Avoid These 6 Mistakes When Using Harsh Cleaning Products

Harsh cleaning products can eliminate all sorts of messes but use them incorrectly and there can be serious problems.

If you typically store cleaning supplies under your kitchen sink, you may want to reconsider. Especially if you have children or pets, this is an easy spot for them to access. Oleksandr Sytnyk/Getty Images/TNS

No one likes the sound of “dangerous cleaning products.” But here are some words we like even less: germs, bacteria, and microorganisms. Powerful cleaners such as bleach and ammonia are known to destroy 99.9 percent of said microorganisms, and we’re all for harnessing their potent disinfecting power.

That said, cleaning product safety is also extremely important because some chemical-based cleaners are dangerous if not handled correctly. So it’s worth a refresher on the right way to use and maintain them to keep your home safe.

Here are some common mistakes to avoid, along with the right way to store all the new additions to your cleaning supply stash.

Mixing Bleach With Other Cleaners

You’ve probably heard before that you should never mix bleach with ammonia—this hazardous combo produces toxic chloramine gas. But to be extra safe, avoid mixing bleach with any other cleaners. For example, combining bleach and vinegar—or bleach and rubbing alcohol—is also dangerous.

Plus, many cleaning products contain these ingredients, so if you don’t read the fine print, you may not even know what chemicals you’re combining. To play it safe, only dilute bleach with water and never mix it with other products.

Forgetting to Ventilate

When using chemical cleaners, keep the room well-ventilated so you don’t breathe in as many fumes. Opening a window or a door and turning on a fan can help. Try to keep your cleaning routine fast and efficient, so you’re not exposed to these chemicals for too long.

If you can, limit the chemical cleaners to high-touch surfaces (countertops, doorknobs, faucets) and continue to use more natural solutions on other areas, such as windows and mirrors.

Storing All Cleaning Supplies Under the Kitchen Sink

If you typically store cleaning supplies under your kitchen sink, you may want to reconsider. Especially if you have children or pets, this is an easy spot for them to access.

First, read the storage recommendations for each product. Then, pick a spot kids and pets can’t reach, like a shelf in a closet. Stop short of storing them above eye level, where they’ll be difficult for you to reach and could potentially spill. Avoid spots that experience extreme temperature fluctuations, like the garage or basement.

If you own a label maker, time to pull it out! Clearly label each bottle, so everyone in your household knows what chemicals they’re working with. Similarly, avoid decanting cleaners into unmarked bottles or cups, but keep them in their original containers if possible.

Not Using Products for Their Intended Purpose

If you have cleaning wipes designed for household surfaces, don’t use them to clean your hands. Sanitizing products intended for use on your hands or body are formulated differently than those created for countertops, faucets, and doorknobs.

Household cleaning products have not been tested or approved for use on your hands—and in fact, it’s a good idea to wear gloves while using them and wash your hands afterward.

Never, ever ingest household cleaning products—and don’t use them to clean produce either. If you have any questions or concerns, call the National Poison Control Center hotline at 1-800-222-1222.

Tossing Without Checking Labels

With any chemical cleaning product, check if the label has directions for disposal. For products like oven cleaners, call your local hazardous waste disposal facility for their recommendations and to see if they’re planning a collection day.

Many cleaning products can go down the drain. To avoid a clog, don’t flush down the toilet any cleaning wipes that are supposed to be thrown in the trash.

Not Measuring Correctly

When you’re mixing a chemical cleaner with water, follow the directions to get the amounts right. If you add twice as much chemical cleaner than you should, it might not rinse off properly. Then you might leave a film on the surface of the item you’re cleaning, and it could attract dirt or pathogens.

If you add too much water and not enough chemical cleaner, you might render it ineffective. A solution that’s too weak won’t eradicate the viruses and bacteria it was intended to kill.

And if a cleaner’s directions detail the water temperature, follow that advice too. Hot water isn’t always the best for chemical bonding in the solution. Some cleaners work better with cold water.

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