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Category: Home Interior Tips

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Tile Cleaning

 Tile Cleaning

Tile cleaning can be a chore and the techniques you would use can vary depending on the type of tile you have.  I will list several types of tiles here and discuss some basic tips for tile cleaning of the various types of tiles.

With many colors, textures, tiles sizes, and materials of excellent durability qualities available, in most cases tiles are easy to maintain and clean.  The bigger challenge in most cases is the cleaning of the grout. https://www.howtocleananything.com/general-cleaning-tips/grout-cleaning/

Tile Cleaning
Tile Cleaning

Marble, Travertine

Smooth, hard, cool to the touch and beautifully patterned, marble flooring, travertine and limestone offer the classic look of elegance and create a very luxurious effect.

Available in a wide variety of colors, especially earth tones, and often imitated by other types of tile like ceramic and porcelain.

Marble, limestone and travertine are calcite-based stones and have similar properties when it comes to care and cleaning. Marble is relatively simple to maintain once you know how.

Most problems are simple to solve, however, sealing may be necessary to protect against staining. Using the proper cleaning products requires a little more care and work, but it is a must… the results is a terrific looking floors

Extremely durable and versatile, marble, travertine or limestone floor tile can be used anywhere in your home, even your patio, but are particularly suitable for bathrooms, showers, hallways and formal living areas…

Etching in marble may be a concern, and when it comes to cleaning, using the proper product for marble is a MUST! Taking care of marble requires a bit more work than other types of tile flooring, but the beauty it adds to your home will be worth it… Bear in mind that counter tops are more susceptible to etching than flooring. These types of tiles are cleaned using neutral pH cleaners, no acidic cleaners should be used. Also quickly remove spills like orange or tomato juice for example since they are acidic.  Using soft cleaning cloths and or mops are best when cleaning marble and abrasive cleaning equipment is not recommended when cleaning marble.

Granite tile is basically indestructible if you choose the right variety… It can be used in any room with no concern, including an entry way or outdoor patio.

Unlike marble, limestone and travertine, this type of tile does not etch the same way and rarely is staining a problem. There is basically an endless array of patterns and magnificent colors for you to choose from and tile cleaning is pretty easy but it is best to avoid acidic chemicals.

Like most floor tile, granite has maintenance requirements… Depending on the degree of use and wear, polished granite may require periodic re-polishing just like any polished stone floor will.

To help reduce the chance of staining, some types may need to be sealed to may tile cleaning easier.

Slate Tile

Rugged and rustic looking, this tile is definitely unique and loved by many. The distinctive characteristics are easy to spot and adds to its allure, but the up-keep can be over-whelming and is therefore not for everyone.  Slate is more porous and usually uneven so regular cleaning is a must, or using a stone sealer to may tile cleaning is also recommended.  Since slate is more porous it will stain easier and stains can be stubborn.  Grease stains for example are difficult on a floor like this which is unsealed, and you will likely have to resort to using a poultice to remove this type of staining.  For general maintenance neutral cleaner is best and using less detergent is better leaving soap residue behind will only attract the dirt fast and make tile cleaning ore difficult.

Not all slate is alike and the quality can vary widely from soft and crumbly to hard and dense. The more expensive the slate the easier it will be to maintain,

Slate is usually thought of as gray, but it comes in colors, too. You will find green, blue, black, gray, rust and multi-color.

Most slate must be sealed to prevent staining. The cleft (ridges) finish slate is noted for collects dirt easily. Also, any element that is acidic will cause etching (corrosion) if it comes into contact with slate tiles.

Slate may not be the best choice for large flooring areas because of the the up-keep it requires. Having it honed (smoothed) will reduce the time and care needed to keep your flooring looking its best…

Cleaning Natural Stone Flooring

The main factor in cleaning natural stone is the initial treatment of the floor, for easy tile cleaning using a stone sealer is best and if you desire a unfinished look that is not sealed then frequent tile cleaning is necessary.  Consider a wet vacuum so you can use a combination of water detergent and by vacuuming with a wet vac will help keep the tiles cleaner. Use as little detergent as possible; remember excess soap will attract dirt faster.  Always use a Ph balanced soap or detergent.

Porcelain Tile

Porcelain is steadily gaining in status as an alternative to stone or ceramic tile. Its characteristics are equal to natural stone tile without the price. Also, it is more durable, longer wearing and more damage resistant than ceramic, which make it suitable for any area in your home.

Full-bodied porcelain carry the color and patterns throughout its thickness making it virtually impervious to wear and suitable for residential, commercial and industrial highest traffic application.

If you like the stone tile look, but fear the price porcelain tile comes closer to duplicating the look of natural stone tiles.

Nearly maintenance free and cleaning is a breeze with just soap and water and is highly resistant to stains.  There are some porcelain tiles with matte finishes which are designed to reduce the slipperiness or just because the desire is to not have a shine floor.  Thee matte finished floors can be a challenge and can trap the dirt easier, in which case more frequent or specialized tile cleaning is necessary.

Ceramic Tile

Popularity has greatly increased for ceramic flooring as an alternative to natural stone tile. It wears well in light to moderate traffic areas, but is more prone to chipping and wear than is porcelain tile.

Of all the hard tiles, ceramic offers the most choices in colors, shapes and patterns. It’s suitability for any room makes ceramic a versatile tile floor covering.

The finishing glaze may give it a plastic or wet look (depending on your choice of color & pattern). None-the-less, it has great eye-appeal and style.

It provides better traction than most stone tiles and is resistant to water and stains. No special cleaning agents are needed; diluted household detergent will work just fine.

Saltillo Tile

Saltillo tile captures the rich yellow-orange colors of the South-western desert clay it is made of. In a class by itself, each tile is made by hand and no two tiles are the same…

Its uniqueness and color cannot be compared to any other floor tile and is what people are drawn to and love…

The downside, clay is very porous and stains easily. In colder climates it may crack and scratch more easily. NOT the best choice for kitchen or bathroom.

Lack of uniform tiles makes them difficult and consequently expensive to install. Saltillo tile should be sealed before, immediately after and every six months thereafter once installed.

Cork Tile

Growing by leaps and bounds cork tile is quickly becoming the flooring of choice over other types of tile, and especially so for kitchens and bathrooms.

Long-wearing, affordable, rich and warm looking, easy to take care of and easy to install are just a few features why it has gained such popularity!

It’s natural insulating and sound proofing properties, resistance to friction, impact, moisture, dust, bacteria, mold and rot make it suitable for any room!

With so many incredible colors, patterns and designs available, there is something to fit any life style and the creative mind… just imagine.

Cork floor tile require very little maintenance… once installed apply a coat of acrylic varnish sealant, and re-apply the sealant when the tiles begin looking dull.  Otherwise a good neutral pH cleaner is best for cleaning this tile.

Rubber Tile

Made from synthetic materials rubber tiles are square and available in many sizes, thickness, colors, simulated stones, patterns, textures and finish. They are hard-wearing and resistant to most flooring issues, but can mark easily. These tiles are better suited for wet areas like the kitchen, bathroom, utility room or garage, but work well in a child’s bedroom or play room too. They are affordable, practical and very contemporary, with minor drawbacks compared to other types of tile.

Dirt can accumulate in raised or dimpled textures and light colors show the dirt more easily. Special products are needed for polishing the surface and sealing.

Rubber tiles are not difficult to install, but are heavier and harder to handle than cork, vinyl or linoleum tiles.

Summary

To summarize there are some consistent things you should be looking for and doing when performing your tile cleaning. Look at the best way to seal both the tiles and the grout after the tiles have been installed.  Maintain that sealer based on the recommendations of the manufacture, but the basic rule of thumb is when the finish is looking dull you need to re-seal.  This alone is the largest factor in keeping your tiles clean.

Always use a neutral pH cleaner, avoid acidic or alkaline cleaners both will remove floor finishes.  Acidic cleaners will damage some natural stone like marble etc. Some examples of acidic cleaners are CLR, vinegar while bleach is highly  alkaline etc.  The pH of orange juice is 3.0, while baking soda has a pH of 9.0

The speed of cleaning up spills and stains are also important when cleaning tiles.  Don’t let that grape juice take hold and soak into the tile and or likely the grout, clean up as soon as the spill occurs.  Take the time to cleaning your tile really well before attempting to seal, you may have to go as far as using a poultice for removing stains when cleaning natural stone tile.  Going the extra mile before sealing will go a long way to make tile cleaning an easy maintenance task for the life of your tiles.

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Golden Rules for Stain removal

What are the golden rules for stain removal? Scrubbing and rubbing is the first thing most are inclined to do when cleaning a stain, but it is not the correct way to go.  This will only spread or drive the stain deeper into the fabrics and or carpet or surface you are working on cleaning.  You want to gently lift the stain out by using techniques like blotting, flushing or tamping. Some golden rules for effective stain removal are as follows.

1. Act quickly; speed in which you attempt to remove the stain is a huge factor in success.

2. Use the simplest method first, try to physically remove as much of the stain as you can by scooping, sweeping, lifting, or vacuuming before dousing it with chemicals.

3. Don’t use water or any chemical until you know what the stain is and don’t forget to pre-test if you are using a spot cleaning chemical.

4. Never apply heat until the stain has been completely removed, heat sets stains. When cleaning clothes or fabrics you are laundering always inspect before using a dryer to dry.  The heat will set the stain, you are better off letting the item air dry and re-try to remove the stain.  Follow this and other golden rules for your best success when removing stains.

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Domestic Cleaning

Domestic cleaning is a part of all of our lives.  However, the time may come when you have a large house or a busy schedule and you cannot handle all of the cleaning yourself and would like to hire a domestic cleaning company.  Before you do so, be sure you know what to expect from a housekeeper.

Domestic CleaningA housekeeper is responsible for the removal of litter, dirt and stains.  A housekeeper does not generally pick up toys, clothes, or other clutter, though.  Talk with the house cleaning company to determine what is considered clutter and what isn’t.  For example, some charge extra for cleaning dishes, but not for putting dishes in a dishwasher.  Dusting, sweeping, vacuuming and mopping are standard responsibilities for a housekeeper.  Cleaning tubs, showers, bathroom counters and mirrors are also usually included in the cost.

For an additional charge, you can add on just about anything you want to:  washing windows, TV screens, cleaning blinds, dusting baseboards, watering plants, folding laundry and changing sheets. Prices vary depending on the types of services done, the size of your house and how often you have a housekeeper come out.  Most domestic cleaning companies require payment at the time of services in the form of cash or check.

You can have a housekeeper come while you are home or while you are away.  Homeowners often leave a key with a housekeeper or under the mat, when hiring a company, since the housekeeper may change from week to week.  Housekeepers should bring their own supplies and you have the option of choosing eco-friendly products or more mainstream products.

Domestic cleaning service is a great idea for families that are busy and have the extra income to pay for it.

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Air Duct Cleaning

When is it time for air duct cleaning?  How can you clean air ducts yourself?  What should you look for in an air duct cleaning company?  Continue reading for answers to these questions and do it yourself tips.

Air duct cleaning is a must if you have mold, rodents or your air ducts are clogged with dust and debris.  However, besides these circumstances, most systems do not need air duct cleaning.  The air filter traps dirt and keep sit from entering your home.  If you suspect you have mold, rodents, or an excessive amount of dust, then you’ll need to decide whether to clean the ducts yourself or hire someone to do it.

Do it yourself if…

  • You have gotten rid of rodents completely
  • Mold is minor and hasn’t overrun the entire system
  • Your air ducts are easy to access

Have a professional do it if…

  • You still have rodents
  • Mold is extensive or in hard to reach places
  • You air ducts are hard to access
  • You would like the entire line of ducts cleaned

Air Duct Cleaning:  Doing it yourself

Air Duct CleaningIf you choose to clean your ducts yourself, the first thing you’ll need to do is turn the system off.  You’d hate to be cleaning a duct when the air conditioner comes on blasting you with cold air and dust!  Once you’ve turned the system off, remove the dust covers.  You can clean the dust covers with a mild household cleaner while they’re off.  Wear gloves to keep your hands cleaner.

A vacuum with a hose and nozzle attachment can be used to vacuum the duct first.  Use duct tape to tape the nozzle to the hose, so it doesn’t fall off while you’re using it.  Once you’ve vacuumed up the large particles of debris and dust, take an inspection of the walls of the ducts.  Are they free from debris? Are they intact?  If you see something that worries you, call in a professional to perform an inspection of his/her own.  If your ducts look fine, you can then take a wet brush or rag and wipe down the interior of the duct.

Replace the dust covers and turn your system back on!

Air Duct Cleaning:  Hiring a Professional

If do it yourself maintenance isn’t your thing or you suspect you have a problem too big to handle, there are a number of companies that can clean your ducts for you.  Take into consideration the following things when choosing a company:  Air Duct Cleaning

  1. How much experience does the company have in the business of air duct cleaning?
  2. What licenses does the company hold?  There are no national license required, but many states require a local license.
  3. Does the company use any “moisture” methods?  If so, be sure it has a plan to avoid mold that often grows with moisture.
  4. Does the company use an chemical treatments or biocides?  If so, find out why.  Many of these are unnecessary and some can even be harmful.
  5. How does the company protect you, your family, and your belongings from the dust?
  6. Does the company provide an inspection and estimate before beginning any work?

Remember, air duct cleaning only needs to be done on rare occasions; if  a company recommends frequent cleaning,  you may want to get a second opinion.

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Upholstery Steam Cleaning

Upholstery steam cleaning can be intimidating, but with these do it yourself tips, the task becomes much easier. Make your furniture look like new!  There’s no need to hire an upholstery steam cleaning company when you can easily clean your upholstery yourself.

Upholstery steam cleaning requires the following items:  upholstery shampoo, soil emulsifier or pre-conditioner (for very dirty furniture), scrub brush, steam cleaner, and a fan (optional). You can find these products at any home or hardware store.  While experts will tell you an upholstery specific steam cleaner is required, a carpet steam cleaner will work just as well.  An upholstery steam cleaner may be smaller and easier to work and come with hoses or nozzles that make cleaning furniture easier.

Upholstery Steam CleaningYour first step to upholstery steam cleaning is to pre-condition the fabric.  It’s always a good idea to spot check the fabric on a part of the furniture  you don’t see first. Pre-conditioning includes spraying a soil emulsifier or upholstery pre-conditioner on the fabric.  This loosens dirt and oils that have been ground into the fabric.

Next, you’ll want to shampoo the the fabric.  This can also be done with a sprayer, like the soil emulsifier.  Some formulas offer a soil emulsifier and shampoo in one.  It’s recommended that you use a shampoo made specifically for upholstery, although some mild carpet cleaners will work just fine on your furniture.  After you’ve thoroughly covered the upholstery, scrub in the shampoo with a scrub brush or towel.  You will want to agitate the formula enough to create some suds.

Use your steam cleaner to then steam the furniture.  This removes the water and dirt.  Remove as much water as you can with the steam cleaner so that your furniture will dry faster.  Use a dry brush to brush the fabric in all directions to give your furniture a brand new look.  If you’d like to speed up the drying process, you may also use fans or a blow dryer. You might also consider adding a solvent based fabric protector to your upholstery when you’re done to protect it from dirt and oils.  Upholstery Steam Cleaning

Upholstery Steam Cleaning:  Microfiber, Suede, and Microsuede

Microfiber couches and furniture are becoming ever more popular.  They are usually stain resistant, but can still get dirty over time.  To clean a microfiber piece of furniture using a steam cleaner, you’ll want to make sure you use a sponge instead of a scrub brush to agitate the shampoo.  Choose a shampoo or pre-conditioner that has a low pH balance. You can even use dish soap and water with microfiber.  Use your hand or a gentle brush, when finished, to spruce up the fibers.

Microsuede and suede furniture can also be steam cleaned, but you will likely want a professional to do it.  Other ways you can clean your suede furniture at home includes using baby wipes and suede shoe polish.

Now that you’re an expert at upholstery steam cleaning, check out our other do-it-yourself furniture cleaning tips here.

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Stickers from Bathtub

How do I remove the ugly non-slip flowers and butterfly stickers from my old bathtub?

The adhesive used on these decorative non-slip pads are amazing. I have seen tubs with the surface of the baked enamel finish pulled up where the old sticker had been removed! In which case you need to repaint the area with touch up paint for bathtubs so it won’t rust.

Stickers from Bathtub
Stickers from Bathtub

Here are some ideas that have been successful:

Cover the sticker with tinfoil and heat with a hair dryer, once the sticker has softened, use your fingernail, cuticle stick, or plastic ice scraper to carefully lift up an edge being sure to get all the layers. Avoid metal edges, as you can easily damage the tub. Slowly pull up and peel back the strip, trying to keep the top layer and clear adhesive film layer together.

If the layers do separate and the film tears as you progress, lift other edges around the strips, working toward the center until all parts of the sticker are free.

WD-40 is effective at removing sticky residue from the sticker as well.  But the oily film from the wd-40 will need to be cleaned with soap and water once the sticker has been removed from the bathtub.

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Baking Soda Toothpaste

Baking soda is also useful for cleaning your teeth. If your teeth are stained by coffee or other substances you can brush your teeth with baking soda and it will polish your teeth, causing them to reflect more light and therefore appear “whiter.” The taste is not great, but some people myself included hate the taste of regular toothpaste.

Baking soda Toothpaste
Baking Soda Toothpaste

Here is a basic recipe;

1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon sea salt, finely ground
1 drop peppermint, spearmint, sweet orange, clove, or cinnamon bark essential oil
A few drops tap water

Combine ingredients in a small bowl and mix them thoroughly with a toothbrush, your finger, or a small spoon until a smooth, thick paste forms. The paste shouldn’t be too runny; it has to stay on your toothbrush.

Dip your toothbrush into the paste and brush away.

Generally, sodium bicarbonate will work better on yellow or brown tooth stains as opposed to gray stains. Also, it is recommended by the American Dental Association that you consult with your dentist while using sodium bicarbonate on your teeth. You can buy several toothpastes that can be bought containing sodium bicarbonate found at any health food store and some grocery stores.  Which maybe better than using a homemade version, but in a pinch if you have run out of toothpaste then a pinch of baking soda will do the trick.

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Shower-doors

How do I remove water spots from my clear glass showerdoors?

Try these techniques:

Depending on how bad they are a mixture of white vinegar and water (50:50) is an effective way to remove water spots.

If they are very bad then you should buy an acidic based cleaner to remove. Vinegar is mildly acidic so it will remove only so much. Go to your local janitorial supply store and buy acidic based bathroom cleaner and tell them what you are cleaning. You should have good success.

Be sure to wear gloves and follow safety instructions on the bottle for use and handling.

Be sure to start from the bottom of the doors as well to prevent streaks from forming from the acid wash.

If you live in an area where you have hard water then hang and use a small plastic squeegee in your shower and give your shower-door and quick wipe down at the end of each shower.

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Cleaning Products

Levels of chemicals in the indoor air can be hundreds, even thousands of times higher than the outdoor air in the most polluted of cities. In fact, indoor air pollution levels would be high enough to trigger an inspection by health and safety authorities in any workplace setting. (The Nature of Things, CBC-TV 2002). Many chemicals contained in household cleaning products are the same as those used in industrial settings. Many scientists are now becoming concerned that long-term low-level exposure to chemicals may be just as dangerous as short-term high-dose exposures. They also worry that we do not understand the impact of exposure to the cocktail of chemicals found in household air and dust.  Testing for human health effects is normally done on single chemicals. But in the real world, we are all exposed to a variety of chemicals every single day.

Cleaning Products
Cleaning products

Prior to WWII most household cleaning tasks were accomplished using relatively safe ingredients commonly found in most homes. With the proliferation of petroleum-based chemicals after the war, corporations began to manufacture ready-made cleaning products.  Today, most people are accustomed to buying a wide range of products custom-designed for the many surfaces, materials and rooms in their homes.

Most cleaning chores can be easily handled without these toxic products. Everyday ingredients like baking soda, vinegar, salt, lemon juice, vegetable oil, soap, borax, hydrogen peroxide and washing soda can do the job as they did in olden days. Consumer demand and recognition of the hazards of many chemical ingredients are leading more companies to manufacture less toxic cleaning products.

The ingredients contained in conventional petrochemical-based cleaning products are not usually listed on labels.  Many, but not all, less-toxic products will have ingredients listed on their labels.  Following is a list of some of the most common toxic chemicals found in household cleaning products; however there are many others.

Common Ingredients in Cleaning Products

Acetone – A neurotoxin, acetone may cause liver and kidney damage, and damage to the developing fetus.  It is a skin and eye irritant.  Found in spot treatment cleaners, mark and scuff removers, and other products.

Aerosol products– Aerosol propellants  may contain propane, formaldehyde, a carcinogen, neurotoxin and central nervous system depressant, methylene chloride, a carcinogen,  neurotoxin and reproductive toxin, and nitrous oxide . Products applied with aeresol sprays are broken into minute particles, which can be more deeply inhaled than larger particles, which may increase their toxic effect.

Ammonia – Undiluted, ammonia is a severe eye and respiratory irritant that can cause severe burning pain, and corrosive damage including chemical burns, cataracts and corneal damage.  It can also cause kidney and liver damage. Repeated or prolonged exposure to vapours can result in bronchitis and pneumonia.  Found in a wide range of cleaning products.  Ammonia will react with bleach to form poisonous chlorine gas that can cause burning and watering of eyes, as well as burning of the nose and mouth.

Bleach: see sodium hypochlorite

Diethanolamine (DEA) – Listed as a suspected carcinogen by the State of California, this chemical is a skin and respiratory toxicant and a severe eye irritant.  Used in a wide range of household cleaning products.

D-limonene – This chemical is produced by cold-pressing orange peels. The extracted oil is 90% d-limonene. It is a sensitizer, a neurotoxin, a moderate eye and skin irritant, and can trigger respiratory distress when vapours are inhaled  by some sensitive individuals. There is some evidence of carcinogenicity.  D-limonene is the active ingredient in some insecticides. It is used as a solvent in many all-purpose cleaning products, especially ‘citrus’ and ‘orange’ cleaners.  Also listed on labels as citrus oil and orange oil.

Ethoxylated nonyl phenol –  Nonyl phenols are hormone disruptors and some contain traces of ethylene oxide, a known human carcinogen.  They are eye and skin irritants. Used in laundry detergents and other cleaning products.

Formaldehyde – In lab tests, formaldehyde has caused cancer and damaged DNA.  Formaldehyde is also a sensitizer, with the potential to cause asthma. Several laboratory studies have shown it to be a central nervous system depressant. Exposure to formaldehyde may cause joint pain, depression, headaches, chest pains, ear infections, chronic fatigue, dizziness and loss of sleep.  While formaldehyde naturally occurs in the human body in minute amounts, it is estimated that 20 per cent of people exposed to it will experience an allergic reaction. Used in a wide range of products, including some furniture polishes. Formaldehyde may be released by other chemicals, eg.quaternary 15.

Fragrance – Fragrance on a label can indicate the presence of up to 4,000 separate ingredients, most of which are synthetic. Many compounds in fragrance are human toxins and suspected or proven carcinogens. In 1989, the US National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health evaluated 2,983 fragrance chemicals for health effects. They identified 884 of them as toxic substances. Synthetic fragrances are known to trigger asthma attacks. The US Environmental Protection Agency found that 100% of perfumes contain toluene, which can cause liver, kidney and brain damage as well as damage to a developing fetus. Symptoms reported to the FDA from fragrance exposure have included headaches, dizziness, rashes, skin discoloration, violent coughing and vomiting, and allergic skin irritation. Clinical observations  by medical doctors have shown that exposure to fragrances can affect the central nervous system, causing depression, hyperactivity, irritability, inability to cope, and other behavioral changes. Fragrance is a common skin irritant.

Methylene chloride – Methylene chloride is a carcinogen, a neurotoxin and a reproductive toxin. On inhalation, it can cause liver and brain damage, irregular heartbeat, and even heart attack. It is a severe skin and moderate eye irritant. Used in stain removers.

Monoethanolamine – This chemical may cause liver, kidney and reproductive damage, as well as depression of the central nervous system.  Inhalation of high concentrations – when cleaning an oven for example – can cause dizziness or even coma.  The chemical can also be absorbed through the skin.  It is a moderate skin irritant, and a severe eye irritant.  Found in many cleaning products, including oven cleaners, tub and tile cleaners, laundry pre-soaks, floor strippers and carpet cleaners.

Morpholine – This corrosive ingredient can severely irritate and burn skin and eyes, and can even cause blindness if splashed in eyes.  It can cause liver and kidney damage, and long-term exposure can result in bronchitis.  It reacts with nitrites (added as a preservative in some products, or present as a contaminant) to form carcinogenic nitrosomines.  Morpholine is a moderate to severe eye, skin and mucous membrane irritant. Used as a solvent in a number of cleaning products, including some furniture polishes and abrasive cleansers.

Naphthalene – This registered pesticide is listed as a suspected carcinogen in California and is most commonly found in mothballs, and some other pest repellants, as well as in deodorizers.  As a reproductive toxin, it is transported across the placenta and can cause blood damage.  It can cause liver and kidney damage, and corneal damage and cataracts.  Skin exposure is especially dangerous to newborns.

Parabens – Parabens are hormone disruptors. Widely used in cleaning products as preservatives, paraben is usually preceded by the prefixes methyl-, ethyl-, butyl-, or propyl.  Parabens may cause contact dermatitis in some individuals

Paradichlorobenzene – This highly volatile registered pesticide is in the same chemical class as DDT.  It is a suspected carcinogen, and may cause lung, liver and kidney damage.  It is used in mothballs and some washroom deodorizers and urinal blocks.

Phosphoric acid – Extremely corrosive, it can severely irritate and burn the skin and eyes. Breathing vapours can make the lungs ache, and it may be toxic to the central nervous system.  Found in some liquid dishwasher detergents, metal polishes, some disinfectants, and bathroom cleaners, especially those that remove lime and mildew.

Sodium dichloroisocyanurate dihydrate – This corrosive chemical is a severe eye, skin and respiratory irritant. It may cause liver and gastrointestinal damage, and may be toxic to the central nervous system.  It will react with bleach to form poisonous chlorine gas that can cause burning and watering of eyes, as well as burning of the nose and mouth. It is found in some toilet bowl cleaners and deodorizers, as well as industrial detergents and some institutional dishwashing detergents.

Sodium hypochlorite (bleach) – A corrosive chemical, sodium hypochlorite is an eye, skin and respiratory irritant, as well as a sensitizer.  It is especially hazardous to people with heart conditions or asthma, and can be fatal if swallowed.  It may be a neurotoxin and toxic to the liver.  Found in a wide range of household cleaners.

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate  – Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) is used as a lathering agent.  This chemical is a known skin irritant. It also enhances the allergic response to other toxins and allergens. The U.S. government has warned manufacturers of unacceptable levels of dioxin formation in some products containing this ingredient.  SLS can react with other ingredients to form cancer-causing nitrosamines

Toluene – Exposure to toluene may cause liver, kidney and brain damage. It is also a reproductive toxin which can damage a developing fetus.

Turpentine – This chemical can cause allergic sensitization, and kidney, bladder and central nervous system damage. It is an eye irritant.  Found in specialty solvent cleaners, furniture polish and shoe products.

Xylene – Xylene has significant neurotoxic effects, including loss of memory. High exposure can lead to loss of consciousness and even death.  It may damage liver, kidneys and the developing fetus. It is a severe eye and moderate skin irritant.  Used in some spot removers, floor polishes, ironing aids and other products.

Sources:
The Safe Shoppers Bible, David Steinman & Samuel Epstein
Cleaners and Toxins, Labour Environmental Alliance Society, Vancouver BC
Home Safe Home, Debra Lynn Dadd, Tarcher Inc, 1997 includes hundreds of “make your own” recipes.
Non-toxic, Natural and Earth Wise, Debra Lynn Dadd, Tarcher Inc, 1990, includes many “make your own” recipes.
Less Toxic Alternatives, Carolyn Gorman with Marie Hyde, Optimum Publishing,  2002.

The more you know about cleaning products the better, read the many posts on this site on good home cleaning remedies.

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Oven Cleaning

Here is a good home remedy for oven cleaning, if you have the patience and don’t want to use harsh oven cleaning chemicals.  I do find that the typical store bought oven cleaners are very effective when using them correctly, although they are harsh chemicals that require care when using, you must wear gloves etc. So if you have the patience then maybe a good home remedy might be a good alternative.

Use an empty spray bottle and mix three or four table spoons of baking soda in the bottle and mix with plain water.  Use about 1 litre or pint and a half of water. Baking soda is a good all purpose cleaner and can be used for cleaning your stainless sink as well, just sprinkle and wipe.

Oven Cleaning
Oven Cleaning

Shake the water and baking soda mixture until the baking soda dissolves. When the oven is cool spray the solution on the blackened build up in the oven, do this at least once per day or more. Use your oven like normal applying the baking soda solution between uses, the wet baking soda will break up the build up which will settle on the bottom of the oven as a black power which can be easily wiped up. This will make the oven look messy, but like I say it requires more patience to clean the oven this way.

As the build up breaks down and the oven is cool wipe with a wet or damp cleaning cloth.  Depending on the amount of build up this can take more or less time. Using the baking soda mixture works over time and can be used on other pots/dishes with carbon accumulation.

This technique a green and inexpensive way to clean an oven. You’ll notice that the main ingredient in many commercial oven cleaning products is baking soda (also known as sodium bicarbonate).

One disadvantage to this approach is that it takes time for the baking soda to chemically react with the carbon. Time and repeated applications of the spray bottle solution are your keys to success.

A clear advantage to this approach is that it is not very labour intensive. But you have to remember to spray the carbon stuck to the interior of the oven until it all flows to the bottom of the oven. Then wipe it all out with a damp cloth.

One more thing to consider: It takes a lot of baking soda to remove a lot of carbon. Be sure to apply a significant quantity of baking soda before giving up on the project. Significant quantities of wet baking soda and the passage of time are your keys to success. Remember! The baking soda does not react with the carbon unless it is wet.

On particularly difficult spots, you may want to dampen the baking soda in a bowl and apply it directly on these spots as a wet paste. If you do this, keep the baking soda wet for an extended period of time by coming back often and spraying it with your spray bottle.

If the accumulation of carbon is particularly heavy on the bottom of your oven, you can sprinkle baking soda on to the bottom as a dry powder and then dampen it with your spray bottle. Â For those of us who don’t have the time to invest in the slow but sure way to clean an oven a conventional store bought chemical is the best method for oven cleaning.

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