7 Cleaning Chemicals To Avoid: How To Read Labels?

Nowadays, there is a growing concern towards health and well-being. Not only are healthy and eco-friendly options easily available, but people are also investing heavily in them. As a result, you will spot many green products in the market. The cleaning industry is also showcasing a shift towards greener options. These chemical-free products are safe and clean the surfaces effectively. This is why professionals often use them for the best end of lease cleaning Adelaide. However, to avoid being influenced by misleading marketing strategies about cleaning products, it is a must to carefully read the labels and avoid products that contain toxic chemicals. For this, you must know which chemicals to avoid. Here is a list of the 7 cleaning chemicals you need to avoid. This way, you can ensure that you are cleaning your home in a safer way.

1. 2-BUTOXYETHANOL

2-Butoxyethanol (2-BE) is an irritant to the eyes and skin. It has also been shown to be associated with blood disorders in laboratory studies. This ingredient belongs to the category of solvents called glycol ethers. Exposure to it can make way for central nervous system depression, vomiting, nausea, headaches, and diarrhoea. It is common for this ingredient to be found in products that appear healthy as they contain fruit-based scents, like citrus, green, orange or lemon. You can find this ingredient in carpet cleaners, glass cleaners, oven cleaners, all-purpose cleaners, etc. Avoiding it is the best thing you can do for your health. As for finding it, simply figure out where the brand has mentioned the ingredients on the product, and if you find the chemical list there, avoid the product.

2. AMMONIA

Ammonia fumes are another one of those irritants to the throat, eyes, and skin. People who have asthma or respiratory issues are more sensitive to the effects of inhaling ammonia. It has also been associated with damage to the liver and kidneys. It is extremely volatile if mixed with other usual cleaning chemicals, including the one containing chlorine bleach, making chloramine gas, which is a highly poisonous compound. That is why experts who do professional bond cleaning Adelaide avoid using such chemicals. Ammonia is quite often used to clean glass, sinks, etc. They can be found in window cleaners, toilet cleaners, bathroom cleaners, car polish, etc.

3. Fragrance Chemicals

A lot of chemicals are used to make the cleaning products fragrant. Many different chemicals may hide behind the name of “fragrance” in the ingredients list including phthalates. Many of them can trigger headaches, asthma symptoms, migraines, etc. Because this word is considered a trade secret, companies are not allowed to mention the exact chemicals and formulations used for preparing a specific fragrance. When exploring cleaning products, look for the ingredient list and figure out if the word “fragrance” is there. If you spot it without any disclosure, such as “blend of essential oils”, it would be better to just avoid that product.

4. PHOSPHATES

Phosphates are known to be present in high doses of fertilisers and often have the same effect when you wash them down the sink and into the waterways. They might even cause a burst of growth in plant life, which will then consume all the water’s oxygen and choke the organisms that will start to die. Then algae develop and thrive in this environment. Algal blooms are known to have ruined multiple popular recreation areas and also have the ability to poison animals and humans. This is why the best end of lease cleaners Adelaide recommend avoiding such chemicals if you spot them on the ingredient list.

5. MEA (MONOETHANALOMINE)

MEA is an extremely corrosive agent and might even lead to bleeding in the revealed area in concentrated form. Inhaling it can also cause damage to the airways and lungs. Basically, MEA is a carcinogen and neurotoxin. Through frequent exposure, it can certainly damage the kidneys and liver. So, it is best to avoid it. You will often find this ingredient in:

• Floor cleaners
• All-purpose cleaners
• Oven cleaners
• Car wash products
• Liquid laundry detergents
• Degreasers
• Dishes soap

6. TRICLOSAN

Basically, Triclosan is an anti-microbial agent, and it is considered that such products lead to the growth of strains of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. This makes the bacterial infections less responsive to treatments. Triclosan is a harmful substance and endocrine disrupter that intervenes with human hormones. It is irritating to the eyes and skin and harmful to aquatic organisms, causing pollution in the waterways. That is why budget bond cleaners Adelaide recommend avoiding this chemical at all costs when exploring antibacterial products.

7. SODIUM LAURYL SULPHATE (SLS)

Sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) is an eye and skin irritant and is also considered toxic to the environment. SLS is a corrosive agent and is likely to accumulate in body tissues after extended usage. There is also Sodium laureth sulphate (SLES), which is an “ethoxylated” form of the same chemical, but it is less harsh. But, the process of producing it makes way for carcinogenic pollutants. So, you must avoid it in your detergents, dish soap, toilet bowl cleaners, etc.

Wrapping Up

In an ideal scenario, it would be better to just avoid all the above-mentioned chemicals. You can easily do so as there are plenty of eco-friendly and DIY options available where you will only need to use chemical-free ingredients. Doing so will allow you to get better results while avoiding health issues.