Is Cleaning Hazardous To Your Health?

The answer is a clear-cut “yes” because most people clean improperly. To demonstrate what I mean, here are three questions you need to answer honestly: 1) How effectively do you clean? 2) What household cleaning supplies are you using? 3) Do you read the product labels and cleaning instructions for use? For most of you, I can already accurately answer the questions above: You clean the fastest way possible, use your favorite cleaning supplies, and do not read cleaning product instructions. Is this right?If you do not adequately clean your home, germs are rapidly accumulating on every surface.

Most people clean so that their home looks nice, but they never sanitize. Health experts say that some germs build your immune system: Yes - some germs, but not so many germs that your immune system is overwhelmed. Remember, some varieties of bacteria and viruses will cause us to become ill, and dust mites are responsible for inflammation and allergic reactions in many people. In addition, dust mites defecate 2000 or more fecal particles in their short life span. So please sanitize your home!

The cleaning products and supplies you use do matter: Not all products are safe for all surface types or square footage of ventilation space. Remember, cleaning products contain a variety of chemicals that can be absorbed into your skin or inhaled into your lungs. If you use the wrong cleaning products on some surfaces, you can create dangerous fumes that if not properly ventilated can cause serious respiratory inflammation. Did you ever read the “Precautionary Statement: Hazardous to Humans and Domestic Animals” listed on the back of your cleaning product labels? Did you know that it is against Federal law to use cleaning products in a manner inconsistent with its labeling? Product labels indicate hazards but also give directions for proper cleaning use.

Here are some helpful hints when cleaning your home: A) Read and follow all product label instructions. B) Wear gloves, whenever possible that fit “snugly” over your hands and arms. C) Open windows for extra ventilation and wear dust masks if you have allergies or respiratory issues. D) Rinse surfaces well to remove all chemical residue. Finally, “clean green” using products like water, lemon, baking soda, and vinegar. Natural products are milder to your skin and environmentally-friendly, as well.