Detergent is specially adapted to clean synthetic fabrics and it has the added advantage of not leaving soil residues even in hard water.  However, detergents are generally derived from petrochemicals and people sensitive to these compounds may find it hard to tolerate detergents or the fragrances they are scented with. 

In addition, most detergents contain phosphates, which build up in streams and lakes and upset the natural balance in waterways causing blooms of algae which deplete the dissolved oxygen fish need to live.  Some detergent may even contain naphthalene or phenol, both of which are hazardous substances.

An effective alternative to using detergents is to return to soap.  Soap is an effective cleaner for natural fabrics, leaving such items as diapers softer than detergent can.  For cotton and linen use soap to soften water.  A cup of vinegar added to the wash can help keep colors bright (but DO NOT use vinegar if you are using bleach – the resulting fumes are hazardous). 

One-half to three-quarters of a cup of baking soda will leave clothes soft and fresh smelling.  Silks and wools may be hand washed with mild soap or a protein shampoo; down or feathers with mild soap or baking soda.

For synthetic fabrics or blends (including most no-iron fabrics), there are biodegradable detergents on the market that do not contain phosphates, fragrances, or harsh chemicals.  They are often imported from Europe and are available at health food stores or by mail order.

Baking soda (NOT “Arm & Hammer Detergent”!) – 1 cup per load

Sodium Perborate – a chlorine-free, natural bleaching mineral (sold as “Country Save non-chlorine bleach”)

White Vinegar – 1 cup in rinse cycle to soften clothes and remove odors and residual detergent

Use one of the suggested dish washing liquids for spot removal – great for grease, ketchup, and other stains!

Dr. Bronner’s Unscented Baby Castile Liquid Soap, Country Save, Earthrite, Ecover, or Seventh Generation laundry detergent, Granny’s Old-Fashioned Concentrate.

The storage space under the kitchen sink may be the most deadly poison zone in your home.  This area is commonly used to store household cleaning agents, furniture polish, detergents, stain removers, degreasers, and other assorted chemicals that promise to make every home a sparkling, shiny, sanitized museum that will be the envy of the neighborhood.  Ironically, these common chemical agents are extremely hazardous and account for 96% of all poisonings reported.   

Cleaning solutions may contribute to such maladies as: fatigue, depression, headaches, allergies, asthma attacks, cancer, and immune syndromes.  Even when used properly, according to label directions and often when NOT used at all these chemicals  “OFF-GAS” vapors that produce profound chronic harm because they linger in the indoor environment.  Children are especially vulnerable to chemical fumes released by these products.  

Childhood cancers have risen 20% over the last two decades and is the # 1 killer of children by disease.  Asthma rates have tripled in children over the past twenty years. Asthma deaths in children have increased 118% since 1980.  Attention Deficit Disorder (A.D.D.) and learning disorders have skyrocketed over the last twenty years.  All of these conditions have been directly or indirectly linked to the use of chemicals in the home.

The Average American uses about 25 Gallons of chemical products per year in their homes.  Of the 17,OOO chemicals that appear in common household products only 30% have been adequately tested.  Medical doctors and scientists that have evaluated these chemicals have agreed that there is a definitive connection between failing health and the use of common household cleaning agents.  One study found women who worked at home had a 54% higher cancer rate than those who worked outside the home.  

According to an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and State of California study in 2001, 41% of all cleaning chemicals were considered “DANGEROUS”; and 6 % were “TOO DANGEROUS” to store or use either in a commercial facility or the home.  

Here is a list of the most common active ingredients to avoid: 

Active Ingredient: Ammonia

Products and Uses: Glass Cleaners or General-purpose Cleaners

Health Effects: A powerful eye irritant, a respiratory irritant that may trigger asthma.  May be a contributing factor for bronchitis and pneumonia.  Inhalation of fumes may cause weakness and dizziness.  Extended use may cause a chronic lung condition, or in extreme cases, suffocation, and death! 

Active Ingredient: Paradichloro–benzene

Products and Uses: Toilet bowl deodorizers, fumigants

Health Effects: Possible carcinogen (cancer-causing agent)

Active Ingredient: Petroleum Distillates

Products and Uses: Furniture Polish; Heavy-duty Cleaners; Car Wax; Flea Treatments

Health Effects: Eye, skin, and respiratory irritant.  May also contain traces of benzene–a carcinogen.

Active Ingredient:  Sodium Hypochlorite ( Household Bleach )

Products and Uses: Wide range of household cleaners, disinfectants, deodorizers

Health Effects: CORROSIVE.  Eye, skin, and respiratory irritant – especially hazardous to those with heart conditions or asthma.

Here is a list of natural non-toxic ingredients that may be used to clean your home:

GENERAL CLEANING

Safe Substitutes in the Kitchen and Bath

One shelf of simple and relatively safe ingredients can be used to perform most home cleaning chores.  All that’s needed is a knowledge of how they work and how different ingredients should be combined to get the cleaning power needed for a specific job.

Baking Soda is sodium bicarbonate.  It has a number of useful properties.  It can neutralize acid, scrub shiny materials without scratching, deodorize, and extinguish grease fires.  It can be used as a deodorizer in the refrigerator, on smelly carpets, on upholstery, and on vinyl.  It can help deodorize drains.  It can clean and polish aluminum, chrome, jewelry, plastic, porcelain, silver, stainless steel, and tin.  It also softens fabrics and removes certain stains.  Baking soda can soften hard water and makes a relaxing bath time soak.  It can be used as an underarm deodorant and as toothpaste.

Borax is a naturally occurring mineral that is soluble in water.  It can deodorize, inhibit the growth of mildew and mold, boost the cleaning power of soap or detergent, remove stains, and can be used with attractants such as sugar to kill cockroaches.

Cornstarch, derived from corn, can be used to clean windows, polish furniture, shampoo carpets and rugs, and starch clothes.

Isopropyl Alcohol is an excellent disinfectant.

Lemon Juice, which contains citric acid, is a deodorant and can be used to clean glass and remove stains from aluminum, clothes, and porcelain. It is a mild lightener or bleach if used with sunlight.

Mineral Oil, derived from seeds, is an ingredient in several furniture polish and floor wax recipes.

Soap (NOT detergent) is made in several ways. Castile soap can be used as a shampoo or as body soap. Olive oil based soap is gentlest to the skin.  An all-purpose liquid soap can be made by simply dissolving the old ends of bar soap (or grated slivers of bar soap) in warm water.

Steel Wool is an abrasive strong enough to remove rust and stubborn food residues and to scour barbecue grills.

TSP is trisodium phosphate, a mixture of soda ash and phosphoric acid. TSP is toxic if swallowed, but it can be used on many jobs, such as cleaning drains or removing old paint, that would normally require much more caustic and poisonous chemicals.  Also, it does not create any fumes.

Vinegar is made from soured applied juice, grain, or wine.  It contains about 5 percent acetic acid, which makes it a mild acid.  Vinegar can dissolve mineral deposits and grease, remove traces of soap, remove mildew or wax buildup, polish some metals, and deodorize.  Vinegar can clean brick or stone and is an ingredient in some natural carpet cleaning recipes.  Use vinegar to clean out the metallic taste in coffeepots and to shine windows without streaking.  Vinegar is normally used in a solution with water, but it can be used straight.

Washing Soda or SAL Soda is a sodium carbonate decahydrate, a mineral.  It can cut stubborn grease on grills, broiler pans, and ovens.  It can be used with soda instead of laundry detergent and it softens hard water.  These items are available from drug and chemical supply stores.

For common household tasks, try these nontoxic strategies using the above ingredients:

Freshen air: by opening windows and doors for a short period.  Distribute partially filled dishes of vinegar around the kitchen to combat unpleasant cooking odors.  Boil cinnamon and cloves in a pan of water to scent the air.  Sprinkle 1/2 cup borax in the bottom of garbage pails or diaper pails to inhibit mold and bacteria growth that can cause odors.  Rub vinegar on hands before and after slicing onions to remove the smell.  Use bowls of potpourri to give inside air a pleasant scent.

All-purpose cleaner: can be made from a vinegar-and-salt mixture or from 4 tablespoons baking soda dissolved in 1 quart of warm water.

Disinfectant: means anything that will reduce the number of harmful bacteria on a surface.  Practically no surface treatment will completely eliminate bacteria.  Try regular cleaning with soap and hot water.  Or mix 1/2 cup borax into 1 gallon of hot water to disinfect and deodorize.  Isopropyl alcohol is an excellent disinfectant, but use gloves and keep it away from children.

Drain cleaner: Try a plunger first, though not after using any commercial drain opener. To open clogs, pour 1/2 cup baking soda down drain, add 1/2 cup white vinegar, and cover the drain.  The resulting chemical reaction can break fatty acids down into the soap and glycerin, allowing the clog to wash down the drain.  Again, do not use this method after trying a commercial drain opener – the vinegar can react with the drain opener to create dangerous fumes.

Floor cleaner and polish: can be as simple as a few drops of vinegar in the cleaning water to remove soap traces.  For vinyl or linoleum, add a capful of baby oil to the water to preserve and polish.  For wood floors, apply a thin coat of 1:1 oil and vinegar and rub in well.  For painted wooden floors, mix 1 teaspoon washing soda into 1 gallon hot water.  For brick and stone tiles, use 1 cup white vinegar in 1 gallon water and rinse with clear water.

Metal cleaners and polishes: are different for each metal – just as in commercial cleaners.  Clean aluminum with a solution of cream of tartar and water.  Brass may be polished with a soft cloth dipped in lemon-and baking-soda solution, or vinegar- and-salt solution.  Polish chrome with baby oil, vinegar, or aluminum foil shiny slide out.  Clean tarnished copper by boiling the article in a pot of water with 1 tablespoon salt and 1 cup white vinegar, or try differing mixtures of salt, vinegar, baking soda, lemon juice, and cream of tartar.  Clean gold with toothpaste, pewter with a paste of salt, vinegar, and flour.  Silver can be polished by boiling it in a pan lined with aluminum foil and filled with water to which a teaspoon each of baking soda and salt have been added.  Stainless steel can be cleaned with undiluted white vinegar.

Oven cleaner:  Sprinkle baking soda on moist surface and scrub with steel wool.  Or use Arm & Hammer Oven Cleaner, declared nontoxic by Consumers Union.

Scouring powder: can be made from baking soda or dry table salt.  Or try Bon-Ami Cleaning Powder or Bon-Ami Polishing Cleaner.

Toilet bowl cleaner: can be made from baking soda and vinegar, borax and lemon.

Tub and tile cleaner: can be as easy as rubbing in baking soda with a damp sponge and rinsing, or wiping with vinegar first and following with baking soda as a scouring powder.

Window and glass cleaner is easy with these tips: to avoid streaks, don’t wash windows when the sun is shining.  Use a vinegar-and-water solution, cornstarch-vinegar-and-water solution, or lemon-juice-and-water.  Wipe with newspaper unless you are sensitive to the inks in newsprint.

White Vinegar: cleans windows, counter tops, chrome, grease, floors, etc.

Bon Ami: cleans sinks, tub works just like comet or Ajax.

Borax: cleans toilets, tubs, and floors.  Disinfects, deodorizes, kills mold and mildew, and it’s great for laundry.

Baking Soda: sit around in small bowls to absorb odors; also cleans sinks, great for laundry, etc.

Lemons: clean windows, sinks, grease, etc.  You can also use lemons as an air freshener.  Cut 4 lemons into 4ths.  Put in a pot and cover with water.  Simmer for about an hour and turn heat off.  Will fill room with wonderful aroma!

Furniture polish: any vegetable oil, lemon oil, etc.  (2 parts oil, 1 part lemon juice works great!)  Earthrite furniture polish or any other brand that is all natural and fragrance-free.

Use Nature Clean, Lifetree, Seventh Generation, or Ecover dish washing liquids.

Nature Clean or Ecover automatic dish washing detergent (or any that do not contain chlorine or fragrance).

Tip: To get stuck-on food off a pot/pan, just sprinkle salt and cool water in it and let it sit a while, then wipe clean!

AEROSOL PROPELLANTS: Petroleum-derived gases such as isobutane may create difficulties in breathing.

AIR  FRESHENERS: Key ingredients such as ammonia, formaldehyde (a potential human cancer producer), petroleum distillates, isobutane, phenol, and propane may cause lung irritation (including asthma-like symptoms) and eye irritation.  Isobutane and propane are highly flammable propellants.  Over-exposure may cause cancer, central nervous system damage, liver damage, and tumors.  Label precautions read “WARNING!”

ALL-PURPOSE CLEANER/DEGREASERS: Most products of this type contain either ammonia, 2-butoxy ethanol, petrochemical, and/or phenol. These type of products may act as a mucous membrane or lung irritant.  Direct contact or vapor inhalation may cause eye damage.  Lingering chemical fumes may cause weakness and dizziness. Extended use may cause a chronic lung condition.  Overexposure to key ingredients are linked to cancer; kidney and liver damage; and reproductive disorders.  Label precautions read “WARNING!” 

BATHROOM, TUB & TILE  CLEANERS: Most products contain various “active” acids, 2-butoxy ethanol, and/or ammonia.  Acid-based products may cause SEVERE skin burns and permanently damage the eyes.  Fumes may cause choking and respiratory irritation.  Overexposure to these products are linked to central nervous system disorders, kidney damage, liver damage, reproductive disorders, and tumors.  Label precautions read “WARNING” and/or “FLAMMABLE!”

BLEACH, CHLORINE, LIQUID: Known as the “universal” sanitizer, favorite brand names contain liquid sodium hypochlorite, which is a potent and powerful “oxidizer”. Through the oxidizing process, BLEACH is able to kill bacteria and whiten.  Undiluted BLEACH may cause chemical burns on contacted surfaces.  It is “CORROSIVE “ to eyes and skin.  Direct contact with eyes may cause severe eye injuries or blinding. Direct contact with skin may cause blistering and/or chemical burns.  Accidental ingestion may permanently damage the mouth, throat, and stomach.  Fumes are irritating or corrosive to the respiratory tract including the nose, throat, and lungs; may interfere with brain function; and may aggravate heart and asthmatic conditions. Overexposure may also interfere with reproductive system.  As a by-product of its oxidizing process, BLEACH releases ‘chloramine gas’ into the air which destroys oxygen content and diminishes indoor air quality dramatically.  Label precautions read “DANGER!”

CARPET DEODORIZING, POWDERS: Most contain sodium aluminosilicate, a suspected human carcinogen.  Direct contact with skin can produce mild irritation. Direct contact with eyes may cause abrasive eye damage.  Continual exposure to this dust may cause lung irritation, aggravate asthma-like symptoms and cause headaches. Label precautions read “CAUTION.”

CARPET SHAMPOOS: These product types usually contain 2-butoxy ethanol, formaldehyde (a potential human carcinogen), and perchlorethylene.  According to the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), carpet cleaners containing “ 2-butoxy ethanol” -or-”formaldehyde” -or-”perchloroethylene” are considered “high risk” health hazards to the environment and to humans.  Inhalation may cause respiratory tract irritation or cardiac arrhythmia.  Direct contact with undiluted product may cause severe eye and skin damage.  Overexposure may cause cancer and/or serve as a central nervous system depressant; a kidney and liver toxicant; or promote bone marrow damage; or may cause pregnancy problems with extended exposure.   Label precautions read “WARNING!”

CARPET SPOT/STAIN  REMOVERS: These product types usually contain 2-butoxy ethanol, formaldehyde (a potential human carcinogen), and perchlorethylene. According to the EPA, carpet cleaners containing “ 2-butoxy ethanol” -or-  ”formaldehyde” -or-”perchloroethylene” are considered “high risk” health hazards to the environment and to humans.  Inhalation may cause respiratory tract irritation or cardiac arrhythmia.  Direct contact with undiluted product may cause severe eye and skin damage.  Overexposure may cause cancer and/or serve as a central nervous system depressant; a kidney and liver toxicant; or promote bone marrow damage; or may cause pregnancy problems with extended exposure.   Label precautions read “WARNING!”

DISHWASHING LIQUIDS, HAND: Usually contains ammonia, ethanol, formaldehyde (a potential human carcinogen), and glycol ethers.  Exposure to fumes may cause labored breathing or coughing; intense sneezing; or, in some cases, death.  Direct contact with eyes may cause tearing and puffiness around eyes.  Direct contact with skin may cause severe irritation.  Mixing dish washing liquids with BLEACH (for sanitizing purposes) can produce “toxic”, chloramine fumes.  Repeated exposure may cause asthma-like symptoms and/or effect the central nervous system over a long period of time.  Label precautions read “CAUTION”.

DISHWASHING LIQUIDS,  AUTOMATIC: Usually contain bleaching agents, artificial dyes (see “DYES”), ethyl alcohol, and artificial fragrances (see “FRAGRANCES”). Undiluted, may act as a strong skin irritant.  If swallowed, may burn your throat.  In those products containing bleaching agents, chloramine gas may be created whose fumes may cause swelling and tearing of eyes or even faintness.  Over a prolonged period of time these fumes may cause headaches, lung irritation, nausea, and depression. In extreme cases, prolonged exposure may even cause coma and possibly, death!  Label precautions read “WARNING!”

DISINFECTANTS, AEROSOL: Usually contains phenol, 2-butoxy ethanol; formaldehyde (a potential human carcinogen), phenols or quaternary ammonium compounds.  Usually uses highly “flammable” propellants.  Readily absorbed through the skin.  Inhalation can strongly irritate the nose, throat, mucous membrane, and lungs. Direct contact with undiluted product may cause skin burns, permanent corneal damage to eyes and upper respiratory tract irritation.  Ingestion may cause intense stomach cramps, swelling, breathing difficulties, and convulsions.  May cause liver, kidney and/or reproductive disorders over a prolonged period of time.  Overexposure may affect the central nervous systems or even cause cancer.  Label precautions read “WARNING!”

DUST REMOVAL, AEROSOL SPRAY: Contains isobutane and propane, which are highly flammable propellants that create irritating fumes to the eyes and lungs.  Overexposure may cause central nervous system disorders over a prolonged period of time.  Label precautions read “WARNING!”

DRAIN  OPENERS: Most of these products are highly caustic on either end of the pH scale.  They are include either ACIDS, such as liquid sulfuric acid, or ALKALIS, such as liquid sodium, potassium hydroxide or powdered lye.  Other types may contain bleach. ALL TYPES CREATE INHALATION HAZARDS.  If ingested, may burn mouth, tongue, throat, esophagus, and stomach causing permanent damage.  Direct contact may cause severe skin burns with subsequent tissue scarring or severe blinding eye damage. Fumes may trigger asthmatic or bronchial attacks; may aggravate heart conditions and cause depression.   Label precautions read “WARNING!”

DYES: Includes azo, basic, disperse, fiber-reactive, vat dyes, and fluorescent agents.  As colorants and whitening agents in many products including all-purpose cleaners, disinfectants, and fabric softeners, may cause allergic reactions.

FABRIC  SOFTENER, LIQUIDS:  Contains formaldehyde (a potential human carcinogen) and artificial fragrances.  Designed to have fragrance linger in clothing all day causing continual exposure to potentially harmful chemical ingredients.  Direct contact may be a skin irritant and eye irritant.  Fumes can cause dizziness, headaches, nausea, labored breathing, and in severe cases, death.  Prolonged contact can aggravate asthmatic and other respiratory symptoms.  Label precautions read “CAUTION”.

FABRIC  SOFTENER  SHEETS: Direct contact may irritate skin.  Fumes may irritate eyes, nose, and throat.  Prolonged exposure may cause labored breathing, dizziness, headaches, depression, nausea, and in severe cases, death.   Label precautions read “CAUTION”.

FLOOR  CLEANERS: Various types containing either ammonia, petroleum distillates, or caustics.  Direct contact may cause chemical skin burns or blindness.  If swallowed, may burn the mouth and throat.  Fumes may irritate the skin and eyes or produce asthma-like symptoms.  Prolonged exposure may cause central nervous system disorders, tumors, kidney damage, and/or liver damage and may even be linked to cancer.  Label precautions read “CAUTION” or “WARNING!” depending on the chemical ingredient content.

FRAGRANCES: Any of 4,000 chemical “perfumes” used in many cleaning products, either to simulate an “identifiable” or positive “non-descript” scent or to mask odors of other chemicals in a product.  May cause skin irritation, discoloration or allergic reactions.  The # 1 INDUCEMENT OF MULTIPLE CHEMICAL SENSITIVITIES (MCS).  May be irritating to the eyes or respiratory tract.

FURNITURE  POLISH: Contains nitrobenzene, naptha, phenol, and petroleum distillates.  May be absorbed via inhalation and through the skin.  May bind with blood to reduce oxygen availability.  Direct contact with skin may dissolve vital skin oils and cause dermatitis or skin burns.  Direct contact may permanently injure eyes.  Repeated, prolonged exposure has been linked to cancer, birth defects, heart, liver, and kidney ailments.  May also act as a central nervous system depressant.  Chronic inhalation may cause liver damage.   Label precautions read “DANGER!”

LIQUID LAUNDRY DETERGENT: Usually contains ethanol and triethylene glycol. Undiluted, concentrated product directly contacting skin may cause irritation.  Repeated contact with skin may cause dermatitis.  In concentration, strong eye irritant and prolonged exposure may cause permanent eye damage.  Repeated exposure to fumes may cause chronic lung irritation.  Fumes can cause coughing, troubled breathing and in severe cases, death.  Label precautions read “WARNING!”

LAUNDRY STARCH SPRAYS: Usually contains toluene (methylbenzene).  Eye, skin, and respiratory irritant.  Central nervous system depressant.  Overexposure may cause heart problems.  Prolonged or repeated exposure may cause liver and/or kidney damage as well as anemia.  Extreme exposure during pregnancy may result in birth defects.  Label precautions read “CAUTION”.  Intentional misuse by deliberately concentrating and inhaling contents may be harmful or fatal.

METAL POLISH: Usually contains sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate and/or petroleum distillates.  May cause eye damage and/or skin burns.  Fumes can cause dizziness, headaches and stupor.  Over prolonged periods of time asthma-like symptoms, central nervous system disorders, and cancer may be caused.  In larger quantities, may be considered an over-all environmental hazard.   Label precautions read “WARNING!”

MOLD & MILDEW STAIN CLEANERS: Usually contains either chlorine bleaching agents (sodium hypochlorite) or phenols (carbolic acid).  Fumes are strongly irritating to eyes, nose, and throat.  In extreme cases, may cause burns to skin and eyes and may be corrosive to the respiratory tract.  In the case of the chlorine types, produces toxic chloramine gas when mixed with other cleaning products.  Label precautions read “WARNING!”

OVEN CLEANERS: Usually contains lye (caustic soda, sodium hydroxide) which is highly corrosive.  Direct contact may cause severe burns to the skin, mouth, throat, and stomach.  Direct contact with eyes may cause permanent blindness.  Inhalation may permanently damage the respiratory tract, especially the lungs.  Prolonged exposure may cause kidney damage, brain damage, and reproductive disorders.  Label precautions read “DANGER!”

PETROLEUM DISTILLATES: Petroleum distillates emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs), decrease indoor air quality and are considered harmful to the overall environment.  Include the lighter liquid hydrocarbons refined from crude oil by distillation, including petroleum ether, naphtha, mineral oil, mineral spirits, Stoddard solvent, and kerosene.  Heavier distillates include lubricating oil, grease, paraffin wax, and asphalt; gaseous distillates include propane and isobutane.  Liquid petroleum distillates contain varying, but usually small amounts of aromatic hydrocarbons (benzene, toluene, xylene, cycloparaffins, naphthenes).  Direct contact with eyes and skin may cause severe irritation.  Inhalation may cause severe respiratory irritation and may trigger asthmatic attacks.  Also considered a potential human carcinogen.  Used in many cleaning products, especially aerosol “air fresheners”.  When sprayed into the air, the unaware individual is walking through “scented gasoline”.  May aggravate sinus conditions, allergies, and onset migraine headaches.  Label precautions read “WARNING!”  & ”FLAMMABLE!”

SCOURING POWDERS  (with CHLORINATED BLEACH):  Usually contains highly alkaline powders, bleach, and quartz silicate (grit).  When wetted with water this product releases irritating “TOXIC” chlorine gas into the air.  Direct contact may cause moderate irritation to skin.  If swallowed this product may burn the mouth and throat.  Direct contact may cause permanent eye damage.  Inhalation of quartz silicate may act as a human carcinogen.   Label precautions read “WARNING!”

SPOT/STAIN REMOVER (CARPET/FABRIC):  Contains acetone, a volatile liquid, which reacts explosively with hydrogen peroxide.  Irritating to eyes, respiratory tract, and skin.  May be absorbed by inhalation.  Can cause changes in the liver’s ability to metabolize chemicals, kidney damage, dizziness, sedation, and coma.   Label precautions read “WARNING!” and “FLAMMABLE!”

STAINLESS STEEL CLEANERS:  Usually contains methyl chloride, xylene (dimethylbenzene), and/or carbon dioxide.  Direct contact can dry or, in extreme cases, burn skin.  Continual exposure to fumes can cause dizziness, headaches, and stupor. Prolonged exposure has been linked to central nervous system damage.  Chronic exposure may cause eye damage, difficulty in breathing, changes in liver function, kidney damage, anemia, and toxicity to blood cells.  In rare and unusual circumstances fumes can induce heart attacks.  Label precautions read “WARNING!”

TILE AND GROUT CLEANER:  Three types: 1) contains lye and bleach or; 2) contains various harsh acids or; 3) ethanol.  Corrosive types (lye and acid) may irritate the eyes and cause skin burns.  In ALL types, fumes can be highly irritating to nose, throat, and lungs.  Prolonged exposure is linked to asthma, bronchitis, and chronic lung irritation. Overexposure to fumes may also affect central nervous system and/or trigger heart attacks during usage.   Label precautions may read “WARNING!” or “DANGER!”

TOILET  BOWL CLEANERS:  Most of these product types contain highly corrosive acids, especially hydrochloric acids.  Direct contact may burn the skin, mouth, and throat.  Direct contact with eyes may cause permanent blindness.  Prolonged inhalation of fumes may induce asthma-like conditions and interfere with brain function.  Prolonged exposure may also cause muscle spasms, damage to blood tissue and reproductive disorders.  Label precautions read “DANGER!”  Some products may display “Skull & Crossbones” on the bottle!!  TOO DANGEROUS TO STORE OR USE!

UPHOLSTERY STAIN  REMOVER: Usually contains ammonia, 2-butoxy ethanol, formaldehyde (a potential human carcinogen), and perchlorethylene.  Direct contact may cause severe damage to skin and eyes.  Prolonged exposure to fumes can cause extreme irritation to the eyes and respiratory tract.  Ingesting can lead to abdominal tenderness and bleeding.  Long-term harms include bone marrow damage, cancer, central nervous system disorders, kidney damage, liver damage, and testicular atrophy. Label precautions read “WARNING!”

WINDOW  CLEANERS:  Contain ammonia, 2-butoxy ethanol and ethyl alcohol.  Direct contact may cause moderate irritation to the skin.  Overexposure to fumes may be irritating to the lungs and eyes.  Prolonged exposure is linked to bone marrow damage, kidney damage, liver damage, pregnancy problems, reproductive disorders, and tumors.   Label precautions read “WARNING!”

Rosemary-Lavender Carpet Shampoo

• 2 cups baking soda
• 1/2 cups soap flakes
• 20 drops lavender essential oil
• 8 drops rosemary essential oil
• 1/2 cup vinegar
• 2 cups warm water

1.  Sweep carpet to be cleaned with a broom or carpet sweeper to loosen dirt, then vacuum the entire area.

2.  Combine the baking soda and soap flakes in a plastic bowl.  Add the essential oils and mix well, breaking up any clumps with a fork.  Sprinkle the mixture on the carpet.

3.  Add the vinegar to the warm water in a bucket or pail.  Dip a clean sponge mop into the bucket and squeeze out as much excess liquid as you can.  Gently go over carpet with the sponge mop, working in sections.  Wait at least an hour and then vacuum again.

How can I tell which pet products contain dangerous chemicals?

Check the product label for the active ingredients.  If a product contains any of the seven common organophosphates, don’t buy it!  The seven organophosphates are chlorpyrifos, dichlorvos, phosmet, naled, tetrachlorvinphos, diazinon and malathion.  Also avoid products containing carbamates.  Other chemicals to watch out for and avoid are carbaryl and propoxur compounds.  

What should I do about fleas? 

First, be sure you really need to buy a chemical product.  In many cases, simple physical measures can solve the problem.  You can comb your pet with a flea comb (available in pet stores) to inspect for and remove fleas.  You can vacuum your rugs frequently, taping up and disposing of the vacuum cleaner bags immediately afterward.  You can mow the areas of the lawn where your dog spends time, so as to deny fleas a friendly environment.  You can wash your pet’s bedding once a week.  

Finally, if your pet has severe fleas, you can wash your pet with plain soap and water or pet grooming shampoo (without pesticides) sold in most grocery and pet stores.  If using plain soap, check first to see if it kills fleas by dropping a flea in a small amount of soapy water, and use it first in a small area on your pet to make sure it is not irritating to your pet’s skin.

What products should I buy?

Sometimes, those steps are not enough, and you may need to buy one of two types of safer pesticide products.  First, try products whose labels list “insect growth regulators.” They’re very common, and will probably be available in your neighborhood grocery store.  Be aware that the product labels may abbreviate the term “insect growth regulators” to “IGRs.” If used properly, products using insect growth regulators will prevent the next generation of fleas by interfering with their growth and development.  

However, on their own, they won’t kill insects currently on your pet, so you may need to take other steps – the physical measures listed above, for example, to kill off existing infestations.  Lufenuron (Program®), methoprene (Nylar®) and pyriproxyfen (Biolar®) are three common and effective insect growth regulators.

If those steps do not work, or if your pet is allergic to flea bites and needs immediate relief, look in pet stores or ask your vet for products containing newer, safer, and more easily applied insecticides: imidacloprid (AdvantageTM) and fipronil (Front line®, Topspot^TM).  Fipronil may also be the most effective agent to use against ticks.