How Toxic Are Your Household Cleaning Supplies?

When people purchase commercial cleaning products they expect high-quality cleaning from them. However, most of these products, including air-fresheners, detergents, polish, etc., usually contain harmful chemicals. Thus they become the cause of environmental pollution and several health issues.

Many of these products are even flammable and release dangerous chemicals, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs). They can cause headaches, chronic respiratory problems and allergic reactions. Fortunately, you can limit your exposure to these chemicals by opting for natural alternatives.

Also, if you are opting for end of lease cleaning in Adelaide, make sure that they only follow the eco-friendly approach. Before you choose natural products, you should know why commercial products are harmful. Here are some household cleansing supplies that contain hazardous substances. Have a look.

1. Ammonia

This chemical is usually found in:

• Toilet cleaners and bathroom cleaners
• Window cleaners
• All-purpose cleaners
• Oven cleaners and stainless-steel cleaners
• Drain cleaners
• Car polish

Health Risks:

If a person is using any of these products, the vapours of ammonia can irritate the eyes, throat, lungs and skin. It may also cause liver and kidney damage. If this chemical is mixed with any product that has chlorine bleach (sodium hypochlorite), it can form chloramine gas, which is highly poisonous.

2. Butoxyethanol

This dangerous chemical is usually found in:

• Glass cleaners
• Laundry stain removers
• Carpet cleaners
• Degreasers
• Oven cleaners and rust removers
• Automobile cleaners
• Windshield wiper fluid

Health Risks:

Any cleansing product that contains butoxyethanol can irritate the skin and eyes. This chemical is also associated with other health issues, including blood disorders. Studies have also found that exposure to high doses of this chemical can also be responsible for reproductive problems.

3. Fragrance Chemicals

This type of chemical is found in:

• Laundry detergent
• Fabric softeners
• All-purpose cleaners
• Air-fresheners
• Most types of cleaning products

Health Risks:

The market is flooded with products that provide a sweet fragrance. But most of these fragrances have chemicals that can trigger migraines, allergies and asthma symptoms. Moreover, the synthetic musk that is usually used in detergents can be harmful to aquatic organisms. It also interferes with hormone functions.

4. Phenols

This chemical is commonly found in:

• Air fresheners
• Solvents
• Detergents
• Furniture polish
• All-purpose cleaners
• Aerosol disinfectants

Health Risks:

Phenol is an extremely caustic chemical that can burn your skin. Its absorption through the skin or lungs can cause severe health problems like respiratory problems, central nervous system damage, liver and kidney damage, vomiting, numbness, and so on.

Thus always go for end of lease cleaning in Adelaide which supports the use of natural cleaners.

5. Perchloroethylene

Also known as PERC, this chemical is commonly found in:

• Dry-cleaning solution
• Spot removers
• Wood cleaners
• Carpet cleaners
• Aerosol products
• Solvent soaps

Health Risks:

Exposure to PERC can lead to vomiting, headache, sleepiness, sweating, nausea, confusion, dizziness, etc. A person can also face difficulty in daily activities, like walking and speaking.

Long-term exposure of this chemical can harm the developing foetus in pregnant women. That is why all reputed companies providing end of lease cleaning in Adelaide do not use any product containing PERC.

6. Sodium Dichloroisocyanurate

This chemical is usually found in:

• Surface cleaners
• Disinfectants
• Toilet bowl cleaners
• Deodorisers

Health Risks:

Use of any product that contains sodium dichloroisocyanurate can cause severe irritation in the eyes and skin. It is also responsible for causing respiratory problems. This harmful chemical releases chlorine gas that can cause burning of eyes, mouth and nose.

Studies have also found that its high dosage can even cause kidney damage. Thus, it is beneficial to hire end of lease cleaners in Adelaide, who use green cleaning products to clean the premise.

7. Phthalate

Phthalate is another unsafe chemical that is found in:

• Dish soaps
• Air fresheners
• Laundry detergents
• Toilet paper

Health Risks:

Phthalate is a harmful chemical that can disturb your endocrine system which affects the most significant functions of the body, including tissue function, sleep, metabolism, and mood. It also causes headaches and restlessness.

8. Quaternary Ammonium Compounds

This chemical is usually found in:

• Bathroom cleansing products
• Degreasers
• All-purpose cleaners
• Fabric softeners

Health Risks:

When a person comes in contact with any product that contains quaternary ammonium compounds, it can cause skin irritation and allergy. Studies have found that exposure to these chemicals can be responsible for asthma and adverse reproductive effects. That is why you should only opt for eco-friendly end of lease cleaning in Adelaide.

9. DEA (Diethanolamine), MEA (Monoethanalomine), TEA (Triethanolamine)

These chemicals are commonly found in:

• Laundry detergents
• Surface and glass cleaners
• All-purpose cleaners and floor cleaners
• Car wash products
• Oven cleaners and degreasers
• Dish soaps

Health Risks:

These chemicals can irritate your eyes and skin. They are also responsible for several respiratory problems. Studies have found that DEA, MEA and TEA are hormone-disrupting chemicals that are capable of forming cancer-causing nitrates in your body. That is why you should stay away from these products.

Misconceptions about Commercial Cleaning Products

Following are some misconceptions that people usually have about commercial cleaning products:

Consumers purchase the commercial products and get trapped by the pictures of lemon and flowers on the packaging. You must be aware of the fact that the manufacturers of these products are bound to mention all chemicals they use in the product. So, you must check the ingredients on the package.

People believe that the more quantity they will use to clean a surface, the better result they will get. But the fact is, with more volume you only increase the amount of chemicals. They might be strong enough to destroy the dirt and germs but their excess dose leaves behind a thick layer of chemical residue. And when you get in touch with them, the chemicals can harm your health in several ways.

People also think that these products do not contribute to environmental pollution. But in reality, these products spread toxic particles into the air when you use them. Thus they pollute the air inside your home and overall environment.

What Natural Alternatives Do You Have?

Baking Soda: With the help of this household ingredient, you can refresh a foul-smelling fridge, clean your microwave, scrub down the kitchen surfaces, clean your carpets, and do a lot more.

Lemon: This is an excellent option to clean the faucets in the bathroom and kitchen, clean copper-bottom pots and pans, window glasses, stains inside the microwave, and so on.

Natural Salt: Its natural roughness makes it a fantastic scrubber. So, you can use it with lemon to remove the hardest stains from different surfaces. It is also highly effective to get rid of bad odour from carpets and other similar surfaces.

White Vinegar: It is highly effective for cleaning the microwave, coffee maker and rust stains. You can also use it with baking soda to clear clogged drains.

Essential Oils: Replace your air fresheners with essential oils. These are available in various flavours so you can purchase them as per your choice from any nearby Adelaide store.

Olive Oil: This is an excellent option for natural wood polish. Mix it with lemon juice and vinegar. It cleans the dust, dirt and germ without causing any harm to the wood. You will get natural shine.

Endnote

Most of the commercial cleaning products are toxic so you should clean your home with the natural ingredients mentioned here. This way, you can keep the environment and your home clean and help your family to stay healthy. If you are going for end of lease cleaning in Adelaide, make sure the professionals use eco-friendly supplies.