Tips for the Safe Handling of Cleaning Chemicals

Tips for the Safe Handling of Cleaning Chemicals

By : Angelina
Cleaning solutions are imperative for routine house sanitation and you must handle them with care. Most commercial cleaners come in three forms acids, detergents and degreasers. They come with usage instructions and safety precautions on the label to ensure users don’t ingest or use the products incorrectly. However, most people overlook these instructions and often make the mistake of handling cleaning chemicals nonchalantly. It can lead to chemical burns, chronic coughing, asthma and hospitalisation in worst cases. Therefore, whether you are performing regular house sanitation or bond cleaning Brisbane, take the necessary measures to work with cleaning products without hassle or harm. To do so, look at the tips below for the safe handling of cleaning chemicals and sanitising your home well.

Avoid Mixing Chemicals Together

Do you know when mixed together, ammonia and bleach produce life-threatening fumes of chloramine gas? Similarly, various other cleaning chemicals when mixed together make by products which are dangerous. Here is a list of chemicals you should never mix.
  • Bleach and cleaning vinegar
  • Bleach and rubbing alcohol
  • Hydrogen peroxide and vinegar
  • Ammonia and hydrogen peroxide
  • Chlorine-based cleaners with ammonia or isopropyl alcohol-based cleaners
  • Acidic cleaners with other chemical cleaners.

  • Dilute Chemicals with Water Carefully

    A common mistake people make while mixing cleaning chemicals is get the dilution ratio wrong. Over dilution turns the solution ineffective and mixing the chemical more than the necessary amount risks damaging the surfaces. Therefore, read the instructions on the label to understand the right water to chemical dilution ratio. Additionally, always pour water into the spray bottles or containers first and then add the cleaning chemicals. This little precaution helps prevent splashing yourself and others with concentrated chemicals. It minimises risk of chemical burns, nasal passage irritation, and respiratory issues.

    Wear Personal Protective Equipment While Cleaning

    Personal protective equipment are designed to eliminate contact with germs and even chemicals and fumes from products you use for cleaning and disinfecting. Thus, you must always wear masks, rubber gloves, goggles and overalls to minimise your risk for exposure. You can forgo wearing masks and goggles while handling natural cleaners like white vinegar or baking soda. However, wear the full gear while working with bleach, ammonia, muriatic acid, methylated sprits etc.

    Use the Right Chemicals for The Job

    Using harsh chemicals isn’t always necessary to get the best results and it is another common mistake people make while performing bond cleaning in Brisbane. It can be counter productive as the chemicals when used incorrectly can damage the surfaces irreversibly. You also risk exposure which is avoidable by using the right chemicals. You can clean most household surfaces with natural products like vinegar, baking soda and castile soap. However, if surfaces are heavily stained, rusty or laden with mineral deposits, then you must use stronger chemicals to get the best results.

    Store Cleaning Products Properly

    Proper storage of chemicals is essential to maintain their shelf-life and prevent health hazards. Ensure all cleaners are stored in a cool, dry place away from sunlight or heat sources. Never leave chemicals in containers with open lids and keep them in the original packaging to read the labels before use. Additionally, always keep the chemicals in a storage space which is out of kids’ or pets’ reach to prevent accidental exposure and ingestion.

    Wash Your Hands

    Before you handle cleaning chemicals, wash your hands thoroughly and dry them to avoid moisture of any kind from coming on contact with the cleaners and reacting. This step is also crucial for cleaning mindfully and prevent interaction of different chemicals you are using while cleaning. Furthermore, wash your hands thoroughly after using the chemicals to avoid accidently touching your eyes, nose, and mouth and ingesting the chemicals.

    Don’t Buy Cleaning Chemicals in Aerosol Spray Form

    While these cleaners are easy to use, they contain volatile organic compounds and also permeate your home’s indoor air with droplets of the chemicals. It increases your risk of inhaling the chemicals and falling sick. Thus, whether you need to perform house or bond cleaning in Brisbane, avoid buying aerosol sprays of cleaning chemicals. In case you have to use a cleaning spray, wear a mask and goggles. Additionally, spray away from you and never inhale the mist.

    Colour Code Cleaning Products

    Read the labels of cleaning products to determine their toxicity and label them according. Put red labels on cleaning products like muriatic acid, hydrochloric acid and other strong chemicals as caution. For natural and non-toxic cleaners, put a green label on each. Similarly, you can use orange, yellow and other labels to determine how carefully you must use a cleaning product.

    Wrapping Up

    Cleaning chemicals are readily available in markets and they are effective again most household stains, grime and germs. However, you must use them with care to avoid health hazards and prevent damaging your household surfaces. Thus, use the tips above to safely handle cleaning chemicals while performing bond cleaning in Brisbane or routine home sanitation.