- Grandma’s old advice about letting sunlight in to clean and freshen homes was backed by science, as sunlight, particularly natural UV light, kills harmful bacteria.
- Modern challenges like limited outdoor space, privacy concerns, pollution, and pests have made these traditional practices less feasible.
- Today’s windows block much of the sun’s natural UV light, reducing its germ-killing benefits indoors.
- Modern technologies, like air purifiers, dehumidifiers, and steam cleaners, can replace the disinfecting power of sunlight to keep homes clean and healthy
Grandma always told us to: “Open the windows, pull back the curtains, and let the sunshine in.” If this phrase sounds familiar, it’s because generations before us practiced this age-old wisdom. Grandma wasn’t just after a brighter room - she knew that sunlight and fresh air brought a sense of cleanliness and health to the home. Back in the day, you might have seen her dragging mattresses and bedding out to the yard, letting them bask in the sun for hours. It was her way of "disinfecting" them, allowing nature’s own magic to do the work.
As times have changed, so have our habits. While many of us live in city apartments without backyards, even those in landed homes face challenges. Most houses today are built with little or no yard space, as they are often constructed wall-to-wall with neighbouring properties. This close proximity not only limits outdoor space but also raises privacy concerns. Opening windows or laying items outside can make us feel too exposed to the neighbours, making it uncomfortable to follow Grandma’s advice. What was once a common practice has become impractical due to a combination of limited outdoor space and privacy issues.
Moreover, today’s outdoor environment isn’t as welcoming. High pollution levels, particularly in cities, make it harder to trust that the air will freshen items without adding contaminants. Security concerns, the risk of pests like mosquitoes and flies, and even neighbours burning trash nearby can make the outdoors seem less sanitary. All of these factors have caused these traditional customs, like pulling up the curtains, opening windows, and airing bedding in the sun, to gradually disappear from our routines.
Ironically, though, science supports what Grandma knew all along: sunlight is a potent germ-killer. Studies show that natural ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun has significant antimicrobial properties. Research from the University of Oregon revealed that when rooms were exposed to daylight, only 6.8% of bacteria survived, compared to 12% in dark rooms. Sunlight can kill harmful bacteria like those causing tuberculosis, and artificial UV light has long been used in controlled settings for sterilization.
However, modern life has introduced new challenges. Many windows today are designed to block UV rays in order to reduce heat and protect interiors from fading, but this also means they block the disinfecting benefits of natural light. According to experts, only a fraction of sunlight’s germ-killing UV light penetrates modern glass, drastically reducing its ability to eliminate bacteria and germs indoors. So, what can we do when the effectiveness of sunlight is minimized, and those traditional practices are no longer feasible?
Fortunately, modern technologies provide us with solutions that fit our current lifestyles. Air purifiers like those from Blueair are excellent alternatives for maintaining clean indoor air. Equipped with HEPA filters, these devices capture bacteria, dust, and other pollutants, ensuring a healthier indoor environment.
Similarly, dehumidifiers such as Stadler Form’s Lukas and Albert help control indoor humidity, which is crucial in preventing the proliferation of dust mites and mold. Dust mites, in particular, thrive in moist conditions, making dehumidifiers an essential tool for keeping your home allergen-free. And when it comes to cleaning surfaces without the use of harsh chemicals, steam cleaners from SteamKleen offer a highly effective solution. By using superheated steam, they can sanitize surfaces, eliminating germs with nothing but water.
So, Grandma was right all along - sunshine really does work wonders! But when circumstances don’t allow for fresh air and sunlight to do the job, we can rely on modern technologies to keep our homes just as healthy and clean. With air purifiers, dehumidifiers, and steam cleaners at our disposal, we’re equipped to create a fresh, hygienic, germ-free sanctuary indoors - just the way Grandma would want it, with a little modern flair!
Material sources for the article are in the links below:
Letting Sunlight Indoors Kills Disease-Causing Bacteria : Shots - Health News : NPR
Open Your Blinds to Kill Germs (healthline.com)
Can the Sun Actually Disinfect Your Laundry? - HealthNetwork
Blueair Blue Pure Max 3450i Air Purifier with Particle + Carbon Filter - Medium Room - 43 m²Special Price Rp. 5,942,700 Regular Price Rp. 6,390,000
Stadler Form Lukas Air DehumidifierSpecial Price Rp. 6,642,000 Regular Price Rp. 7,380,000
Steamkleen HOMEPROSpecial Price Rp. 13,500,000 Regular Price Rp. 15,000,000
