When you read about the contents of some cleaning powders or liquids, they often list what you should know about safety and effectiveness. This information is crucial because some chemicals can harm your health or the environment. In this article, we’ll guide you through understanding these labels, highlighting both safe and harmful ingredients to look out for to make informed choices.
Quick Summary
• Reading cleaning product labels is essential for identifying harmful ingredients and protecting your health and the environment.
• Opt for products with safe ingredients like plant-based, biodegradable components, and essential oils while avoiding harmful chemicals, synthetic fragrances, and optical brighteners.
• Trust certifications such as the EPA’s Safer Choice and adhere to usage instructions for safe handling and effective cleaning.
Why Reading Labels Matters
Understanding cleaning product labels is more than a good habit; it’s necessary. Labels help identify which ingredients are safe and effective for use. Since many ingredients are not listed, reading labels is vital for consumer safety.
Exposure to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other toxic substances from cleaning supplies can lead to chronic respiratory problems and allergic reactions [1]. Many cleaning products contain harmful chemicals that can cause various health issues. Reading cleaning product labels helps you make informed choices and minimize these risks.
Additionally, digital tools like SmartLabel enhance the accessibility of detailed product information. Even products marketed as “natural” may still have harmful ingredients. Thus, understanding how to read labels helps recognize potentially hazardous ingredients and make safer choices for your family.
3 Key Ingredients to Look For
Identifying key ingredients in cleaning products ensures both safety and effectiveness. These components are typically safer for your home and the environment.
1. Plant- and Mineral-Based Ingredients
Plant- and mineral-derived ingredients tend to be safer for your home and the environment. Their natural qualities make them preferable.
Sodium coco-sulfate is derived from coconut oil. It serves as a gentle but effective cleaning agent. Eco-friendly bleach alternatives include stain-fighting minerals and “chlorine-free” products, which use oxygen bleach.
Products with these ingredients ensure a cleaner home and reduce your environmental footprint.
Companies like ECOS use household products, including household cleaning products with preservatives approved by Safer Choice, ensuring their products are safe for both humans and the planet.
2. Essential Oils
Essential oils, derived from plant extracts, are popular for their pleasant fragrances and natural antibacterial properties. Oils like tea tree and lavender smell good and help fight bacteria naturally.
Avoid old products or those exposed to light, as essential oils can degrade over time. Fresh products ensure full antibacterial benefits without adverse effects.
3. Biodegradable Ingredients
Biodegradable ingredients break down naturally, minimizing pollution. These ingredients break down in wastewater treatment plants, rivers, streams, or landfills, reducing their environmental impact.
Choosing products with biodegradable ingredients supports eco-friendly waste management and minimizes overall pollution.
3 Ingredients to Avoid in Cleaning Products
While beneficial ingredients exist, these hazardous ones should be avoided to ensure safety.
1. Harmful Chemicals
Common harmful chemicals in cleaning products include:
• VOCs
• Sodium hydroxide
• Chlorine
• Quaternary ammonium compounds
These substances can cause chronic respiratory problems, severe skin burns, and allergic reactions, including chemical burns.
Mixing certain cleaning products, like chlorine bleach and ammonia, can produce toxic gases, posing serious health risks. Avoid harmful ingredients by reading labels carefully and steering clear of products with high levels of irritants and unnecessary active ingredients.
2. Fragrances
Synthetic fragrances in cleaning products can cause allergic reactions and health risks. Many cleaning products do not disclose specific fragrance ingredients, making it difficult to identify potential allergens.
Phthalates in fragranced cleaning products are linked to serious health issues, including hormone disruption and respiratory diseases [2].
3. Optical Brighteners
Optical brighteners in laundry detergents make fabrics appear brighter. Some optical brighteners can cause skin irritation and accumulate in the environment, posing risks to aquatic life.
Certain third-party certification standards for green cleaners do not allow the use of specific optical brighteners, ensuring safer options for consumers.
Certifications to Trust
Certification seals like the EPA’s Safer Choice help you identify safer and more environmentally friendly products. The Safer Choice label indicates that products have been evaluated and approved according to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards for health and environmental safety.
Certifications like EcoLogo and Green Seal ensure products meet strict environmental criteria and require manufacturers to show product effectiveness. These certifications also ensure that the cleaning products you choose are safe for you and the planet.
Usage Instructions and Safety Precautions
Adhering to safety instructions and proper usage guidelines ensures both safety and product effectiveness.
Following Manufacturer’s Instructions
Adhering to usage instructions on cleaning product labels ensures safety and effectiveness. This results in better cleaning and minimizes health risks.
Mixing cleaning products can produce toxic fumes, highlighting the need for careful adherence to instructions.
Combining bleach and ammonia can cause chronic breathing problems or even fatalities, highlighting the severe risks of improper usage. Bleach is especially toxic, necessitating caution and strict adherence to label instructions.
Ventilation and Protective Gear
Proper ventilation disperses harmful fumes and improves air quality when using cleaning products. Wearing appropriate personal protective equipment, like gloves, prevents skin contact with cleaning chemicals.
Proper Storage
Properly storing your household cleaners is important for your safety. Always keep cleaning powders and liquids in their original containers, tightly closed to avoid leaks. Store them in a cool, dry place away from heat and sunlight to keep them effective.
Make sure to keep them out of reach of children and pets to prevent accidents.
Follow the storage instructions on the label to ensure cleaning products like oven cleaners stay safe and work properly.
FAQs
1. What Should I Do if I Spill a Cleaning Product?
If you spill a cleaning product, clean it up immediately using absorbent materials like paper towels or cloth. Follow the instructions on the product’s label for proper cleanup and disposal. If the spill is large or harmful, seek professional help.
2. Can I Mix Different Cleaning Products Together?
It’s not safe to mix cleaning products unless the label specifically says it’s okay. Some chemicals can react with each other and create harmful fumes or even cause a dangerous situation. Always follow the instructions on the labels for safe use.
3. How Can I Tell if a Cleaning Product is Still Safe to Use?
Check the expiration date on the product’s label. If there’s no date, look for changes in color, texture, or smell. If the product seems different or doesn’t work as expected, it’s better to replace it to avoid using an ineffective or unsafe product.
Did you enjoy this article? See Wynbert’s homepage for more information on how to maintain your household in perfect condition.
References
1. https://www.lung.org/clean-air/indoor-air/indoor-air-pollutants/cleaning-supplies-household-chem#
2. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3404651/#
