skin flakes from cats and dogs that remain airborne for hours.
The 4-Part Formula for the Cleanest Indoor Air
To truly improve indoor air quality, cleaning contractors must go beyond surface cleaning.
Here's the proven, research-backed formula,
1. Deep Cleaning: Eliminate the Source
Surface contamination is often the origin of airborne particles. Deep cleaning removes that source.
- Hot water extraction effectively lifts allergens from carpets and upholstery.
- HEPA vacuums remove 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns — including dust, pet dander, and radon decay products (NIOSH).
- Dry fogging/misting methods can inactivate viruses and bacteria in enclosed spaces without over-wetting surfaces.
- Touchpoint sanitization with proper dwell time reduces transmission of pathogens like SARS-CoV-2 (CDC).
Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products: Safe for People & Planet
Incorporating non-toxic, biodegradable, eco-certified products doesn’t just help the environment — it protects people with chemical sensitivities, reduces VOC exposure, and improves air quality.
- A study in Building and Environment (2019) found that conventional cleaning products released up to 8x more VOCs than their green-certified counterparts.
- Clients are actively looking for safer solutions. In fact, over 60% of consumers prefer eco-friendly cleaning services when given the option (Statista, 2022).
Offering a Green Cleaning Package can be a key differentiator for your business — and a win for your clients’ health.
2. Air Purification - Remove What You Can’t See
After you clean the surfaces, it’s time to clean the air.
- True HEPA air purifiers capture airborne particles — dust, pollen, bacteria, smoke, and radon decay products — down to 0.3 microns.
- Activated carbon filters absorb odors and VOCs, including those emitted from cleaning agents and furnishings.
Deploying a high-performance, plug-in air purifier gives clients peace of mind between cleanings — and gives you a recurring revenue stream.
3. Dehumidification: Control the Climate
Controlling indoor humidity isn’t just about comfort — it’s critical to health.
- Mold, dust mites, and bacteria thrive in relative humidity above 60%.
- Keeping humidity between 40%–55% RH is ideal for reducing allergen survival and microbial growth (EPA).
Offering dehumidifier installation is a powerful plug-in to your cleaning service, especially in basements, crawl spaces, and moisture-prone buildings.
4. Education + Monitoring: Become the Health Hero
Don’t just deliver a service — deliver insight.
- Offer air quality reports before and after your service using affordable monitors.
- Educate clients on what’s in their air and how your services — and plug-ins — remove it.
- Provide IAQ maintenance plans with seasonal refreshes, filter changes, and humidity checks.
Why This Matters — And Why Now
The pandemic, growing health awareness, and the green living movement have all pushed indoor air quality to the forefront.
- Poor IAQ is linked to headaches, fatigue, asthma, cardiovascular disease, and reduced productivity (Harvard Healthy Buildings Report, 2020).
- Children, seniors, and immunocompromised people are especially vulnerable.
- IAQ-related complaints can affect tenant satisfaction, school attendance, and business performance.
As a cleaning contractor, this is your moment.
The need is urgent.
The solutions are here. And you can be the one to bring them together.
The Bottom Line - Clean Beyond the Surface
Your clients don’t just want a clean home or workplace — they want a healthy one.
By combining,
✅ Eco-friendly deep cleaning
✅ High-performance air purification
✅ Moisture and humidity control
…you create an environment where families breathe easier, students focus better, and workers stay healthier. And you establish yourself as the go-to Health Hero — a trusted provider who’s not just cleaning for looks, but cleaning for life.
Ready to stand out from the crowd? Ask us how to integrate air quality solutions into your cleaning business and elevate your brand to the next level.
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