A Homeowner's Guide to Avoiding Harmful Household Cleaning Products

By Laura Phillips


If you are concerned about the negative effects that chemicals can have on your health you may be surprised to find out that the air inside your home can be just as polluted, if not more so, than the environment that surrounds you when you step out the door. One of the ongoing reasons for the presence of toxins in your home is harmful household cleaning products. Here are some tips to minimize their use and information that will help you separate safe products from those that can have an adverse effect on your health.

While most people think that they only way these products can harm you is to breathe them in but there are other ways that your health can be negatively effected. For example, some may leave residues behind that could be harmful to yourself or to your pets while others may cause issues if they come into contact with your bare skin. It is not uncommon for individuals to end up with red, irritated hands or eyes if they come into direct contact with some cleansers.

Individuals who find that they react badly from touching cleansers may want to think about wearing rubber gloves or other protective items while cleaning. This may be especially important if you have any breaks in your skin as it may allow chemicals to penetrate more easily. You should also make sure that you wash well after using any cleaning products to make sure that your skin is clear of any toxins.

Another way to help stay safe when using heavily-scented products, or those that emit toxic fumes, is to increase the air circulation in the room where you are cleaning. Opening windows, using bathroom fans or making sure that there is as much airflow as possible can help make sure there is enough fresh air for you to breathe while you are working.

One thing that many people do not realize is that some products can be deadly if they are mixed. Chlorine gas is a potentially deadly gas that can be created if bathroom cleaner is combined with toilet bowl cleaner. If you are transferring products from one container to another it is very important to make sure that you are labeling your containers as clearly as possible.

While some individuals feel comfortable using masks or gloves when they clean, others may be more concerned or may be dealing with chemical sensitivities. In this case, you will need to make sure that you look for natural products that use ingredients such as vinegar or baking soda in order to be able to cut through grime and eliminate odors.

Of course, if you want to make sure that the products you use are as natural and chemical-free as possible you may need to make your own. Looking online will show you the wide range of different options that are available and which will allow you to keep your home clean and toxin-free.

Of course, changing everything at once can be overwhelming and expensive. You may want to replace one or two at a time and try several different options before you find one that is right for your needs. It may also mean that you will need to work harder or let products sit a little bit longer in order to get the beautiful, gleaming, healthy home you have always wanted.




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