Cora Liikala
Joe E. Heimlich
Americans spend millions of dollars annually on cleaning projects to scrub, scour, soak, dust, wash, wax and disinfect their homes and possessions. Unfortunately, if used improperly, these products can endanger our health and the air quality in our homes, and pollute the water we drink.
What can you do to reduce the amount of potentially hazardous products in your home? Follow these four simple steps.
According to the federal government, any product that contains hazardous substances must state this on the label. The manufacturer's front label must include a warning, a description of the hazard, and a statement instructing users how to avoid the hazard or instructions for safe handling. Remember, most chemicals used in cleaning products occur in nature; it is the concentration and the mixture of the chemicals in products that is dangerous.
To reduce danger in your home, purchase products that either need no warning or those that are labeled "warning" or "caution." These products are less harmful than those labeled "danger" or "poison." Signal words for potentially hazardous household products include:
| Poison | highly toxic or poisonous |
| Danger | extremely flammable, corrosive or toxic |
| Warning/Caution | moderately or slightly toxic |
Read the label; make sure the product will do the job you want it to do and that you will feel safe using that product. If ingredients are not listed, choose another brand that does list ingredients. Do not be fooled by the phrase "non-toxic," as this is an advertising term. "Non-toxic" has yet to be defined by the federal government; therefore, the term can be used on any product.
Follow label directions regarding safe handling to avoid potential hazards (e.g., "use in a well ventilated area"). Wear protective equipment when using potentially hazardous products.
Follow label directions and always leave the product in its original container with the original label attached. Never store a hazardous product in a food or beverage container, in containers subject to corrosion, or in unlabeled containers. Store incompatible products separately, (i.e., flammables and corrosive products). Keep products that produce vapors and fumes in well ventilated areas. Never store hazardous products in the same area as food products.
Try to use all of the product until empty according to the directions, or share with a friend or neighbor. Follow label instructions for preparing the empty container for safe disposal. If necessary, keep the product for a collection day.
Decide how much you will need for a certain project, or what can be used in a short period of time, then purchase only that amount. Buying a larger size (perhaps at a lower per unit cost) does not save you money if the materials remain unused in your home.
One way to obtain a safer cleaning product is to make it yourself. Homemade products have some definite advantages, including:
There are also some disadvantages to using homemade products.
Most cleaners are acidic or basic rather than neutral in pH. Acids commonly used at home include vinegar and lemon juice. Most detergents, bleach and ammonia are bases. When acids and bases are used together, they tend to neutralize each other and may also release harmful gases.
If you decide to try an alternative to commercial cleaning products, the following information may help you choose an alternative to more toxic household chemicals commonly available.
Alcohol: Isopropyl alcohol, (rubbing alcohol) will kill germs. It is used to disinfect cuts and scrapes. Also, it will dissolve grease and can be used as a stain-removal agent on some delicate fabrics (not on acetate or rayon). Do not use alcoholic beverages as disinfectants or stain-removal agents; they contain sugars that may stain fabrics.
Ammonia: Ammonium hydroxide is a strong base and will dissolve grease. Never use ammonia in a closed room, as the fumes are toxic. Diluted with water, it makes a good cleaner for glass or mirrors. If mixed with laundry or dish detergent, it will remove wax from floors.
Baking soda: Sodium bicarbonate can be used straight from the box as a mild abrasive cleanser, and may scratch surfaces less than many commercial cleansers. Baking soda absorbs odors easily and is recommended for use in the refrigerator.
Bleach: Sodium hypochlorite or liquid chlorine bleach must be diluted with water for safe use. It helps remove colored stains from textiles and also sanitizes. Repeated use in too strong a concentration may cause yellowing of fabrics and weaken fibers in cotton and linen fabrics.
Lemon Juice: Citric acid has been used as a mild bleach for wool and cellulose fibers. It may remove fresh, light iron rust stains but prove ineffective on old stains.
Salt (sodium chloride): Salt may be used as an abrasive for cleaning, but it can scratch some metals and plastics. Salt does not "set" dyes to keep them from bleeding during the laundering process.
Vinegar (5 percent Acetic Acid): Vinegar will act to neutralize bases that contain alkaline soaps. Vinegar will also cut greasy films on surfaces but will pit marble surfaces. White vinegar is safe for use on all color-fast fabrics other than cotton and linen.
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