Cleanliness is next to godliness, and nothing beats the feeling of having a clean, tidy home. But while you might think you’re doing your family a favor by cleaning with certain products or methods, some of these can be bad for your health if used improperly. Read on to find out which home cleaning methods are best avoided:
Bleach and Ammonia Mixing
Bleach and ammonia are two of the most common household cleaners available, but when mixed together, these two chemicals create a hazardous gas that can cause severe respiratory problems and even death. Always use bleach and ammonia in separate solutions and avoid mixing them together.
You can also try alternative cleaning methods that are just as effective yet much safer for your family’s health. For example, vinegar is a natural and affordable cleaning solution that can disinfect surfaces or remove tough stains from clothing, dishes, and carpets. Other herbal extracts like lemon juice or rosemary oil are also great options for keeping your home clean and healthy. Be sure to try these out the next time you’re in the market for a new cleaning product.
Dry-Cleaning Solvent
When used in moderation, dry-cleaning solvents can effectively remove tough stains from surfaces like carpets and upholstery. However, overuse can lead to overexposure and potentially cause eye irritation, difficulty breathing, headaches, dizziness, and nausea in the short term. Long-term, it may even lead to kidney or liver damage.
Instead of using dry-cleaning solvents, you can try using specialized spray cleaners or homemade cleaning solutions that are free of harsh chemicals and easy on the environment. For example, baking soda and water can be an excellent way to lift tough stains from carpeting, while lemon juice mixed with vinegar can help remove stubborn dirt and grime from surfaces like countertops and floors.
Oven Cleaners
Oven cleaners contain lye or sodium hydroxide, highly acidic materials that can irritate the skin if not handled properly. If inhaled or ingested, they may also cause chemical burns to the throat and digestive tract leading to serious medical issues like vomiting or difficulty swallowing food and liquids—so be sure to wear gloves when using this product.
Or try cleaning your oven with natural solutions like baking soda, white vinegar, or lemon juice. These all-natural ingredients can effectively remove dirt, grime, and debris from your oven without the risk of skin irritation or other adverse side effects. Always wear protective gear when using these cleaners, as they are just as corrosive as traditional oven cleaner products.
Bug Killers
While bug killers are essential for keeping infestations at bay, many contain harsh chemicals like pyrethrin, which may have adverse side effects when inhaled in large quantities over time, such as irritation of the eyes, nose, throat, and lungs; coughing; wheezing; shortness of breath; chest tightness; headache; nausea; dizziness; confusion; disorientation; rapid heartbeat; muscle tremors; convulsions; coma or death in extreme cases.
Always use insecticides correctly by following directions carefully before applying them inside your home. You can also try using more natural, all-natural bug repellents, such as lemon or clove essential oils, to keep your home and family safe from the damaging effects of these harmful chemicals.
Air Fresheners
Air fresheners are often used as a quick fix to combat unpleasant smells around the house, but many contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which have been linked with various health problems, including asthma attacks, headaches, nausea, and dizziness when inhaled in large doses over time. To avoid any potential harm from VOCs, opt for natural air freshening solutions such as essential oils instead whenever possible.
You can even make your own homemade air freshener to keep your home smelling clean and fresh. Simply combine a few drops of lemon essential oil, baking soda, and some water in an empty spray bottle and shake well before use. This all-natural solution will not only be safe for your family but will leave behind a refreshing citrus scent as well.
Muriatic Swimming Pool Acid
Used correctly, muriatic acid can effectively kill bacteria and algae in a swimming pool. However, when misused, it can cause severe irritation to the eyes, skin, nose, and throat. If swallowed, it may lead to burns of the esophagus and stomach or even death.
To keep your family safe and avoid these harmful side effects, you can opt for carbon dioxide-based PH control systems for pools. These systems can decrease your pool’s pH levels without chemicals or the risks associated with traditional pool acid treatments. Just make sure to call professional pool maintenance companies for help to ensure the system is installed and maintained correctly.
Keeping your home clean is essential, but it’s equally important that you do so safely by avoiding certain cleaning methods that could risk your health! Before using any cleaning product, read instructions carefully for proper usage guidelines to avoid putting yourself at risk.
