clean it! safer house- that really work!hq.recyclist.co/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/clean... ·...

CClleeaann IItt!!

SSaaffeerr HHoouussee--

CClleeaanniinngg MMeetthhooddss

tthhaatt RReeaallllyy WWoorrkk!!

Revised - includes new tips for makinginformed choices about cleaning products.

22

You don't need harsh chemical cleaning products to clean your home. Common household products like baking soda andvinegar are good all-purpose cleaners.

There are very good reasons to make the switch - some retail household cleaning products can be hazardous to your health and the health of your family and pets. Thehazards can come from chemical fumes,improper mixing of more than one product, orfrom children or pets ingesting the products.

In addition, some chemicals in products disposed of down the drain may end up in the Pacific Ocean. The resulting "chemicalsoup" can adversely affect aquatic creatures,and contribute to the build up of toxins in thefish we eat.

By buying and using fewer potentially hazardous products in the first place, you'llcreate a safer place for you, your family andpets, and the environment.

GREENCLEANING

33

This guide provides tips on safer cleaningproducts and methods. The recommendedsafer methods listed in this guide are effective.

The key to easier, safer cleaning is prevention.By preventing build-up of dirt, housecleaningwill be easier. Also, you can get good resultswith fewer chemicals if you use the right toolsand techniques - and this guide shows youhow. Once you've reduced your reliance onspecialty cleaning products, you can savemoney too, since the safer products in thisguide cost less.

If you feel you need to buy a cleaning productavailable from retail stores, this guide offers suggestions for selecting and using thoseproducts, but we recommend trying the safermethods first.

Many retail cleaning products should not be disposed of down drains or thrown away in the garbage. The proper disposal methods arelisted in this guide.

By following the recommended safe cleaningmethods in this guide, you can avoid the hazards of some cleaning products, and alsohelp protect the waters of the Pacific Ocean.

What's inThis Guide

44

Switching to safer cleaning products is simple.Just incorporate the cleaning products andtools listed on the following pages into yourregular household cleaning methods.

Here are some tips for getting started:

Evaluate the cleaning products you already have. Use them up, if appropriate,or follow the safe disposal methods listedin this guide.

Get organized. Gather all of your supplies,like baking soda and vinegar. Check theShopping List and Tools sections in thisguide for other items you may need.

Test tools, techniques, and products in asmall, inconspicuous area first to see ifresults are satisfactory.

If there are children or pets in your home,set up a safe, secure storage place for hazardous materials.

Ask your school-age children to help youevaluate and select the least toxic cleaningproducts - it may make a good science project for them.

Getting Started

55

You can find most of these recommendedsafer products at your specialty grocerystores or home improvement stores. Alwaysread the label carefully to understand theproduct's contents, warnings, and instructionsfor use.

SSttoorree aallll cclleeaanniinngg pprroodduuccttss oouutt ooff rreeaacchh ooff cchhiillddrreenn aanndd ppeettss,, ssuucchh aass iinn aa lloocckkeedd ccaabbiinneett,,aanndd nnoott wwhheerree ffoooodd iiss ssttoorreedd!!

RReeccoommmmeennddeedd SSaaffeerr PPrroodduuccttss

BBaakkiinngg ssooddaa with water, makes an all-purpose cleaner.

BBoorraaxx removes stains on toilet bowls.

LLeemmoonnss remove greasy fingerprints on windows.

TTooootthhppaassttee cleans silver.

VVeeggeettaabbllee--bbaasseedd lliiqquuiidd ssooaapp (such as castile soap) diluted with water makes an all-purpose cleaner.

WWhhiittee ddiissttiilllleedd vviinneeggaarr,, diluted in water, isalso a good all-purpose cleaner, and rinsesand removes baking soda residue.

SSppeecciiaall PPrroodduuccttss

The following are types of retail products that you might want for special cleaning jobs.However, use these products with caution asthey may pose some health and safety risks,as discussed later:

General purpose cleaner

Glass cleaner

Brass or silver polish

Toilet bowl cleaner

Tub and tile cleaner

Carpet spot remover

Floor cleaner

Shopping List

66

WWhhiittee nnyylloonn ssccrruubbbbeerr ssppoonnggee as an abrasive tool for scrubbing surfaces. If itdoesn't work, use a more abrasive tool, suchas vveerryy ffiinnee sstteeeell wwooooll.. It's important to notscratch the surface, so always use toolswith liquid, be gentle, and test for scratching.

Old 100% cotton clothing, diapers, or towelsfor dusting and cleaning; or try a mmiiccrrooffiibbeerrcclleeaanniinngg ccllootthh

TTooootthhbbrruusshh for cleaning small crevices

SSccrruubb bbrruusshh (large) with stiff bristles forcleaning tile grout

RRuubbbbeerr gglloovveess to protect your hands

GGoogggglleess to cover your eyes

PPlluunnggeerr aanndd ssnnaakkee for clogged drains

SSqquueeeeggeeee with replaceable blades for drying mirrors, glass doors, and windows

VVeerryy ffiinnee sstteeeell wwooooll for scrubbing more resistant dirt

PPuummiiccee bbaarr for cleaning toilet bowl stains

SSppoonnggee mmoopp with attached scrub pad

""HHaannddyymmaann''ss"" aapprroonn or ppllaassttiicc bbiinn to carryyour tools and products around with you

SSiinnggllee--eeddggee rraazzoorr bbllaaddee or ppaaiinntt ssccrraappeerr

Cleaning Tools

77

The more frequently you clean, the less effort it will take, because cleaning more frequentlywill help prevent dirt, harmful bacteria andmold from building up. In addition, frequentcleaning helps keep pests such as ants androaches under control.

Consider the following tips:

FFrreeqquueennttllyy:: Wash dishes, clean kitchen sink, counters, and stovetops. Wipe showersafter each use. Sweep or vacuum floorsand carpets.

RReegguullaarrllyy:: Wash hard surface floors. Dust furniture. Clean bathroom sink, bathtub,shower, and toilet.

OOccccaassiioonnaallllyy:: Wash windows. Clean refrigerator, kitchen cabinets, garbage can,and oven.

IImmmmeeddiiaatteellyy:: Clean up spills - the longeryou leave the spill the more the spill will setand stain. Use a cloth or sponge to absorbspills on carpets, rugs, and furniture, thenswab or wipe the spill with a damp cloth.

Use the right cleaning tools and keep themin good working order.

Don't mix cleaning products and tools - useone sponge for toilets, and another forsinks and showers.

Wash rags, sponges, and brushes in theclothes washer once a week. Bacteria collect quickly in cleaning tools, so it's very important to wash them regularly.

Want some professional tips?Check http://www.cmmonline.com and similaron-line trade publications that janitors read.

Cleaning Tips

88

You can make cleaning products using basicingredients such as baking soda and lemonjuice, as discussed later in this guide.

When making and using safer cleaning products, keep these important points in mind:

Homemade products should be labeled toidentify the ingredients in your mixture.NNeevveerr uussee ffoooodd aanndd ddrriinnkk ccoonnttaaiinneerrss ffoorr mmiixxttuurreess,, aass tthhiiss iiss aa ccoommmmoonn ccaauussee ooff aacccciiddeennttaall ppooiissoonniinngg..

Mixtures should always be kept in a child-resistant container and out of reachof children and pets, such as in locked cabinets, and not where food is stored.

Avoid using dairy products, such as mayonnaise or milk, for cleaning purposesbecause they may encourage bacterialgrowth and cause health risks.

When using a product, test a small inconspicuous area first to see if resultsare satisfactory.

Recipes for homemade cleaning products can be found in various websites and homeproduct books listed in the Resources section(page 11).

HomemadeCleaningProducts

CLEAN_3.qxd 1/2/04 11:37 AM Page 15

99

We encourage you to use the safer methodslisted in this guide. If you already have potentially hazardous cleaning products onhand, or if you feel you must buy them for aspecific purpose, follow these safety tips:

RReeaadd tthhee LLaabbeell

Look for these words:

Caution, Warning, or Danger

These words are placed on product labels to alert consumers to acute toxicity of the products, “Caution” being the least toxic and “Danger” being the most toxic. However,these signal words pertain only to the iimmmmeeddiiaattee (acute) hazard of the product. In most instances, labels do not provideinformation about the lloonngg--tteerrmm (chronic)hazards to humans or the environment,such as whether a product contains achemical suspected of causing birthdefects, kidney or liver damage, cancer, or lung disease.

Avoid products with labels that say things like:

- Harmful or fatal if swallowed

- Use only in a well-ventilated area

- Flammable or combustible

- Do not use near heat or flame

- Do not smoke while using

- Causes severe burns on contact

- Can burn eyes or skin

Buy only the amount you need, instead ofthe larger, economical size. This will minimizethe potential for spills as well as the potentialfor excess products.

Safety Tips:SelectingProducts


1100

Some ingredients have more risk of harmingyou or the environment than others andshould be avoided. If you decide to use aretail product, read the labels and try tochoose products that don't have the harmfulchemicals shown here in this table. If that'snot possible, then use eexxttrreemmee ccaarree - weargloves and goggles, have a good supply offresh air, and keep children, pets and otherpotential sources of distraction away.

Safety Tips:Ingredients to Avoid


Check the following websites and books forhomemade cleaning remedies, and for additional information about the safety ofretail cleaning products and the ingredientsthey contain:

Resources

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CCHHEEMMIICCAALL SSAAFFEETTYY


1122

When using any cleaning product, be sensibleabout protecting yourself from harmful effectsof chemicals. Even the "safer" products discussed in this guide can irritate your skinand burn your eyes if you're not careful.

AAtt HHoommee

Request the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)by calling the (800) customer service numberon the label, or check the internet for MSDSinformation (http://www.ilpi.com/msds/).

Use only the prescribed amount - more isnnoott always better.

Use products in well-ventilated areas.Breathing too much of products such aschlorine, drain cleaner, oven cleaner, orsolvents can irritate the skin, lungs, eyes,and/or cause dizziness.

Keep children and pets away from whereyou are cleaning to avoid distraction.

Don't clean and cook at the same time toavoid contamination.

Wear protective clothing, gloves and goggles.When finished, remove protective clothing andwash separately from regular clothing.

Use eexxttrreemmee ccaarree when using toxic orcaustic products. Follow the safety precautions printed on the label withoutexception, particularly with respect to theuse of protective clothing, gloves, and goggles and maintaining good ventilation.

NNeevveerr mmiixx pprroodduuccttss ccoonnttaaiinniinngg cchhlloorriinneebblleeaacchh wwiitthh tthhoossee ccoonnttaaiinniinngg aammmmoonniiaa oorraacciidd.. TThheessee mmiixxttuurreess ccrreeaattee aa lleetthhaall ppooiissoonnoouuss ggaass..

AAfftteerr UUssee

Keep lid tightly closed. If a child-resistantlid is provided, use it.

Keep products in original container so youknow what they are.

Store products out of reach of children andpets, such as in a locked cabinet, and notwhere food is stored.

DDiissppoossee ooff cchheemmiiccaallss aatt yyoouurr llooccaallHHoouusseehhoolldd HHaazzaarrddoouuss WWaassttee PPrrooggrraamm,, eventhough the label instructions may dictatethrowing the product into the trash. Seepages 13 through 15 for more information.

Never dump chemicals down storm drainsor catch basins.

Safety Tips:At Home and After Use


1133

Despite what some product labels say, manyhousehold products, including paints, motoroil, garden products, and certain cleaningproducts, should not be disposed of downsinks, toilets, floor drains, or discarded in thegarbage. Some household products containtoxic pollutants which, when disposed of inindoor drains, pass through the treatmentplants and end up in the Pacific Ocean, harm-ing fish and wildlife. Throwing away house-hold products in the garbage can harmgarbage collectors, and, once in the landfill,may eventually contaminate groundwater andthe atmosphere, and poison wildlife.

WWee eennccoouurraaggee yyoouu ttoo ddiissppoossee ooff yyoouurr hhoouussee--hhoolldd hhaazzaarrddoouuss wwaassttee ssaaffeellyy aanndd ccoonnvveenniieennttllyytthhrroouugghh yyoouurr llooccaall HHoouusseehhoolldd HHaazzaarrddoouussWWaassttee PPrrooggrraamm.. CCaallll tthhee nnuummbbeerr ffoorr yyoouurr aarreeaalliisstteedd bbeellooww oorr ggoo ttoo wwwwww..wwaasstteelleessss..oorrgg((HHaazzaarrddoouuss WWaassttee DDiissppoossaall)) ttoo ffiinndd oouutt ffaacciilliittyyooppeerraattiioonn hhoouurrss oorr ccoolllleeccttiioonn eevveenntt llooccaattiioonnssaanndd ttiimmeess iinn yyoouurr aarreeaa::

Camarillo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 805/388-5392Fillmore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 805/524-1500 x321Moorpark . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 805/ 517-6248Ojai . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 805/ 640-2560Oxnard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 805/385-8012Port Hueneme . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 805/986-6650Santa Paula . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 805/ 933-4219Simi Valley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 805/583-6321Thousand Oaks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 805/449-SAVEVentura . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 805/652-4525Unincorporated areas of

Ventura County . . . . . . . . . . . 805/289-3333

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Safe Disposal


1144

Follow these important guidelines when usingthe Household Hazardous Waste services:

Guidance about what to bring to theHousehold Hazardous Waste Facility is onthe next page. See Drain and GarbageCan's and Can'ts.

Do not transport more than 15 gallons or125 pounds of hazardous waste in yourvehicle. State law prohibits transportationof larger amounts without a license.

Do not mix products.

Keep all chemicals in their original container.If the original container is not available,then label the container with its ingredients.

Make sure lids are sealed tightly.

Prevent leakage. Pack containers in plasticor newspapers and put them into a largercontainer that can hold the product if a leak occurs.

These items cannot be accepted at the localfacilities: radioactive materials (such assmoke alarms), explosives, reactives, andpressurized gas cylinders over 20 pounds.

BBuussiinneessss oowwnneerrss with hazardous waste maycall the telephone numbers listed on Page 13and ask for information on Small QuantityGenerator disposal.

Disposal Guidelinesfor HouseholdHazardous WasteFacilities


1155

When in doubt about how to dispose of a product, call your local Household HazardousWaste Collection Program on page 13.

WWhhaatt CCaann GGoo DDoowwnn tthhee DDrraaiinn

Homemade cleaning products are safe to dispose down the drain without risk ofchemical, physical, or biological harm toplumbing and wastewater treatmentprocesses.

WWhhaatt CCaann GGoo iinn tthhee GGaarrbbaaggee

Any empty container (5 gallons or less incapacity) that has no continuous flow of liquid - it's both empty and dry - is safe todispose in the trash.

WWhhaatt CCaann NNoott GGoo DDoowwnn tthhee DDrraaiinn oorr iinn tthhee GGaarrbbaaggee

The following should not be disposed downthe drain or put in the trash. Containers ofunwanted products should be taken to aHousehold Hazardous Waste CollectionProgram:

Cleaning products (e.g., products withwords like "toxic", "corrosive", "flammable",or "ignitable" mentioned on the label)

Automotive products (e.g., motor oil,antifreeze, brake fluids)

Garden supplies (e.g., pesticides, herbicides,fungicides)

Paints and solvents (e.g., latex and oil-based paints, thinners, strippers) - Do notclean oil-based paintbrushes in the sink

Art and hobby supplies (e.g., glues, photographic chemicals, paints)

Medical waste, expired or unwanted medications, and hypodermic needles

Call 805/654-5007 or go towww.wasteless.org (Hazardous WasteDisposal) for information on VenturaCounty’s FREE needles disposal programfor residents.

Drain and GarbageCan's and Can'ts


1166

All-purpose cleaners can be used for counters,cabinets, stovetops, and other general areas.You may not need all of the specialized cleanerson the market. You can make cleaners onyour own, or purchase safe retail cleaners.

SSaaffeerr MMeetthhooddss

Add 1/4 to 1 teaspoon of vegetable-baseddishwashing soap or other liquid soap(such as castile soap) to 8 ounces of waterin a spray bottle and clean with a wetsponge or cloth. Wipe dry.

Make a solution of 9 parts warm water to 1 part white vinegar. Wipe with sponge orsoft cloth. Make a stronger solution fortougher jobs.

Sprinkle baking soda or mix baking sodawith water and scrub with a wet sponge. If the baking soda leaves a residue, rinsewith cold water and dilute vinegar. Dry witha cloth.

For stains on counters, squeeze fresh lemonjuice, let sit for 45 minutes, sprinkle bakingsoda, and rub with sponge or soft cloth.

Look for retail all-purpose cleaning productsthat are not hazardous. For example, useproducts with d-limonene (caution if youare allergic to citrus), amine oxide or methylsoyate - use with care (keep out of youreyes - wear goggles).

HHiigghheerr RRiisskk MMeetthhooddss

Products with butoxyethanol, or similar solvents will work, but use the products with these chemicals with eexxttrreemmee ccaarree..Wear gloves and goggles, and have lots offresh air.

PPrreevveennttiioonn

Clean up spills immediately.

Clean counters and stovetops daily.

Be careful using abrasive cleansers on anysurface - especially plastic, glass, porcelain,wood, painted surfaces, or stainless steel -they may scratch the surface and/orremove the finish.

ALL-PURPOSE CLEANERS


1177

Some retail scouring cleansers contain silicaor chlorine bleach. Silica can be dangerous ifinhaled. Mixing cleansers containing chlorinebleach with other products containing acidsor ammonia can create a poisonous gas. Youcan make effective scouring cleansers yourselfor purchase retail products without silica or chlorine.


Sprinkle baking soda or make a paste withbaking soda and a small amount of liquidsoap. Scrub with a damp white nylonscrubbing pad, soft cloth, sponge, or veryfine steel wool. Test before using to makesure you don't scratch the surface. Rinsewith vinegar if necessary. Dry with a cloth.

Retail scouring cleansers are available thatdo not contain silica or chlorine.


Use of retail scouring cleansers that containsilica or chlorine.


Cleaning regularly helps to prevent build-upof grime.

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SCOURING CLEANSERS


1188

Glass cleaners range from mild detergents toheavy-duty products with strong solvents.Some retail products are mists or aerosols,which are unhealthy to breathe. For aerosols,you end up paying extra just for the propellants.Water, as well as dilute vinegar, is just aseffective, if not better, than most retail glasscleaners on the market.


For routine window cleaning, apply waterwith a soft cloth, squeegee dry, and rubwith newspaper for a streak-free window(wear gloves to prevent ink from blackening hands).

If the windows are really dirty, mix 1/4-cupvinegar with water in a quart spray bottle.Use a white nylon scrubbing pad for stubborn dirt.

To remove greasy fingerprints, put 1-table-spoon reconstituted (or strained fresh)lemon juice with warm water in a quartspray bottle.

Try products containing amine oxide, milddetergents, vinegar, or similar lower toxicityingredients may. (Keep out of your eyes -wear goggles).


For removing heavy grease or oil, productswith butoxyethanol or alcohol may beeffective. If you opt to use these, useeexxttrreemmee ccaarree because the ingredients canabsorb through your skin, and then harmyour blood, liver, and kidneys.


Streaking is often a sign that the windowcleaning product is too strong. Try adding alittle water.

Do not clean windows in direct sunlight asthis can also cause streaking.

Did you know that there are glass windowproducts that repel dirt? Search the webfor 'self-cleaning glass'.

G L A S S C L E A N E R


1199

You can do most kitchen cleaning with a mildcleaner/disinfectant containing less than 0.2%quaternary ammonium chloride. To removestubborn countertop rings or spots, use a mildscouring cleanser.


Homemade glass cleaner or general purposecleaner works well on chrome, porcelain,stainless steel, and other kitchen surfaces.

Use liquid kitchen cleaners containing amineoxide, mild detergents, or methyl soyate.

To disinfect, use products with 0.2% quaternary ammonium chloride in either atowel or trigger spray bottle.


Use a silica scouring powder with bleach -place the powder onto a wet rag and takecare to not inhale the dust. Be carefulusing silica powder on plastic, wood, paint,or stainless steel. The silica may scratchthe surface or remove the finish.

For removing heavy grease or oil, productswith butoxyethanol or alcohol may beeffective. If you opt to use these, useeexxttrreemmee ccaarree because the ingredients canabsorb through your skin, and then harmyour blood, liver, and kidneys.


Cleaning regularly prevents grime build-up.

Install a plastic or glass backsplash aroundyour stove and food preparation counters.

K I T C H E N C L E A N E R S


2200

Most retail oven cleaners contain sodiumhydroxide, or lye, one of the most dangeroussubstances for household use. Sodiumhydroxide mists can blind you, burn your nose and mouth, and damage your lungs.


For lightly soiled ovens, make a thick pastewith water and baking soda. Scrub well witha white nylon scrubbing pad. If the oven isgreasy, add a small amount of liquid soap.

To remove spots, use very fine steel wool. A wet cleaning pumice bar can be used toremove the toughest spots. Be careful notto scratch the surface.


Retail oven cleaners are available that are non-caustic and do not contain lye.Avoid products with the word "Danger" onthe label.

Tackle burned-on spots with a plasticscraper. Next, use a silica scouring powderwithout bleach. Place this powder on ascrubbing pad, scour the oven surface, andthen thoroughly rinse. Take care to notinhale the dust.

Products with butoxyethanol or other glycol ether can remove heavy grease. Useeexxttrreemmee ccaarree because these ingredientsabsorb through skin, and may harm yourblood, liver, and kidneys.

Avoid cleaners with sodium hydroxide orammonium hydroxide, particularly inaerosol form. These chemicals can burnyour skin or blind you. Inhaling these chemicals can irritate your windpipe.


Preventing spills is the easiest and safestway to keep your oven clean - catch drips by placing aluminum foil or a metaltray underneath.

Spills are easier to clean up if they areattacked before getting baked on.

Clean the oven regularly.

O V E N


2211

Prevention is the key to keeping drains frombecoming plugged. It is easier and more sensible than waiting for a crisis, and muchsafer than using chemical drain openers.


For clogged drains, use a plunger or snake.Before using a plunger, be sure there iswater standing over drain. To get an airtightfit, apply petroleum jelly on rim. Push andpull vigorously. When using a snake, firstremove all strainers or cross bars. Gentlyrotate snake and when resistance is felt,withdraw material carefully.

For roots in pipes, contact a plumber orroot removal specialist to mechanicallyremove the roots.


Drain openers can quickly blind you orcause other serious injury. Avoid productswith sodium hydroxide, which can burn and blind you. Use eexxttrreemmee ccaarree if youdecide to use these products, and be sureto wear goggles.


Put a strainer or filter in all drains.

Never pour any type of grease down your drains because it can congeal to the plumbing.

When cooking, drain grease directly into a can or jar and chill in the refrigerator.Once the grease has solidified, toss the containered grease in the trash.

Scrape or wipe grease and food scrapsfrom dishes into the garbage before washing dishes.

Avoid using the garbage disposal. Foodscraps often contain grease, which can congeal to the plumbing after passingthrough the garbage disposal.

Use an enzyme-based "build-up remover" tobreak down grease and prevent clogs fromforming. (These products are not designedto clear a blocked drain.)

Once a week, put a handful of baking sodadown the drain followed by hot water.

Woody vegetation should be planted awayfrom sewer lines to prevent blockages from roots.

D R A I N S


2222

Bathroom cleaners are designed especially to deal with soap scum and mildew on tubs,tiles, and showers. Many retail bathroomcleaners are also disinfectants, which temporarily kill germs on surfaces. Use themildest product that meets your personalstandards.


To clean the sink, shower, tub, and tilegrout, soak with diluted liquid soap, andthen sprinkle with baking soda, and scrubwith a white nylon scrubbing pad and rinse.Use a stiff toothbrush or scrub brush fortiles. Rinse any residue with dilute vinegarand cold water.

To clean mold from surfaces, use a mixtureof 1-teaspoon of borax in a quart of hotwater in a spray bottle. Wipe with a dampcloth or sponge.

To remove soap scum from glass shower doors, soak surfaces with dilutedliquid soap and scrub with a white nylonscrubbing pad. For serious soap scum, usevery fine steel wool. Rinse with cold waterand, if necessary, add vinegar to rinse.

To disinfect, use products with 0.2% quaternary ammonium chloride.


Select a product that is made specificallyto handle water spots, soap scum, andmildew. Avoid products with alcohol or glycol ether (e.g., butoxyethanol) unless the area is well-ventilated.

Bathroom cleaners with bleach, acid, orcaustic can quickly blind you or causeother serious harm. Avoid products withthese ingredients if you can; otherwise usethem with eexxttrreemmee ccaarree..


Bacteria, mildew, and mold generally cannot live without dampness, so keep surfaces dry by frequent wiping (use asqueegee in the shower) and keeping thebathroom well-ventilated.

Clean the bathroom frequently.

B A T H R O O M S


2233

You may not need a special cleaner just forthe toilet. Baking soda or a non-chlorinescouring powder should do the job. Toiletbowls generally don't stay germ-free for longno matter what you use.


To clean, scrub with baking soda and/or liquid soap, or non-chlorine scouring powder.

To remove stains, pour 1/4- cup of boraxinto bowl and let sit for at least 30 minutesor overnight. Scrub bowl well and then flush.

To remove mineral deposits, scrub with barof cleaning pumice. (Test for scratchingbefore cleaning.)

To clean exterior toilet area, spray with liquid soap diluted in water. Check undertoilet tank and all crevices. Dry with a cloth.For heavy dirt, see Scouring Cleansers(page 17).


Toilet cleaners with bleach, acid, or causticchemicals can quickly blind you. Useeexxttrreemmee ccaarree when using these products.

Many retail toilet bowl cleaners are strongacids that can burn skin and eye tissue. Only use acid products if your toilet has hard water scale or other tough depositsyou want to remove. Take eexxttrreemmee ccaarreewith such chemicals, and bbee ssuurree nnoott ttoommiixx oonnee ttyyppee ooff pprroodduucctt wwiitthh aannootthheerr..


Clean the toilet frequently, perhaps weeklyor more. The bowl won't stay germ-free forlong. Frequent, thorough cleaning is the key.

Consider a non-bleach tank insert if youdon't have time for regular cleaning.

T O I L E T B O W L S


2244

Carpets need step-wise cleaning: frequent vacuuming, spot cleaning for spills,and occasional steam cleaning for removingdeeper soil and dust. This approach is goodfor upholstery, too.


Vacuuming - Dirt accumulates just insidedoorways, next to furnace cold air returns,and in closed rooms. Spend extra time vacuuming these areas.

Spills - Wipe up quickly before the stainbecomes permanent. Use a dry rag orpaper towel to soak up the spill. The nextstep depends on what was spilled:

- using water on a rag may remove therest of the stain;

- tackle oil or grease with your general purpose cleaner;

- use a cleaner and odor remover from apet store for pet messes;

- use cleaners specialized to neutralize and dissolve catsup, mustard, coffee andsimilar foods.


Steam Cleaning - Most steam cleaningchemicals are only moderately toxic.However, it's still important to keep theseproducts off your skin, out of your eyes,and away from children and pets.

Check your carpet manufacturer's websitefor a spot remover that will match whatwas spilled, and won't harm the carpet.MMaannyy ssppoott rreemmoovveerrss aarree vveerryy ttooxxiicc,, ssoo uusseetthheemm wwiitthh eexxttrreemmee ccaarree..

Avoid spot removers with ppeerrcchhlloorrooeetthhyylleennee..This chemical is a carcinogen and there isno way to effectively protect yourself. If youhave any products with perchlorethylene,make a point to bring it to your localHousehold Hazardous Waste Program.


Prevent dirt from being tracked into thehouse by placing mats in doorways.

Vacuum frequently.

C A R P E T S


2255

Floor care products include dust mop sprays,liquid cleaners, and finish restorers. Many ofthese chemicals have significant health andenvironmental impacts, and should be usedsparingly and with eexxttrreemmee ccaarree..


Mop with a dilute vinegar solution. Use astronger solution for tougher jobs.

To cut grease on vinyl floors, dilute with asmall amount of liquid soap with water.Mop then rinse with dilute vinegar solution.

Damp mop sealed wood floors with vinegarand water. Dry immediately with a cloth.

To remove black heel marks on floors, rubwith a pencil or typewriter eraser.


Aerosol sprays help your dry mop pick upmore dust. However, these sprays containsolvents that affect your nervous system.Try to use pre-treated mops and moppingtowels instead of aerosols.

Wet mopping products come in concentratedforms that require diluting with water. Mostconcentrates can harm your eyes and skin,so wear protective gloves and goggles.

Floor finish restorers often contain ingredients that cause reproductive harmand other problems. Hire a professional fordeep maintenance work. Otherwise, useeexxttrreemmee ccaarree,, and follow precautions listedon the MSDS.


Sweep or vacuum floors frequently to eliminate the need for using chemicals.

Scrub floors regularly.

Use area rugs to protect the floor.

Prevent dirt from being tracked into thehouse by placing foot mats at doorways.

F L O O R S


2266

Rather than adding another special-purposecleaner to the clutter under your sink, it's far less expensive to use a rag or spongemoistened with water and a little all-purposecleaner or even a plain damp rag to cleanyour finished furniture. Before using any product, test a small inconspicuous area first to see if results are satisfactory.


To dust, wipe along the grain with a soft cloth.

To clean most spills and fingerprints, rub with a soft cloth, lightly moistened with water. Buff immediately with a soft dry cloth.

For dirtier surfaces, moisten a soft clothwith a small amount of liquid soap or all-purpose cleaner diluted in water. Buffimmediately with a soft dry cloth.

Antiques and teak furniture may require special care - consult an expert.


Dust frequently - regular dusting helps toprevent dirt from accumulating.

F U R N I T U R E


2277

Retail metal cleaners and polishes can varywidely in the hazards they pose. Try the safermethods listed below. Use a soft cloth.


For copper and brass, saturate a sponge or soft cloth with vinegar or lemon juice,sprinkle salt on sponge and rub. Rinse thoroughly and dry, otherwise it will corrode rapidly.

For silver, rub gently with toothpaste. Rinsewith warm water, then dry with a soft cloth.

For chrome, wipe with dilute vinegar. Rinsewith water, then dry. To clean oily stains onchrome, wipe with a small amount of liquidsoap first, followed by dilute vinegar. Polishwith dry cloth.

For stainless steel, mix baking soda withwater and clean. You can also add a smallamount of liquid soap. Rinse with dilute vinegar, buff with a dry cloth. Mineraldeposits in tea kettles can be dissolved bysoaking in a dilute vinegar solution.


For copper, brass, and silver use a product with ammonia or a mild acid. Rinsethoroughly and dry, otherwise the surfacewill tarnish rapidly. Wear protective glovesand eye covering, and be sure the room iswell-ventilated.

Avoid metal cleaners with toxic ingredientssuch as ppeerrcchhlloorrooeetthhyylleennee (dry cleaningfluid), petroleum naphtha, or NMP becausetheir fumes have the potential for cancer orreproductive harm and there is no way toeffectively protect yourself.

PPeerrcchhlloorreetthhyylleennee is particularly toxic. If youhave any products with ppeerrcchhlloorreetthhyylleennee,,make a point to bring it to your HouseholdHazardous Waste Facility.


Store silver behind glass, in cloth or plasticbags, or plastic wrap. Do not wrap silver withrubber bands because they can discolorthe silver.

M E T A L P O L I S H E S


2288

Provided by the Ventura CountyEnvironmental and Energy ResourcesDepartment - 805/289-3333. Reprinted withpermission from BAPPG.

Neither the County of Ventura, nor anyemployee thereof is liable for any information,error, or representation, or makes anywarranty, expressed or implied as to theaccuracy of the information providedthrough this publication.

The San Francisco Bay Area PollutionPrevention Group (BAPPG) has developed this guide to provide information on safercleaning methods and less hazardous cleaningproducts for the home. Our goal is to reducethe amount of toxic pollutants discharged intosewer systems and disposed of in the garbage.Any mention of individual products, vendors,or technologies does not constitute anendorsement by the San Francisco BAPPG.

Editor: Susan Glendening, Paula KehoeCreative: Maureen O'RorkeDesigner: Larry GreenIllustrator: Leesa WhittenTechnical Advisor: Thomas Barron, Phillip Dickey

Copyright San Francisco Bay Area Pollution Prevention Group 2003City and County of San Francisco 1996

T H A N K S


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