5 Household Cleaners to Avoid

 Household Cleaners to Avoid

1. Bleach

It may be nice to keep those whites extra bright, but bleach is an extremely powerful chemical that can cause damage to your eyes and lungs. Poisoning can occur as a result of ingestion or even inhalation of bleach.

   Alternative: “green” products, vinegar, hydrogen peroxide

2. Ammonia

Another strong and dangerous chemical found in many cleaning products. Even the slightest inhalation can cause nasal and throat irritations including burns. Similar dangers are found when ammonia comes in contact with skin. When it is mixed with any form of bleach it has the potential of turning into a very deadly gas.

   Alternative: soap and water, “green” products, baking soda and water

 

3. Oven Cleaner 

The oven is one household item that seems to accumulate the toughest grease and grime that seems impossible to remove. Somehow just spraying Easy Off or other oven cleaners are able to remove any trace of meals past. This is due to the extremely strong chemicals found in these products, often some form or relative of lye. There is a reason these products warn to use with proper ventilation, but as the cleaner sits in your oven for several hours or even over night as many suggest for optimal cleaning, these toxic fumes are entering your home.

   Alternative: there are various home mixtures out there using vinegar, water, baking soda, salt

4. Air Fresheners

There are countless products devoted to “freshening” the air in our homes, cars, closets, anywhere and everywhere. What many people do not know is these products contain formaldehyde, a known carcinogen, which can cause a variety of symptoms and health concerns. In fact, if you were to ever read the product warnings on the package you would be cautioned against using it in sleeping areas, unventilated rooms or areas where you keep pets.

   Alternative: use a fan, open windows, vinegar and baking soda

5. Antibacterial Cleaners 

These products contain triclosan, which has been shown to alter hormone regulation in animal studies and therefore is under review by the FDA. In addition to the unknown health concerns using these products could cause, there is also no evidence to suggest that antibacterial soaps have any extra health benefit over using good old soap and water.

   Alternative: soap and water

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