Cleaning comes with risks: chemicals that are harmful or dangerous, heavy lifting, wet floors, ladders, and more. Did you know unintentional falls are the leading cause of non-fatal injury in the US? There are lots of opportunities for injury while cleaning, so learn how to stay safe. Use these cleaning safety tips to protect you and your family while cleaning.
Proper Ventilation
It is a good idea to always use chemical cleaners in a well-ventilated area. Even cleaners that are not commonly known to have dangerous fumes can have strong, potentially irritating odors. Open the windows or turn on a fan to circulate the air and remove as much odor as possible.
Read Labels
Always read the directions and warnings before cleaning with a product. The label instructions should be followed to make sure you use the product correctly and stay safe.
Wear Proper Clothing
Wear clothing that will protect your skin from chemicals. This applies even if you are using natural cleaners. Just because something is naturally-derived doesn’t mean it can’t hurt you. (For example, borax, a common natural cleaner, will irritate your skin after prolonged exposure.) So protect yourself from irritation, rashes, or chemicals burns. Protective clothing could include long pants, long-sleeved shirts, goggles, masks, gloves, and maybe more. Use common sense and avoid direct exposure.
Do Not Mix Chemicals
Mixing household cleaners can be deadly. Here are a few combinations that are definite no-gos:
- Bleach and Vinegar— this will produce toxic chlorine gas
- Bleach and Ammonia—this will produce chloramine vapors
- Bleach and Rubbing Alcohol—this will produce chloroform
- Hydrogen Peroxide and Vinegar—you can use them separately on the same surface, but combining them in one container will create peracetic acid.
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