Home Cleaning Products... safe, healthy, and green!

Commercial Cleaning Products Store shelves carry many effective household cleaning products that can safely be used to remove dirt and grime. Companies stand behind their products because they must pass through rigorous testing to meet both human and environmental safety standards before they are ever placed on the market.

Commercial Cleaning Products Commercial cleaners are formulated to provide fast, safe, efficient cleaning with the least amount of product needed. Many are made to meet certain environmental and “green living” expectations –recycled containers –non-toxic –contain biodegradable ingredients for safer treatment in sewage treatment facilities and septic systems.

Consumer Responsibilities… Make informed, wise decisions when selecting products. Use, store, and dispose of commercial products according to the directions on the label. If you have questions or need more information, call the toll-free number found on most product labels.

Mix-at-Home Cleaning Products Some people prefer to mix their own cleaning products using items that are often already on their cupboard shelves. You have a responsibility to read labels, evaluate recipes and mix, use, store, and dispose of mix-at-home products safely.

Recipes for Disaster Read labels and use caution when using both commercial and mix-at-home cleaning products. Products are changed to improve performance from time to time. Accidents can occur due to misuse or improper storage of the product. Be safe! –Think before combining any cleaning product with other household ingredients. –Some combinations may smell bad but others can be dangerous!

Recipes for Disaster Read labels! Avoid mixing chlorine products with baking soda, automatic dishwasher detergent, or products containing ammonia or acids. Such mixtures produce toxic gases!

Recipes for Disaster Chlorine products include bleach, mildew remover, tile cleaner, powdered cleansers. Ammonia products include glass, floor, and, appliance cleaners. Many detergents contain a drop of ammonia. Be sure that you’re not using one of these. Acid products include toilet bowl cleaners.

Safe and Healthy Practices Add cleaning chemicals to water and not the reverse. Use care in storing cleaning products. –Should be in areas away from food. –Should not be accessible to young children or pets. Be cautious of any mix-at-home cleaning recipes calling for use of food products. Don’t mix your own products in empty cleaning bottles.

Safe and Healthy Practices Put cleaning products away immediately after removing the amount needed for the job. Store products in their original containers and keep the original label intact. Instructions for product use, storage, disposal, safety precautions, and first aid vary according to their ingredients. If a product is being used as a disinfectant, look for an EPA Registration Number on the label.

Additional Safety Tips Most cleaners irritate eyes and skin and are dangerous if swallowed. Do not use harsh cleaners often. Cleaners that produce fumes should be used only in well ventilated areas. Keep harmful products off clothing. Keep harmful products off surfaces that are not being cleaned. Pretest cleaner on small area before using. Wear protective gloves when using cleaners. Store all cleaning products out of reach of small children and pets.

Commercial Cleaning Products Read the labels and learn to recognize chemical names of active ingredients. –Can an inexpensive homemade substitute be used instead? Check the ingredients. –Can a simple homemade cleaner be substituted? No requirements for companies to disclose ingredients on many cleaning products. –Call company if questions.

Mix-at-Home Cleaning Tips Ask yourself these questions as you evaluate any information for mix-at-home cleaning products.

Mix-at-Home Cleaning Tips Effectiveness Does it work? –Test small amount on surface to be cleaned. What are the specific directions? Is the mixture safe for the surfaces on which it will be used? –Check labels for precautions or contact manufacturer. Is the mixture cost effective? –How much is the total cost of ingredients needed for the mix-at-home cleaning product versus the cost of a commercial cleaner? Is the mixture easy to use? Does it save time?

Mix-at-Home Cleaning Tips Safety Who has tested the mix-at-home information? What cautions are there for safety, mixing with other products, use, and storage? Is there the potential for dangerous reactions from the combination of chemicals in the mixture? Are there environmental benefits?

Mix-at-Home Cleaning Tips Emergency Considerations What is the appropriate treatment if the mixture is accidentally swallowed or splashed into eyes? Since many household products have the potential to be dangerous if mishandled, try to become aware of the possible problems with these products.

Caution Needed Be alert to any instructions that include these ingredients: Chlorine Bleach Ammonia Washing Soda Cleaning Solvent Dry Cleaning Fluid Trisodium Phosphate (TSP) Peroxide (Oxygen) Bleach

Common Product Name and Chemical Name or Active ingredient Baking Soda……………Sodium Bicarbonate Table Salt……………….Sodium Chloride (no iron) Bleach…………………..Sodium Hypochlorite (chlorine base) Sodium Chloride (salt) Water Bleach………………….Sodium Perborate (peroxy or oxidizing) Sodium Carbonate (Alkali) Vinegar…………………Acetic Acid Whiting…………………Calcium Carbonate (Powdered) Washing Soda………….Sodium Carbonate Lye……………………...Sodium Hydroxide Lemon Juice……………Citric Acid

Look For the Green Products New eco-products –Safe to use –Non-toxic –Biodegradable –Environmentally friendly New technology –Microfiber products often called miracle fibers –New colors –Improvements to “old” products

Look for the Green Products You’ll find green cleaning ideas in: –Books and magazines –Old cookbooks from years ago, –Advertisements –On television shows –Via the Internet –By word of mouth –Your county Extension office Discover the green way of cleaning for your home. You’ll be glad you did.

Green Cleaning Linda R. Adler, M.A. Extension Specialist For Home Furnishings May 2009 Copyright 2009 for materials developed by University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension. This publication may be reproduced in portions or its entirety for educational or nonprofit purposes only. Permitted users shall give credit to the author(s) and include this copyright notice. Publications are also available at Educational programs of the Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service serve all people regardless of race, color, age, sex, religion, disability, or national origin. Clipart by Microsoft Freeware