Domestic cleaners urged to exercise caution with household cleaning products - 19/07/2010

House cleaners have been urged to exercise caution when using domestic cleaning products around the home.

Lorene Bartos, an educator from the University of Nebraska, warned domestic cleaners never to mix household cleaners unless the label specifically instructs them to do so.

Writing in the Journal Star, she also warned homeowners that many chemicals used for cleaning plumbing fixtures are potentially dangerous, so they should take all the necessary precautions before using them, such as protecting their skin and eyes.

If possible, safer alternatives that pose less of a risk should be used to clean plumbing fixtures.

"All-purpose cleaners - powdered, liquid or full-strength spray - are safe and effective for most plumbing fixtures," Ms Bartos commented. "Using warm or hot water will increase cleaning power."

She also recommended using non-harsh abrasive cleaners for all routine house cleaning chores.

"Even fine or mild abrasive cleaners eventually may scratch and dull surfaces, increasing the possibility of stains and cleaning problems," Ms Bartos explained.

According to Housecleaning411, cleaning with hydrogen peroxide is one of the easiest ways to improve household hygiene.

Posted by Antoaneta Tsocheva