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What is a microbiome?

Place your hand on the stair-bannisters and meet millions of microbes. Relax in the sofa and know that countless of microbes are relaxing right by your side. Pet a dog and you’re also petting its skin-microbiome.

But… what exactly do we mean when we say “microbiome”?

There are infinite microbiomes

A microbiome is a collection of microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, viruses, archaea, algae, and protists) happily coexisting in a specific habitat.

Most people immediately think of the gut flora, which helps us digest food and produce various beneficial substances to keep our bodies running, such as vitamin K. However, that's just one example of a microbiome that’s a part of the complete human microbiome. Several specific microbiomes exist, like the skin, oral, soil, household, plant, oceanic microbiomes…

What does a microbiome do?

Microbes within a habitat interact with other organisms and the environment. These interactions often lead to a certain effect, whether good or bad. For example, the microbiome in forest soil has kept the ground clean for millennia, providing trees and plants with necessary nutrients to grow. The skin microbiome plays a crucial role in warding off pathogenic invaders. On the other hand, a disrupted oral microbiome can be linked to tooth decay when bacterial acids damage tooth enamel and insufficient attention is paid to dental hygiene.

Research on the Microbiome

Research on the microbiome is a hot topic in the scientific world. Researchers are trying to understand how changes in microbial communities are related to health and disease, and how this knowledge can be applied to developing new diagnostic methods and therapeutic treatments.

For example, through intensive research, we know that certain skin diseases are caused by harmful bacteria. So, what if we could restore a healthy skin microbiome by driving away the troublemakers that disrupt peaceful coexistence? Indeed, probiotics have been developed to perform exactly that function. This would not have been possible if we had never unraveled the secrets of a skin microbiome.

The same reasoning explains why it is so important to study the microbiome indoors, to maximize the benefits of that microbiome and intervene when it goes in the wrong direction.

Indoor microbiomes are good for us

Did you know that people actually need to be exposed to microorganisms to develop a strong immune system and prevent allergies, especially in children? So, don't be afraid of all the microbial life that resides freely with you. If we are too liberal with disinfectants at home, we actually kill the good microbes that don't need to go away. Moreover, chemical cleaning products can contain irritating ingredients and cause skin reactions. So, what if we were kind to the bacteria we already have at home and even added extra reinforcement to drive out the bad bacteria? Oh wait, that's exactly what YOKUU does!

Restore the microbial balance at home with YOKUU

YOKUU's products are developed with the aim of restoring the natural microbial balance in the home. Over a period of 4 weeks, the probiotic cleansers reduce the presence of harmful bacteria while simultaneously promoting the growth of beneficial YOKUU bacteria. The end result is a home that stays cleaner and healthier for longer.

Not sure where to start? Then we have a convenient Full-Home Bundle that provides you with the right tools to start probiotic cleaning like a pro.

Don't want to dive all in right away and prefer to start at a slower pace? Then try the Surface Cleaning Bundle that will help you quickly clean easily accessible surfaces such as floors, windows, and kitchen cabinets.

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