When it comes to cleaning our homes, we want products that will eradicate harmful germs and viruses with ease and efficiency. But, unfortunately, many of the ingredients found in common household cleaners can be damaging to surfaces as well as our health and safety. These products include hazardous chemicals and materials that can also be detrimental to the environment.

With so many household cleaning products on the market, it’s tough to know where to begin the search for new ways to protect your home and family from bacteria and viruses in a safe way. Here, we’re going to cover some of the most damaging chemicals and products so you can feel good about what you use to disinfect your home.

Hazards in Your Everyday Cleaning Products 

Vinegar

While many use vinegar as a natural and inexpensive cleaning option, the high acidity of this product can be harmful to many surfaces. The finish of hardwood floors can be damaged over time and some stone countertops may be dulled permanently. Also, avoid using it on knives and small appliances as vinegar can corrode metal and affect the product’s ability to function. 

Liquid Drain cleaners

One of the most dangerous products on the shelf, liquid drain cleaners are as effective as you’d think. So effective, in fact, that they can eat holes into older pipes, causing bigger issues than a simple clog. The caustic chemicals may also dissolve wood, fabric and paint if an accidental spill occurs, as well as burn your skin and cause fatal results if swallowed. Due to these dangers, it’s recommended to avoid using this product frequently and to keep it well hidden from children and pets.

Magic Erasers

This little miracle sponge packs a punch. While the sponge can remove tough-to-get dirt, scuffs and marker stains, it can similarly remove things you’d rather stay in place — like paint and some wood finishes. Save yourself additional work by using magic erasers sparingly, or just combining some good ‘ole soap and water with a few extra minutes of labor (and preventatively hiding your permanent markers).

Acidic Cleaners 

Just like vinegar, other acidic cleaners can cause big issues when put in the wrong places.

Toilet bowl cleaners and metal/rust cleaners are huge culprits, and just a drop on your carpet could burn through your floor. They can also irritate your skin and cause major issues if it gets into your eyes or mouth.

Bleach and ammonia

Both bleach and ammonia are super common products in most U.S. households. Bleach removes stains and can whiten laundry, while ammonia is a common kitchen and bathroom disinfectant. And while both of these chemicals can be dangerous on their own, when combined they can produce chlorine gas that can, at best, cause intense irritation to eyes and lungs and, at worst, cause death.

Carpet cleaners

With all the wear-and-tear your carpets see over time, it’s no surprise that the harshest industrial chemicals are often the only ones up to the task. The most commonly used carpet cleaners have damaging ingredients that are harmful to both the environment and your overall healths. One ingredient, naphthalene, is a carcinogen that produces fumes that can cause organ damage and poison kids and pets.

All-purpose cleaners

Last, but not least, age-old all-purpose cleaners. Similar to 3-in-1 soaps, all-purpose cleaners may get the job done — but they cause more issues than results. They may be okay to use on multiple different surfaces, but when it comes to human tissue they’re not safe. Ingredients and properties of all-purpose cleaners can irritate the skin and cause people with asthma and allergies to see more intense symptoms.

There will always be dangers when using harmful chemical cleaners. But by doing the research and finding alternatives, you’ll be well on your way to keeping your home safe from both bacteria and unnecessary toxins.

And if these chemicals aren’t good enough for your home, why would you use them for your business? At MSNW, we use only eco-friendly, LEED certified products to professionally clean your facility so you can feel peace of mind knowing that you’re keeping your employees and environment safe while keeping your facility looking its best.

Reach out today to learn more about our carefully selected cleaning and disinfecting products, including the all-new Goldshield product, a product used by NASA which keeps surfaces free from bacteria and viruses for up to 72 hours while causing no damage.