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Air Fresheners and Perfumes
Potentially Hazardous Products
These products send particles and chemicals into the air. Natural and synthetic fragrances can cause allergic reactions and are common asthma triggers.
Safer Substitutes
- Remove the source of the odor (sometimes easier said than done!)
- Simmer cloves and cinnamon in water to freshen the air, or simply open the windows.
- Use baking soda to absorb smells on carpets, in garbage cans, in the refrigerator, or in the disposal.
Antibacterial Hand Cleaners
Potentially Hazardous Products
Avoid using soaps marked antibacterial or antimicrobial that contain Triclosan. They have not been shown to reduce the spread of disease. Using these
cleaners could create resistant germs.
Safer Substitutes
- Clean most surfaces with soap to kill germs. Rinse well.
- Disinfect only if necessary (such as, when there is illness in the home).
If needed, kill germs with a mixture of 1 teaspoon bleach per gallon of cool water. Do not add soap—it reduces the
effectiveness of the bleach. Leave on the surface for two minutes to be effective. Air dry.
Chlorine Bleach to Whiten Clothes
Potentially Hazardous Products
Chlorine bleach is labeled DANGER. Wear gloves and use eye protection. Avoid breathing fumes; open windows for ventilation.
Safer Substitutes
For laundry, use a non-chlorine (for example, hydrogen peroxide) bleach.
Drain Cleaners
Potentially Hazardous Products
Many drain cleaners are highly hazardous, especially those containing lye or marked DANGER or
POISON. They are hazardous to inhale, harmful to skin, and may actually damage plumbing and septic systems.
Safer Substitutes
- To unclog a drain: Pour 1/2 cup baking soda and 1/2 cup vinegar down the drain, followed by a tea kettle of boiling water to free minor clogs. Use a plunger or a plumber's snake.
- To prevent future clogs, use drain strainers over all drains.
Fabic Softeners and Dryer Sheets
Potentially Hazardous Products
The chemical fragrance in softener and dryer sheets may irritate lungs and skin. They also may clog up septic systems.
Safer Substitutes
Add 1/2 to 3/4 cup of baking soda to the rinse cycle as a softener.
Mercury
Potentially Hazardous Products
This potent nerve toxin may be present in these household products:
- Thermometers
- Thermostats
- Fluorescent tubes and compact fluorescent bulbs
Safer Substitutes
- Replace mercury thermometers with digital, solar or alcohol thermometers. Safely dispose of these products by placing in double zip-lock
bags before taking to HazoHouse.
- Replace mercury thermostats with digital or programmable thermostats. Take thermostat unit to
HazoHouse for safe disposal. For additional information, see Mercury Products in the Home.
Oven Cleaners
Potentially Hazardous Products
Many oven cleaners are very hazardous to inhale and corrosive to the skin, especially those containing lye or marked DANGER or POISON.
Safer Substitutes
- Use non-lye products like Bon Ami, then use a damp cloth or wet cleaner to soak and soften baked spills.
- To prevent build-up, use a tray or foil liner to catch spills and wipe up spills promptly.
- Do not use a cleaner in a self-cleaning oven.
Paint — Oil-Based
Potentially Hazardous Products
- Safety: User may inhale toxic fumes.
- Storage: Flammable. Must be kept in cool, dry place.
- Clean-up: Requires toxic solvents.
- Disposal: Cannot go in the trash. Requires hazardous waste disposal.
- Use: Wear rubber gloves, open windows, and use a fan for ventilation.
Safer Substitutes
- Use latex paint where practical. It is safer for you, your family, and the environment. It is also easier to clean up.
- Bring all oil-based paints to HazoHouse for safe disposal.
Pesticides: Indoors and Out
Potentially Hazardous Products
- Lawn and garden pesticides may pose health risks, especially for pets and children.
- Pesticide overuse damages soil and plants.
- Pesticide use harms salmon and other wildlife in local streams.
- Pesticide dust can remain indoors for a year.
Safer Substitutes
For practical pest advice, see the Common Sense Gardening Program or call 360-867-2577. For information
on the hazards of indoor bug foggers and effective flea and roach control alternatives, see Hazards of Bug Bombs (WA Dept of Health).
Scouring Powders, All-Purpose
Potentially Hazardous Products
Avoid chlorinated or ammonia cleaners. When mixed with other cleaners, they may release hazardous gases!
Safer Substitutes
Use baking soda or a chlorine-free powder, such as Bon Ami. Rinse well to remove residue.
Toilet Bowl Cleaners
Potentially Hazardous Products
Avoid products marked DANGER or POISON. These vary widely in hazard level; read the label carefully.
Safer Substitutes
Scrub with baking soda or Bon Ami. Rinse surface to remove residue.
Window and Mirror Cleaners
Potentially Hazardous Products
Ammonia-based cleaners are harmful if inhaled. Mixing ammonia with chlorine-based products creates hazardous gases.
Safer Substitutes
- Mix 1 cup vinegar with 3 cups water. Wipe on or spray. Dry with newspaper or clean cloth.
- Use a spray bottle half filled with club soda, or sprinkle on a cloth. Spray or wipe on and then dry with a clean cloth.
- Outdoor windows: Wash with a sponge and warm water mixed with few drops of soap. Rinse and squeegee dry.
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