These trusty cleaning products might do a good job getting rid of stains, dirt, and germs, but it’s important to know about their damaging effects on your house and health if you use them too much.
By Jennifer Noonan and Andréana Lefton
Air Fresheners
While many brands are switching to “fragrance free” and “unscented” options, you still need to be careful. Commercial air fresheners, scented and even so-called fragrance-free cleaners, often contain chemicals called phthalates. These synthetic esters are used to enhance plastics, and are found in a host of household products. Phthalates are considered “probable carcinogens” by the EPA and the Department of Health and Human Services, and have been linked to health concerns including liver, kidney, lung, and reproductive damage. While few studies have been done on essential oils, these naturally-occurring scented compounds are generally a better alternative for keeping your home fresh and healthy.
Cleaning Cons
While most people don’t love to clean house, it’s a job that must be done. But in doing that job, we’re often relying on cleaning products that can harm our homes and our health. Always be sure to use cleaning products safely and sparingly, and be especially careful with these 15 cleaners that can do the most damage.
Vinegar
Vinegar has become a popular cleaning solution because it’s both inexpensive and natural. But all-natural doesn’t mean problem-free. Because of its high acidity, vinegar can damage many surfaces in your home. It will permanently dull the appearance of stone countertops like marble or limestone, and it will damage the finish on a hardwood floor. Before you use vinegar to clean your household surfaces, do your research to see if these areas of the house can stand up to the cleanser.
Bleach and Ammonia
Bleach and ammonia have long been part of the household cleaning arsenal. Bleach is commonly used to remove stains from surfaces and to whiten laundry, and ammonia is often used to clean bathrooms and kitchens. On their own, both bleach and ammonia can be dangerous, emitting fumes that can irritate the eyes and lungs. But when they are mixed together, they create a chlorine gas that can be deadly. Bottom line: Never use bleach and ammonia together. No exceptions.
Silica-Based Powdered Cleansers
There are many powdered cleansers on the market, and they clean well because they contain abrasives that scrub dirt and grime from surfaces. Keep in mind that silica-based cleansers like Comet or Ajax will scratch porcelain, so you need to be careful where you use them. A nonabrasive powdered cleanser like Bon Ami, which is made of crushed feldspar, is gentle on all surfaces but still effective.
Liquid Drain Cleaner
Liquid drain cleaners contain caustic chemicals that can dissolve tough clogs. They can dissolve other things as well, including wood, fabric, and paint. They can even eat away at the metal of older plumbing, creating holes in your pipes that will cause even bigger headaches than a clog. If it gets on your skin, liquid drain cleaner can burn you, and it can be fatal if swallowed. Suffice it to say, use liquid drain cleaners only when you absolutely have to, and with great caution, or try to make a safer homemade version.
Cleanser Pods
Whether they are made for the dishwasher or the washing machine, detergents that use pods as their delivery device are dangerous if you have young children in the home. Many of them are colorful like candy, and their attractive appearance can tempt children to swallow them.
Glass Cleaner
Glass cleaner does clean glass—and well—but it should never be used on other glassy surfaces, such as TV and computer screens, phones, or tablets. The ammonia in glass cleaner, after multiple applications, causes screens to yellow and fog, or to become brittle and prone to cracking. Similarly, glass cleaner should not be used to clean eyeglasses or sunglasses, because it can cause scratches and cracks to the lenses.
Powdered Laundry Detergent
Powdered laundry detergents often contain additives and fillers that don’t fully dissolve during the course of laundering. These undissolved particles settle and build up over time, which can cause damage to septic systems and may eventually require a professional to come out and fix.
Mold and Mildew Remover
Most surface mold and mildew can be removed with a sponge and a mild cleaning solution (soap and water, or a citric acid-based formula). However, many spray-on products tout their ability to remove mold and mildew without any scrubbing. These sprays often rely on harsh chemicals, including bleach-like chlorine and alkyl ammonium chlorides. These common fungicides can cause breathing problems and respiratory damage, according to Cleveland Clinic.
