While it’s true that modern chemistry has created some very effective cleaning products, not all of them are completely safe. Actually, some can be quite dangerous for your health and home. That is why we encourage you to read the ingredient labels on every product you purchase. It’s the first and most important step in choosing the right cleaning products for your home.
First, stay away from products that don’t have an ingredient label.
Contact the company and demand that they make the ingredient list available. Our advice is to not purchase such products because lack of transparency raises big red flags.
Second, know what to watch out for.
Keeping an eye out for the most common toxins is a good place to start:
- Ammonia: toxic when inhaled, swallowed or touched.
- Antibacterial products and various disinfectants: unless your house doubles as a hospital, you don’t need them. According to medical data, the overuse of disinfectants may be to blame for antibiotic-resistant bacteria. So, replace these with water and soap, or a few other natural alternatives (like vinegar), and you’ll be fine.
- Butyl Glycol, Ethylene Glycol: dangerous to the nervous system, liver & kidneys, but very common substances in popular cleaning products.
- Bleach: corrosive and irritating to eyes and lungs. It can also stain textiles and other surfaces if not used correctly.
- Phosphates: very often found in detergents (laundry and dish), but very harmful to aquatic life.
- Phthalates: hormone-disruptors, found frequently in the fragrance ingredients section of many products, not just industrial cleaners. They may cause allergic reactions and irritation, so you should avoid them as much as possible. Choose natural-oil scented products instead.
Third, replace chemicals with natural alternatives.
Many synthetic cleaning products can be successfully replaced with natural options, such as baking soda, citrus or vinegar. Knowing and using these alternatives will keep your home free from dangerous chemicals. It will also save you some money, as these alternatives are usually cheaper than common cleaning products.
Here are a few options:
- Baking soda: can be used to clean many things. Add a little water, and you can scrub any difficult stains to a nice shine. In combination with vinegar or dish soap (for super strength) you can use it to clean kitchen and bathroom tile, carpets, showers and tubs, toilets and even stained clothes.
- Marseille soap: a gentle olive-oil soap, great for general cleaning and laundry.
- Lemon juice: the “acid” ingredient in many natural cleaning products. It dissolves grease with ease and leaves a nice fresh, natural smell.
- Vinegar: a “power-cleaner” good for just about anything. Any type of vinegar works well. It’s great for cleaning tough water and mildew spots. It’s also useful for window cleaning, makes glass shine and dishes gleam (if you add it to your dishwasher’s rinse compartment). Plus, so much more.
Finally, we want to reassure you that Impeccable Touch cleaners use only safe cleaning products. We encourage you to contact us if you have special requirements regarding the type of cleaning products that you’d like us to bring and work with in your home. We want to make sure you and your family are safe and comfortable during and after every cleaning.
Remember that our housekeeping services cover both commercial and residential cleaning in Fort Lauderdale. So, no matter if you need a housekeeper for your regular cleaning every week, or you need a deep cleaning once or twice a year, we have your back. When you book online or by phone, a maid will visit your property, and make sure everything is impeccable.
