Introduction
You clean (or maybe you don’t) to remove dirt, grime, and bacteria in your house under the assumption that it’s helping you to stay healthy. You trust the products you use to clean to be safe and whatever works quickly. But how nontoxic are those products and could they make you sick without you knowing it?
In this blog, I review some common household products and the chemicals contained in them that affect your health. I will give you safer alternatives to clean your house.
Chemicals found in household cleaners are loaded with allergens and irritants. They can inflame anyone with asthma by inhalation, including the fragrances contained in them. Chemicals are not only absorbed by inhalation, but they also enter your bloodstream through your skin if you’re not wearing a protective barrier such as gloves.
Label Reading
Have you ever read the labels of your cleaning products? If you haven’t, start taking a look. You’ll need a magnifying glass because the print is -2. If you have read the labels, it should alarm you!
The label will tell you the directions (how to use it); how to store and dispose of it; and the cautions and warnings that come with using it. Who reads this stuff? Well, I do now and it’s an eye-opener! The cautions and warnings that are most disturbing.
The precautionary statement: Hazards to Humans and Domestic Animals are found on many household products but specifically noted on a Clorox Bathroom Disinfecting Cleaner (Bleach Free) bottle that I recently purchased was enough to make me take a serious look at the reason why this is listed. Hence, the reason for this blog!
Side note: I read the label after I brought it home. That’s when I discovered I needed a magnifying glass. 😊
I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to use anything that is a hazard to humans.
Common household cleaning products
Clorox
One of the most commonly used household products on the market to clean with is Clorox. It’s used to scrub, scour, and wipe just about everything in your house from toilets to floors. You can purchase this product with or without bleach. The claim is to disinfect, clean, and kill 99.9% of bacteria (Salmonella enterica, Enterobacter aerogenes, Escherichia coli 0157:H7 (E. coli), Staphylococcus aureus) and viruses (Influenza A Virus and Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2). It sounds like the perfect product to do the job!
Clorox’s main ingredient is sodium hypochlorite known as bleach.
Bleach
Bleach is another common household cleaner used to kill germs, bacteria, mold, and mildew; disinfect, and lighten colors, usually used to brighten whites. It comes in many forms such as liquid, powder, sprays, and wipes.
When using bleach, it’s recommended to use safety glasses/goggles, gloves, and wear long-sleeved shirts. But, you’re careful so you don’t do any of that! You should also be in a well-ventilated area so you’re not inhaling the fumes. If you’re using bleach in a bathroom that doesn’t have a window for ventilation the fumes may affect your breathing. Many bathrooms don’t have a window to open and don’t have strong air exhausts to vent the fumes.
Bleach can be linked to respiratory complications if inhaled. If you have an existing respiratory condition, using liquid bleach and not aerosol (spray) form is safer. Be sure to use protective eyewear and long-sleeved shirts to protect your skin. It only takes one splash!
Lysol (phenol is the main chemical)
Another well-known brand of commonly used household cleaner is Lysol. It’s a disinfectant that claims to kill 99.9% of viruses and bacteria. Some products advertise that it kills SARS-CoV-2 on hard surfaces. That’s why you couldn’t find this stuff a few years ago! This product comes in a variety of scented fragrances which contain many chemicals and irritants in addition to what’s already in the cleaning product. In a previous blog, Are Air Fresheners Really Fresh? I review the chemicals found in them and how they too affect your health.
Lysol is not classified as a carcinogen but can be toxic when inhaled or through skin contact. It’s irritating to the skin, eyes, and mucous membranes.
Ammonia
Another household cleaning product is ammonia used to dissolve grease and grime. It produces a highly irritating gas that is harsh on the lungs, eyes, nose, and throat.
Health tip: Do not use ammonia and bleach at the same time as it forms a gas that causes breathing issues. High levels can cause chest pain, vomiting, and pneumonia.
Disinfecting vs sanitizing
Disinfecting kills viruses and bacteria while sanitizing kills bacteria only, both using chemicals.
Health tip: Pine and citrus-based cleaning products can increase asthma risks due to the volatile chemicals known as terpenes.
None of these cleaning products sound safe especially when it’s recommended to wear protective gear to clean!
Germ Theory of Disease
In simple terms, the germ theory of disease states microorganisms (invisible to the naked eye) known as pathogens (germs) can cause diseases. It’s much more complicated, but this gives you a basic idea.
At one time, hospitals were nonmedical institutions. These charitable societies were intended to improve the spirit of the patient rather than control their physical well-being where medical care was performed outside of the hospital.
Fast forward to today, the government has significant influence over the medical health system and insurance dictates your health options, if you’re fortunate to have health insurance.
Following the sanction of the germ theory of disease, physicians and hospitals began using disinfecting agents and this started the spread of disinfectants for home use.
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC)—the cancer agency of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the National Toxicology Program (NTP) an interagency program of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) determines which environmental exposure causes cancer in humans. Of course, these agencies can’t agree on classifying which chemicals cause cancer leaving conflicting information to keep you guessing. Perhaps that’s why there is a precautionary warning on the label for many cleaning products. 😉
A new study of interest finds cleaning products emit hundreds of hazardous chemicals.
Alternative cleaning products
If you prefer not to suit up in hazmat gear to clean, try using the following as natural options:
To clean windows and stainless steel:
1 part vinegar and 1 part water (distilled) Example: 1 cup of vinegar mixed with 1 cup of distilled water.
Pro tip: Vinegar does not disinfect but it’s a safer alternative to clean your house.
All-purpose cleaner: (removes dirt and grease)
2 cups of water and 2 tablespoons of dishwashing liquid. Mix and use in a spray bottle.
Disinfectant recipe:
- 8 ounces of water
- 6 ounces of isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol) – alternative: 120-proof vodka or Everclear (but more expensive) DON’T DRINK IT!
- 2 ounces of distilled white vinegar
- 5-10 drops of essential oil (optional)
Pro tip: Use a glass spray bottle instead of plastic. (glass is non-porous; no interaction with the plastic) Ideally, amber glass to protect the ingredients from light.
Health tip: A healthy home smells chemical-free without scents lingering in the air.
Conclusion
It’s just as important to read labels on cleaning products as it is to read food labels because both affect your health.
Using harsh chemicals isn’t necessary to keep a clean house. Try using more natural remedies like the recipes listed. Share your favorite cleaning tip in the comments below.
Check out how your cleaning products rate.
Want to stop the spread of bacteria and viruses? Start with washing your hands.
To keep germs at a minimum, wash your hands before and after going to the bathroom, before meal prepping, and before eating. You should also wash your hands after you blow your nose and touch money. Just use soap and water. There’s no need for antibacterial soap or hand sanitizers unless you don’t have access to soap and water.
Next blog:
I take a closer look at hand sanitizers and laundry detergents and how they impact your health!
In optimal health,
Lisa