A few years ago I started switching out harsh household cleaners for safer cleaners. Yes, I bought a few that didn't seem to do the job, but I eventually on Method and Seventh Generation. Now that I am pregnant, I'm glad I made the switch.
According to USA Today, spray cleaners send thousands of babies and toddlers to the emergency room each year.
Nearly 12,000 children under age 5 go to the emergency room each year because of injuries caused by household cleaning products, according to a study in today'sPediatrics. About 40% of those injuries - or nearly 4,800 cases - are caused by spray bottles, which typically don't have child-resistant caps, according to the study of 267,269 children.
Spray cleaners can contain a range of hazardous chemicals, from ammonia to bleach. More than 740 of all small children injured by cleaning supplies in 2006 had symptoms that were life-threatening or caused long-term disabilities, the study says.
Spray bottles usually have bright packaging, with fruity or flowery scents and bright colors, and the spray handles make them feel like squirt guns, she says.
Many stores now sell safer household cleaners or you can make your own for much less.
Healthychild.org shares a few safer cleaners you can make:
Household Cleaner Instructions
All-Purpose Cleaner 1/2 cup vinegar
1/4 cup baking soda
1/2 gallon water
Mix ingredients above to store and keep.
Toilet Bowl Cleaner 1/4 cup baking soda
1 cup vinegar
Mix ingredients above. Pour into basin and allow to set for three minutes. Scrub with brush and rinse.
Rust Remover 1 lime
Salt
Sprinkle a little salt on the rust. Squeeze a lime over the salt until it is well soaked. Let the mixture set for two to three hours. Use the leftover rind to scrub the residue.
Glass Cleaner 1/4 cup white vinegar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 quart warm water
Mix ingredients above. Pour into a spray bottle or apply with a sponge. For lint-free results, wipe dry with crumpled newspaper instead of paper towels. Buff to a shine.
Furniture Polish 1 lemon
1 teaspoon olive oil
1 teaspoon water
Extract the juice from the lemon. Mix with oil and water. Apply a thin coat to the wood surface and let set for five minutes. Use a soft cloth to buff to a deep shine.
