Important Safety Precautions for a Cleaner, Safer Home
Choosing safer products is a huge step forward. To further enhance your senior home safety, it’s also important to practice safe cleaning habits, no matter what products you use.
- Ventilate, Ventilate, Ventilate! This is the most important rule. Before you start cleaning, open a window or turn on an exhaust fan. Good airflow helps to dissipate any fumes and keeps the air you breathe fresh and clean.
- Never, Ever Mix Chemicals. This cannot be stressed enough. Mixing different cleaning products can create dangerous chemical reactions. The most common and hazardous combination is bleach and ammonia, which produces toxic gas. Keep your cleaning simple and use one product at a time.
- Read the Labels. Even “green” or “natural” products can have ingredients that might cause a reaction for some people. Take a moment to read the ingredient list and the safety warnings on any product before you use it.
- Protect Your Skin and Eyes. Simple rubber gloves are your best defense against skin irritation. They protect your hands from drying out and prevent direct contact with cleaning agents. If you are scrubbing vigorously or cleaning overhead, consider wearing protective glasses to prevent splashes.
- Store Products Safely. Keep all cleaning products in their original, clearly labeled containers. Store them in a secure cabinet, away from food, and out of reach of visiting grandchildren or pets.
