How To Safely Handle Cleaning Chemicals In Your Home?

How To Safely Handle Cleaning Chemicals In Your Home?

By : Georgia

Cleaning chemicals are one of the key components in removing stubborn stains, buildup grease, grime and gunk from different surfaces. The market is loaded with hundreds and thousands of fancy products that claim to achieve sparkling results without much elbow grease.

The duo of cleaning products and a scrubbing tool can help transform dirty surfaces into spotless beauty. They can clean and disinfect your home in a breeze.

However, traditional cleaning chemicals, such as ammonia, bleach, acids, sodium hydroxide, acetone, etc., lead to various health hazards. They are the major contributors to indoor pollution, respiratory disorders, and carbon deposits. Thus, it becomes imperative to strictly adhere to the usage instructions written on the label and keep them away from children and pets.

Today, we will share useful tips and tricks to safely handle cleaning chemicals in the home. During the house cleaning session, this guide will help you avoid chronic diseases, chemical burns, damages, and other potential disasters.

Let’s Get Started!

1. Always Wear Protective Gear When Using Cleaning Chemicals

Face masks, rubber gloves and other protective gear can be a barrier between you and chemically laden cleaners.

Many toxic ingredients, such as ammonia and bleach, can irritate your skin, while toxic fumes can affect your upper respiratory system. Experts also take extra precautions and wear your protective gear and goggles when performing the best Vacate Cleaning Perth.

Do the same and stay safe while removing stains using cleaning chemicals.

2. Read The Label Carefully

Whenever using store-bought cleaners, carefully read the labels and follow safety precautions. This will help you understand important details about the solvent, such as the usage instructions, safety measures to take, the expiry date, and what to do if an accident occurs.

3. Open the Doors and Windows for Proper Ventilation

woman with a coffee cup opening the window curtains

When applying cleaning chemicals to treat mould and stubborn stains, it is good to keep your doors and windows open.

Make sure you clean your air vents to ensure proper ventilation. This can prevent the buildup of indoor air pollutants, such as Volatile Organic Compounds and toxic fumes, reducing the risk of allergies and respiratory disorders.

4. Use the Diluted Form of Cleaning Chemicals

Using chemically laden cleaning products without properly diluting them can pose several potential risks. When diluting chemical products, refer to the manufacturer’s guidance and follow the instructions on the label.

Proper measurement is necessary and you should always add water to the spray bottle first. This will prevent a hazardous reaction when water is added to concentrated chemicals. After that, slowly and gently add the cleaning product. Stir the solution and apply it to the affected area.

Tip: Never shake the container which could cause splashing or producing volatile fumes.

5. Don’t Buy Cleaners in Aerosol Spray Form

Of course, aerosol sprays are super-easy to use, but they contain a high concentration of volatile organic compounds. Frequent usage can pollute the indoor air and cause respiratory problems, such as coughing, sneezing, etc. It can even trigger serious problems, such as asthma and allergic symptoms.

Therefore, it is good to make smart choices and use solvents or diluted chemical cleaners instead of aerosol spray. Professional cleaners may use aerosol spray during budget vacate cleaning Perth but also wear protective gear as a preventive measure.

6. Never Mix Different Cleaning Chemicals

Remember that mixing certain household cleaners can produce chemical reactions, leading to toxic fumes and burns. If you inhale these fumes, it could cause eye irritation, breathing difficulty, coughing, lung damage and even death.

So, don’t think mixing two cleaners can make your work easier or more effective. Instead, focus on using the right cleaners for different stains and grime. Have a look at the list of chemicals you should never mix:

  • Ammonia +  Bleach= Mixing these two cleaners can produce chloramine fumes that can cause respiratory issues.
  • Bleach + Store-bought toilet cleaners= It can release chlorine gas that can be dangerous too.
  • Vinegar+ Bleach= It can be highly toxic and damage the surface.
  • Bleach + Lye or Sodium Hydroxide= It can cause explosive reactions.
  • Rubbing Alcohol + Bleach= Combining these two household chemicals can produce peracetic acid and cause skin and eye irritation.

Instead, you can use single products, such as windex to clean surfaces and achieve sparkling results.

7. Use Eco-Friendly Alternatives: Vinegar, Rubbing Alcohol, Baking Soda & Lemon

Despite following all safety precautions, there is always a risk of using store-bought cleaning chemicals in a home. It can cause harm to your kids, pets, allergy-prone individuals and seniors. Exposure to chemicals can also pollute the waterways and produce greenhouse gas emissions. So, here are some of the best alternatives to cleaning chemicals. These are environmentally friendly, super-effective and affordable:

  • White Vinegar: It has acidic properties and can remove stubborn stains, soap scum, grime, grease and spills from almost all surfaces (except natural stones). Use it in a diluted form for better outcomes.
  • Baking Soda: It is the most versatile cleaning solution that can clean, disinfect and deodorise surfaces without leaving toxic fumes behind. Use it in a paste and powder form.
  • Hydrogen Peroxide: Dilute 3 per cent hydrogen peroxide in warm water to tackle mould, mildew, rust stains, and other tough stains.
  • Lemon: It is a natural disinfectant and de-greaser. Use the lemon juice or scrub it over the contaminated surfaces for desired results.
  • Castile Soap: is a plant-based cleaning solution that can help you remove stains and grime from floors, hardwood surfaces, and other surfaces. It is a safe and eco-friendly alternative to cleaning chemicals.

Tip: You can also use essential oils and coffee grounds to deodorise trash cans and other areas naturally.

8. Properly Store Chemically-Laden Products

This is one of the key aspects that will prevent potential health hazards while maintaining the shelf-life of store-bought products. According to Vacate Cleaning Perth professionals, you should always keep cleaning chemicals or DIY solutions in a cool, dark and dry place. It should be away from the sunlight. So, keep it in a storage space or a cleaning caddy.

Tip: Never leave cleaning chemicals in jars and bottles with open lids. Plus, keep these hazardous products away from pets and kids.

Safely Handle Cleaning Chemicals In Your Home:

Handle Cleaning Chemicals In Your Home

Wrapping Up

The ease of availability and effective results are key features influencing people to buy cleaning chemicals. They can save you time and energy while maintaining a clean home. However, you must use them carefully to prevent chemical exposure, potential accidents and other health hazards when sprucing up your home.