Cleaning product safety

More than ever, we are relying on data and science to prevent the spread of COVID-19 (SARS CoV-2 virus). Household cleaners, sanitizers and disinfectants can be valuable tools in keeping our environments clean and assist in maintaining our health, WHEN properly used. We must remember to handle household cleaners safely to avoid possible serious consequences. Some general precautions include:

1. STORE household cleaners and chemicals in a locked area and/or out of reach of children. Be mindful where children are when you are using the product. Keep all containers, even if they are empty away from children. Store your chemicals in safe areas and with compatible products. Do not store cleaning products or chemicals in areas that may have an open flame, heat source, combustible eg. Furnace room. Store the product below and away from food and food contact surfaces.

2. READ the entire label and use the product as instructed. MORE is not always better.

3. LABEL AND DATE containers where cleaning products are mixed (according to directions) and stored and use that container for that one purpose (ie. Spray bottles, buckets). Normally, you should only make up enough solution to last a few days but that depends on what the label says.

4. DO NOT reuse original cleaning compound packages for any reason.

5. PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT such as gloves, goggles, face masks etc. may be needed according to the label. Wear the equipment recommended.

6. USE product in a well-ventilated area.

7. NEVER mix household cleaning products together. Something as harmless as vinegar (acid) or ammonia mixed with bleach (a base) can produce toxic gases that may be lethal. Mixing bleach (sodium hypochlorite) or quaternary ammonia with detergents can cause the disinfectant action to be neutralized. Do not mix strong acids like an acid toilet bowl cleaner with bleach (a base) the combination can result in deadly fumes. Mixing different brands of one type of product can cause a violent reaction, result in toxic fumes or render both products ineffective.

8. THOROUGHLY WASH your hands when you have completed your cleaning to remove any chemical from your hands.

The bottom line is, READ AND USE the products according to the label. Mixing products can result in many different hazards from violent reactions to toxic fumes to neutralizing the effect of disinfectant properties. Select products based on the usage suggested, use according to the label and your journey to a clean home or business will be a safe one.