🧽 What is microbe-based cleaning?
Microbial-based cleaning means using good bacteria to clean our home. These good bacteria—also called "probiotics"—help fight dirt, bad odors, and even disease-causing germs. This may sound unusual at first. After all, we've long been taught that bacteria are bad. But that's not true.
Many beneficial microorganisms live in our bodies, on our skin, and in nature. They help us stay healthy. And these same microbes can also be used in cleaning products.
🌍 Why is this better than conventional cleaning products?
Conventional cleaning products often contain harsh chemicals. While these kill bacteria, they don't distinguish between good and bad. It's like clear-cutting a forest: Everything is destroyed, even the useful stuff.
Microbe-based cleaning agents, on the other hand , work with nature :
-
They break down dirt naturally.
-
They displace bad bacteria.
-
They ensure a healthy balance on surfaces.
-
They protect the environment.
🦠 How do these good microbes work?
The good microbes in cleaners are usually called Bacillus strains or lactic acid bacteria. They do two things:
-
They eat the dirt
They feed on organic residues—such as grease, food scraps, urine, sweat, or skin flakes. What's dirt to us is a feast to them. -
They displace bad bacteria
Microbes live on every surface. When good bacteria predominate, pathogens have no chance. This is called microbiome stability .
🧼 Where can you use microbe-based cleaners?
Almost everywhere! For example:
-
Kitchen : Against grease and food residue on worktops.
-
Bathroom : Against limescale, urine residue or mold formation.
-
Floors : Especially helpful with pets or babies.
-
Shoes & textiles : Against odors in sneakers or sportswear.
-
Garbage cans, animal cages, cat litter boxes : For better hygiene and less odor.
🧪 What's inside?
A good microbe-based cleaner contains:
-
Probiotic microorganisms (live bacteria)
-
Water-based carrier fluid
-
Natural enzymes or plant-based additives
No harmful surfactants, no chlorine, no fragrances, no irritants.
👶 Safe for children, animals and allergy sufferers?
Yes! Since they don't contain harsh chemicals, these cleaners are ideal for:
-
Families with small children
-
Households with pets
-
Allergy sufferers or people with sensitive skin
-
Environmentally conscious households
But: When purchasing, make sure the manufacturer doesn't contain additives like alcohol or fragrances. Not all "probiotic" cleaners are created equal.
🧠 5 myths about microbe-based cleaning – and what's really true
-
“Bacteria in the cleaner? That’s unhygienic!”
→ False. Good bacteria protect against dangerous germs. -
“They don’t work as well as chemicals.”
→ Wrong. They work more slowly, but more sustainably – and even in places chemicals can't reach (e.g., deep in joints). -
“I still need disinfectant.”
→ Only in medical settings. In the home, the opposite is often better: too much disinfection weakens the microbiome. -
“They’re expensive.”
→ They cost more per bottle – but are often more economical and avoid subsequent costs due to allergies, skin irritations or environmental pollution. -
“It’s just a trend.”
→ On the contrary: Microbiological cleaning is used worldwide in clinics, nursing homes, schools and hotels.
♻️ Sustainability & Environment
Microbe-based cleaners:
-
do not pollute the wastewater
-
degrade themselves
-
help avoid microplastics and chemical residues
The packaging is often recyclable or refillable. Some brands even offer refill systems .
🧪 Are there any scientific studies?
Yes, many. Studies show:
-
Microbe-based cleaners can displace hospital pathogens such as MRSA
-
They permanently reduce odor formation
-
They improve hygiene in animal stables, kitchens, schools and clinics
-
And: They have no harmful effects on humans or animals
✅ Conclusion: Microbes instead of chemicals
If you want a clean, safe, and healthy home—while protecting the environment, skin, and respiratory system—microbe-based cleaning is exactly what you need.
Probiotic cleaners are the future – because they work with nature instead of against it.