Cleaning, like many things, is a necessary evil. Most people don’t particularly enjoy it, but if left undone for too long, what could have taken you a couple hours can quickly consume an entire weekend.
To cut down on cleaning time and rid our homes of dust, dirt, and grime, we often turn to Harmful Household Cleaners products that promise to deliver sparkling clean dishes, whiter whites, and beautifully polished furniture. But at what cost?
Here are some common household cleaning products that might be doing more harm than good.
Air Fresheners –
No one likes a stinky house. But that plug-in or spray air freshener can be harmful to your health. They often contain phthalates, which the Department of Health and Human Services and the EPA consider probable carcinogens. Phthalates have been linked to lung, liver, kidney, and reproductive problems. Want to freshen the air? Simply open the windows for at least 30 minutes each day or make your own spray freshener with water and a few drops of your favorite essential oil.
Ammonia and Bleach –
Many homeowners reach for ammonia or bleach to battle tough stains. Both can be equally dangerous if used too often, emitting fumes that can irritate lungs and eyes, and even irritate the skin. But when mixed, they create a dangerous and deadly chlorine gas.
Oven Cleaners –
These cleaners can do a great job of loosening burnt-on grease, grime, and gunk from your oven walls, but they should be used with great caution. The chemicals found in oven cleaners can burn eyes and skin and irritate mucous membranes in the nose and throat.
Carpet Cleaners – The fumes from carpet and spot cleaners can cause kidney and liver damage. If that’s not bad enough, naphthalene, a common ingredient in carpet and upholstery cleaners, is a carcinogen. In fact, one of the most popular brands on the market today received an F rating from the Environmental Working Group.
All-Purpose Sprays – Not all “all-purpose” cleaners are created equal. If you prefer to use this little cleaning shortcut, look for cleaners that don’t contain fragrances, phthalates, ammonia, formaldehyde, and other potentially harmful ingredients.
Mold and Mildew Remover – Claiming to rid your bathroom of mold and mildew without the need to scrub, these products often rely on harsh and potentially harmful ingredients like chlorine and alkyl ammonium chlorides, which can cause breathing problems and even respiratory damage.
Liquid Drain Cleaner – Sure, a liquid drain cleaner might be able to quickly dislodge that stubborn clog, but it also can erode the metal of older plumbing, burn skin, and be fatal if swallowed. Choose a more natural, homemade solution like baking soda and vinegar to dissolve clogs.
At Eagle Service Company, we strongly promote using cleaning and plumbing products that promote improved health and a cleaner environment. New plumbing, heating and cooling products, for example, use less energy without any loss of comfort or convenience. So, for a healthier home and lifestyle, contact us today for more information and a free proposal on an upcoming project.
