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Cleaning Products and Disinfectants

Cleaning Products and Disinfectants Cleaning products that might cause indoor air concerns Health and cleaning products Reducing exposure to hazardous chemicals in cleaning products Rules to follow when using cleaning products Cleaning Products That Might Cause Indoor Air Concerns Degreasers Disinfectants Furniture polishes Oven cleaners Tub and tile cleaners Waxes Health and Cleaning Products There are different factors that determine if you may be harmed by a chemical. These factors include: Toxicity of the chemicals in the product: Some chemicals are more hazardous than other chemicals. You should know about products that you use and try to find safer substitutes if they are hazardous. For example, oven cleaners can contain strong acids that can eat away your skin, even if they are diluted in water. In addition, spray bathroom cleaners may contain benzene, which is a known human carcinogen.¹ Many cleaners contain numerous volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that may produce irritation and other significant health effects. Form of the chemical: Many of these chemicals are in aerosol form, which spray a fine mist when used. Aerosols that are in a can are dangerous because the cans are under pressure and may contain a propellant that is flammable such as butane and propane (don't smoke around these chemicals!). Pump sprays are safer, but just like can aerosols, they still break the chemical down into a small mist that may accidentally be breathed in. Mist from aerosols can also get into your eyes and onto your skin, possibly causing a reaction such as irritation. If you have to use aerosols, it is better to use them outside or in a well-ventilated area. For safer forms of chemicals, use liquid, paste or powder cleaners. Concentration of the product: Products that you use at home should be formulated for consumer use. Sometimes manufacturers will make a product more concentrated or stronger if it is for industrial use. In these cases, the person using it would have to be trained about the hazards of that chemical and be furnished proper protective equipment to wear while using it. The more concentrated a chemical is, the more dangerous it is. For example, hydrogen peroxide at concentrations greater than 60 percent can burn the skin, but hydrogen peroxide solution sold in stores for use at home (3 percent) can be applied to skin to help prevent infection. Synergism: This is when the outcome is much greater than the sum of the parts. This is especially true if some chemicals are accidentally mixed. For example, if you accidentally mixed chlorine-based products (like bleach) with ammonia-based products, the result could be deadly. Another reason this combination is so lethal is that these types of chemicals are usually accidentally mixed in an enclosed area such as a bathroom or janitor's closet so the person is overcome by the vapors and passes out. NEVER MIX BLEACH AND AMMONIA PRODUCTS! Reducing Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals in Cleaning Products Use lye-based soaps instead of petroleum-based soaps and detergents. You also can use non-toxic or low toxicity products. Here are some less toxic substances to use in cleaning: All-Purpose, Multi-Purpose Cleaner Mix one-half cup ammonia, one-third cup vinegar, one-quarater cup baking soda in one gallon of warm water (don't use this on wood products) Mix two teaspoons borax, one teaspoon vegetable-based soap or detergent, one teaspoon of borax, and two tablespoons of vinegar in a quart of water. Store in spray bottle. Bleach Borax Carpet and Rug Shampoo To prevent problems, vacuum often to keep dirt from getting ground in. If cleaning is needed, mix one-half cup mild dishwashing detergent with one pint of boiling water; let cool. Whip paste into a stiff foam using an electric mixer. Apply to the carpet with a damp sponge. Rub gently. Work in four-by-four foot sections. Wipe off suds with a clean cloth. To rinse, add one-cup vinegar to one gallon of lukewarm water. Rinse each section and wipe carpet dry as you go. Change rinse solution frequently. Clean carpet on a dry, sunny day with windows open to speed drying. Do not soak carpet or it may mildew. Test any shampoo first on an inconspicuous area to prevent discoloration. For small areas, use club soda. Ceramic Tub and Tile Cleaner Mix one-quarter cup baking soda, one-half cup white vinegar, one cup ammonia (optional) and one gallon of warm water in a bucket. Stir until the baking soda dissolves. Degreaser Borax on a damp cloth Weak acids like vinegar or lemon juice Dishwasher Rinse plates first and remove any dried-on food. Use sodium hexametaphosphate in place of detergent. Never use dishwashing liquid as a substitute since the bubbles can clog the drain and prevent water spray. Liquid Dishwashing or Hand Soap Use a plain, liquid, vegetable-based soap or rub a sponge with bar soap. You can add a few slices of lemon to the water to help cut grease and make dishes smell like lemon. Sodium hexametaphosphate should be used with hard water and will reduce the amount of soap needed by half. Dishes will dry spotless. Disinfectant Use soap, water, and borax or sodium carbonate monohydrate (washing soda). Wash large surfaces with a solution of one-half cup borax dissolved in one gallon of hot water. Drain Cleaner Prevent clogs by putting a strainer or screen on all drains to keep out food scraps and hair. To loosen clogged drains, mix one cup of baking soda, one cup of vinegar, and one cup of salt (optional). Pour down the drain and cover it to allow the carbon dioxide bubbles to work on the clog. Wait 15 minutes. Flush with boiling water. For more serious clogs, use a plunger or a plumber's snake. Floor Cleaners For vinyl tile and linoleum floors: Remove scuffmarks with toothpaste. For regular cleaning, mix one cup vinegar into two gallons water. To remove old wax, pour a small amount of club soda on the area, scrub well, let it soak in for a few minutes, then wipe clean. To polish these floors, mix one part thick, boiled starch with one-part soapsuds. Rub mixture on floor, and then polish dry with a clean, soft, dry cloth. For wood floors: Damp mop with a mild vegetable oil soap and dry immediately. For painted or varnished wood floors: Mix one teaspoon washing soda into one gallon of hot water. Rinse with clear water. Dry immediately. For polyurethane-sealed wood floors: Use one-quarter cup white vinegar in one gallon of water. Dry immediately. Furniture Polish Mix one tablespoon of lemon oil in one pint of mineral oil and put in a spray bottle. Mix three parts vegetable oil (like olive oil) with one part lemon juice or vinegar and apply with a soft cloth. For varnished wood, use a mild, vegetable oil soap. For unvarnished wood, use almond, walnut, or olive oil. Work it in well and wipe off excess. Oily surfaces attract dirt. To revitalize old furniture, use linseed oil. Wash painted wood with a mix of one teaspoon washing soda in one gallon of hot water and rinse with clear water. Glass and Window Cleaner Mix one tablespoon of vinegar, three tablespoons ammonia (optional) in three-quarters cup of warm water into a clean spray bottle. Wipe off with newspaper. If chemical cleaners have been used before, then a streaking residue may be left. To prevent this, wipe the glass off with rubbing alcohol first. For windows, put a squirt of dishwashing liquid in a gallon of water. Use a squeegee to prevent streaks. Mold Cleaner To prevent mold and mildew, repair leaks and use an exhaust fan in bathrooms or a dehumidifier in areas where there is a lot of humidity in the air. To clean mold and mildew, mix on-half cup of borax in one gallon of hot water. Spray on and wipe off. Scrub mildew spots with borax/water and a nylon scouring pad. For shower curtains, machine wash and add one cup of vinegar to the rinse cycle. Odor Remover for Pet Stains Mix one-quarter cup of baking soda, one teaspoon of liquid dish soap into one quart of three percent solution of hydrogen peroxide. Use immediately since the chemical reaction produced from these ingredients lasts only a short amount of time. Oven Cleaner Prevent problems by using aluminum foil or a cookie sheet. If there are spills, wipe away along with any grease after each meal. Periodically clean with baking soda and water. To remove baked-on grease or spills, scrub with a nonmetallic metal brush using a paste made of baking soda, salt, and water. Another option is to mix two tablespoons of liquid dish soap, two teaspoons of borax into two cups of warm water. Apply and let sit for 20 minutes and then scrub. Clean glass oven door with Bon Ami Do not use any abrasive cleaning materials on self-cleaning ovens. Polishes (metal) Brass Worcestershire sauce, or mix one-half teaspoon of salt and one-half cup white vinegar with enough flour to make a paste. Apply thickly. Let sit for 15 to 30 minutes. Rinse thoroughly with water to avoid corrosion. Chrome Apple cider vinegar; then polish with baby oil Copper Polish with a paste of lemon juice and salt. Silver Pour water into an aluminum pan or a pan lined with aluminum foil on the bottom. Add silver. Fill about two inches to three inches (enough to cover silver) with water. Add one teaspoon of baking soda and one teaspoon of salt. Bring to a boil and boil for three minutes. Remove silver, wash in soapy water, and hand dry. This should not be used with silver jewelry, silver items with glued parts, or for flatware with hollow handles. Rub silver with a baking soda/water paste and a soft cloth. Rinse and polish dry. Rub with toothpaste, rinse and polish dry. Stainless Steel Baking soda and water paste Mineral oil Cleanser like Bon Ami Porcelain Cleaner Clean with a paste made from baking soda and water, let set, rub clean, and rinse. For stains in porcelain sinks, try a fine grain wet/dry sandpaper (400 grit) to remove marks. Scouring Powder Use a firm bristle brush and scrub with soap mixed with one of the following: borax, table salt or baking soda. Spot Remover Clean spills as soon as they happen with club soda, lemon juice, or salt. Clean with a solution of one teaspoon white vinegar and one quart cold water. For stains that have set, try a dab of full-strength white vinegar or put paper towels underneath to blot, and apply a solution of equal parts ammonia and water. Toilet bowl Cleaner Coat toilet bowl stains with a paste of lemon juice and borax. Let sit about 20 minutes and then scrub with a bowl brush. Clean bowl regularly with a solution of one-half cup borax in one gallon of water. Sprinkle baking soda around the rim. Let one cup of borax sit in the bowl overnight. Avoid using solid toilet bowl deodorizers that contain paradichlorobenzene since that chemical may cause cancer. Tub and Sink Cleaner Use baking soda like a scouring cleanser. Use Bon Ami or other non-chlorinated cleansers For whitish mineral deposits around faucets, cover them with paper towels soaked in vinegar. Let set for one hour and clean. Rules to Follow When Using Cleaners Do not use a potentially hazardous chemical unless absolutely necessary. Chorine bleach, for example, can produce a toxic gas if mixed with ammonia or acid-based cleaners (some toilet bowl cleaners contain acids). Bleach can also irritate the skin as well as damage fabric if undiluted bleach is spilled on it. Use household chemicals and products only for their intended purpose Always use products according to the manufacturer's directions Choose product packaging that reduces the chance of spills and leaks. Package should also be childproof if children live or visit in the home. Keep household products in original containers so safety information and directions for use are with the product Always use household products in well-ventilated areas Choose products with low VOC content Choose non-fragrant products Be careful with "all-natural" products as these also can have high VOC and hazardous content. Reference O'Connell A. "Unseen perils are lurking in your home." The Times (London). April 11, 2000.