Protect Yourself While Cleaning House
By Paul Rothbart
Having a nice clean home is a good feeling. It looks better, feels better, and if you are into feng shui, it may produce positive energy. It's also healthier. Keeping a clean house involves a lot of work and household cleaning tools. Mops, brooms, dust cloths, and various types of brushes help make the job easier and more effective. It also requires cleaning products. Some parts of your home can get really dirty and you want products that can clean up dirt, grease, and grime. Many of these products contain harsh chemicals that can be harmful to the skin or even dangerous to your health. Here are some tips to get your house spick and span while protecting yourself.
Protective Gear
Chemicals such as bleach can be very harmful to your skin. Even having your hands in hot soapy water can strip away essential oils and dry out your skin. Wearing gloves is highly recommended. Get a pair designed for cleaning. You can buy reusable rubber gloves or if you prefer, the disposable latex variety. Make sure they fit well to keep liquids from getting inside. Safety goggles and glasses are good when cleaning as liquids or fumes could get into your eyes causing pain and injury. For some jobs, you may want a facemask to filter any fumes your cleaning products may emit. Taking the time to be cautious is better than risking your health to get done a little faster.
Read Labels
Like anything that is marketable, cleaning products have colorful logos, catchy names, and claims of how effective they are on the containers. Go beyond that and read the labels. Research to learn the possible harm any of these chemicals can cause. Be especially wary if you have allergies or sensitive skin. It's also important to be careful about combining products. A classic example of this is ammonia and bleach. Together, they cause a reaction that produces chlorine gas, which can kill you. The safest way to clean is to not combine anything.
Use Natural Cleansers
Buy cleaning products that are made from natural substances. There are many on the market that are organic, safe to use, and clean effectively. You could also make your own cleaners. Vinegar is mildly acidic and an excellent natural cleaner. Citrus juices such as orange and lemon also contain mild acid and clean well. Presoaking especially dirty areas can make them easier to clean as can cleaning more often. Don't let dirt build up and you can scrub it off with your organic cleaning products.
A clean home is a happy home. But cleaning can be dangerous if you are not careful. Use protective gear, avoid dangerous chemicals, and use organic products. Your home can be squeaky clean with no threat to your health.
To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Rosenberg, Tex.