by crystalmaids
To ensure effective and safe cleaning, make reading and understanding the labels on the cleaning products a habit. This helps you purchase and use things wiser. Furthermore, you also gain information on the chemical contents, hazards, and directions on how to use the product.
Labels are also helpful in identifying whether a harmful cleaning agent is an ingredient to the product. Most of the effective cleaning products in the market are toxic and hazardous to the health of humans, animals, and the environment. To identify each of those toxic and hazardous chemicals, you need to do further research. To help you with that, here are some common harmful cleaning chemicals you have to look out for in your cleaning agent.
Chlorine
Chlorine is more than just for cleaning and clearing pool water. It is also used in scouring powder, laundry detergents, toilet bowl cleaners, and mildew removers. While it seems like any ordinary cleaning agent, studies show that chlorine is harmful to health. Constant exposure to this chemical can induce thyroid problems, and skin irritation and dryness.
Perchloroethylene (PERC)
Perchloroethylene is a common ingredient to fabric cleaners, dry cleaners, and carpet cleaning solutions. Constant exposure through inhalation of this chemical can potentially cause cancer and disruption of neurons over time.
Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde is another common toxic component in most cleaning solutions. This chemical is a known causative agent for neurodegenerative diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and other diseases related to the nervous system.
2-Butoxyethanol
2-Butoxyethanol is widely found in multi-purpose cleaners and glass cleaners. The characteristic sweet and floral smell of this chemical shouldn’t entice you. Inhalation of 2-Butoxyethanol even at moderate levels may cause sore throat. On the toxic level, extended exposure to this solvent may lead to chronic liver and kidney damage, narcosis, and pulmonary edema.
Triclosan and Quaternary Ammonium Compounds (QUATs)
Triclosan and QUATs are the antibacterial components common in liquid dish-washing and hand-washing soap. Prolonged use of these chemical ingredients, however, can cause the resistance of microbes to antibacterials and even to antibiotic medicines.
Triclosan also poses health and environmental dangers. It can cause hormonal imbalances and is a potential carcinogen. It can also leach into water bodies and cause pollution and algal blooms. Quaternary Ammonium Compounds, on the other hand, can cause skin irritation and respiratory problems.
Ammonia
Ammonia is an effective glass cleaning and polishing agent for toilet bowls, sinks, and jewellery. Because of its fast-vaporising quality, this chemical ingredient provides streak-free shine for your window panes and glass doors. However, ammonia also has adverse effects on human tissue. Prolonged exposure to ammonia can affect the lungs, mucous membranes, and cardiovascular system. It can cause breathing complications especially to people with asthma.
Lye or Sodium Hydroxide
Lye is a typical component of heavy-duty cleaners including oven cleaners, drain cleaners, and clog removers. This cleaning solvent is most effective in dissolving hardened food crumbs and clumps of hair on the drain. However, sodium hydroxide can also effectively burn and irritate sensitive areas of your body like your throat, skin, or eyes.
Phthalates
Phthalates provide the fragrance in most cleaning solutions. But, this pleasant smell has a price to it. Phthalates can disrupt the healthy functioning of the endocrine system. Long exposure to this chemical also causes men to have fewer sperm counts than normal.
Cleaning Solutions in Melbourne
Effective cleaning does not always equate to harmful and toxic chemicals. Although these hazardous cleaning agents may be effective, safer and greener alternatives are also available in the market that can still bring about the same result.
Scouring through the wide range of cleaning solutions just to avoid harmful chemical ingredients may be tiring and laborious. Not to mention the cleaning you have to do after purchasing the cleaning products. Thus, hiring professional cleaners to do the hard labour of cleaning is your best option.
At Crystal Maids, one of the cores of our services is safe and effective cleaning. Our team of professional and trusted cleaners only use safe cleaning agents to effectively clean your house and leave it spotless. Crystal Maids cleaners also uphold safety by wearing protective equipment as they work.
Avail of our cleaning servicesand experience an immaculate and clutter-free home without the hassle of cleaning. Book a cleaning job with us now, and we’ll be right at your doorstep to provide you with safe, efficient, and quality cleaning service for your home.