Tips for Your Home > Kitchen 

Cleaning Products

Many household cleaning products contain strong chemicals that can be dangerous if you inhale them, get them on your skin, or combine them with other cleaners. It is important to know what you are buying and to use it safely.

Reduce

Use the least hazardous product to do the job. Read the labels of cleaners and look for the signal words — CAUTION, WARNING, DANGER, POISON — that indicate the level of hazard. Products labeled DANGER or POISON are most hazardous. Pay attention to other messages on the label such as “causes burns on contact,” “vapors harmful,” or “extremely flammable.” Learn to recognize these phrases and take them seriously.

Follow product instructions. More is not better — you won’t get twice the results by using twice as much. Use cleaning products only as directed and only when necessary.

Never mix products, especially ammonia and bleach.

Store cleaning products out of the reach of children. Consider placing cleansers on the top shelf, rather than under the sink. Or use cabinet locks.

Substitute soap, water, and elbow grease for chemicals. In many situations, a little extra scrubbing is all that’s required to take care of a stain or a dirty corner.

Consider environmentally preferable cleaners. Read the label before use because even products made with natural ingredients can pose a danger if used inappropriately.

Use non-chemical, drain-cleaning techniques, or call your landlord when a drain backs up. Chemicals used to clear drains can be dangerous to you, and their corrosive components can damage plumbing. Use a drain catch to prevent hair and other clogging materials from entering the pipes. Maintain drains regularly by using a plumber’s snake.

Reuse

Use reusable cleaning tools and supplies. Use a dust mop or reusable dust rag instead of paper towels or disposable dust cloths. Purchase reusable mops with washable mop heads, and just throw the mop head into the laundry when it’s dirty. Sponges also can be washed in the laundry or dishwasher several times before being discarded.

Don’t just throw old cleaning tools away — find them a new job around the house. A sponge or dishrag that is no longer usable for washing dishes may be great for cleaning bathrooms, cars, or floor.

Recycle

Recycle empty cleanser bottles, jugs, and cans.

Do NOT reuse or recycle containers that held toxic substances like drain, toilet, and oven cleaner. Dispose of containers marked “DANGER—CORROSIVE” in your regular trash.

ALSO SEE cleaning section in resources for links to additional information; reducing workplace toxics in waste less at agencies & schools for more information on the chemical constituents of various cleansers; and vendors for alternative products.

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