Credit: Lindsay Brown Even the cleanest-looking homes can harbor hidden germs, allergens, and mold—potentially triggering illness without you realizing it. The good news is that a few simple cleaning habits can make a big difference in your health. “Regularly cleaning surfaces in your home helps prevent the spread of germs that can make you sick—this is generally done with soap, water, and scrubbing,” says Madeline DiLorenzo, MD, at NYU Langone Health.