The phrase “dangerous cleaning products” sounds bad to everyone. However, the following terms are even less appealing to us: bacteria, microbes, and germs. Strong disinfectants like bleach and ammonia are known to eliminate 99.9 percent of the aforementioned bacteria, therefore we’re all for using them.
Having said that, improper handling of certain chemical-based cleansers can be hazardous, making cleaning product safety crucial as well. Therefore, to keep your house safe, it’s worth reviewing how to operate and maintain them properly. Here are some typical blunders to stay away from and the proper approach to store all the new items you’ve added to your collection of cleaning supplies.
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Mistakes To Avoid When Using Harsh Cleaning Products
Mixing Bleach With Other Cleaners
It’s likely common knowledge that bleach and ammonia should never be combined as this dangerous mixture can result in harmful chloramine gas. However, stay away from combining bleach with any other cleansers for further safety. For instance, mixing vinegar and bleach, or bleach and rubbing alcohol, might also be hazardous.
Furthermore, if you don’t read the fine print, you might not even be aware of the chemicals you’re combining because these substances are present in a lot of cleaning products. Bleach should never be mixed with other items; instead, dilute it just with water to be safe.
Forgetting to Ventilate
Maintain good ventilation in the room when using chemical cleaners to reduce the amount of fumes you inhale. Using a fan and opening a door or window can be helpful. Make an effort to complete your cleaning tasks quickly and well to avoid being overexposed to harmful substances.
Try to keep your use of chemical cleaners restricted to high-touch areas (faucets, doorknobs, and worktops) and stick to using more natural solutions for windows and mirrors.
Storing All Cleaning Supplies Under the Kitchen Sink
You might want to think twice before keeping cleaning products under your kitchen sink. This is a simple place for kids or pets to get to, especially if you have any.
Read each product’s storage guidelines first. Next, choose a location that pets and children cannot access, such as a closet shelf. Don’t put them up higher than eye level where you can’t easily reach them and they might spill. Steer clear of areas such as the garage or basement that are subject to significant temperature variations.
It’s time to get out your label maker if you have one! Make sure all the members of your home are aware of the substances they are handling by clearly labeling each bottle.
Not Using Products for What They’re Meant For
Avoid wiping your hands with cleaning wipes intended for use on household surfaces. Products designed to sanitize surfaces, faucets, and doorknobs are formulated differently than those meant for use on your hands or body.
It’s a good idea to wear gloves while using household cleaning solutions and wash your hands afterward as they haven’t been tested or authorized for use on human hands.
Never, ever consume cleaning supplies for the home, and never, ever use them to clean produce.
Throwing Away Without Verifying Labels
Make sure the label of any chemical cleaning product includes disposal instructions. For goods such as oven cleansers, inquire about pickup days and recommendations from your nearby hazardous waste disposal facility by giving them a call.
A lot of cleaning supplies can be wasted. Avoid flushing cleaning wipes down the toilet that should be tossed in the garbage to prevent a clog.
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