How safe are your household cleaners? We trust the cleaning products we purchase in stores to use in our homes are safe. Unfortunately that is not always the case. When it comes to buying cleaning products, most people look for 2 things: convenience and effectiveness. To be both convenient and effective, many traditional cleaning products rely on harmful chemicals to get the job done.
To be completely safe for use in our homes, cleaning products should never contain certain chemicals because of the health risks they can present. Let's take a look at a few of the most common chemicals in cleaning products and the risks of using them.
Sodium Hydroxide (Found in tub and tile cleaners, laundry products, oven cleaners)
Irritating to the respiratory tract Can damage eyes, skin, mouth, and throat Can cause liver and kidney damage Chlorine Bleach
The ingredient most frequently involved in household poisonings May cause reproductive, endocrine and immune disorders Butyl Cellosolve (Found in all-purpose cleaners, wipes, floor polish, window cleaners)
Highly irritating to respiratory tract. Inhalation can cause tissue damage Hydrochloric Acid (Found in odor eliminators, toilet bowl cleaners)
Can cause severe skin damage Fatal if swallowed Breathing Fumes is harmful When you clean your house with products containing these harmful chemicals, you can't help but breathe in the fumes. Some of the product may contact your skin. These products also leave residue on surfaces that people touch. Children and pets are especially at risk because of their size and proximity to this residue. What a high price to pay for convenience and effectiveness. These are not safe cleaning products to use in your home!
How can you keep your home clean and safe? Where can you find effective household cleaners that are safe?
Here are 3 simple steps to help you find safe household cleaners that do a great job:
Be a label reader. If a product instructs you to avoid contact with your skin, or avoid breathing the fumes, it may not be the safest product to use in your home. Also avoid products that contain ingredients listed above.
Look for a product whose ingredients are natural and biodegradable. If a product is safe for the environment, it will be safer to use inside your home also.
Look at the company that makes the product. If the company is committed to making products that are safe for homes and for the environment, it should stand behind those products with a guarantee. If the company has been in business for many years, it is a good sign that it is a company many people trust to provide safe, household cleaners.
In closing, remember that there are safe household cleaners available for you to use. Traditional products that you purchase at grocery or discount store often contain harmful chemicals that can cause serious health issues for you and your family. Use the guidelines above to help you find safe household cleaning products. When you do, you will be doing a good thing for your health while keeping your home safe as well as clean.
Sherri Wahlgren is a wife, mother and teacher whose health was seriously compromised by exposure to toxic household cleaning products. She is committed to teaching others about this serious problem, and offering safe alternatives. For a Free Report on the dangers of household toxins and safe, effective alternatives, visit Sherri at [http://www.mynontoxichousepro.com]