Cleaning Products

Selection and Use of

Home Cleaning Products
Guide G-304
Revised by Sonja Koukel1

Cooperative Extension Service • College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences

CONSUMER ACCESS TO CHEMICAL DISINFECTANTS AND SANITIZERS

INFORMATION Disinfectants are more often used in clinics and hos-
Often, retail household cleaning products contain pitals than in household products. A disinfectant is a
substances that are deemed hazardous. It is difficult to chemical that completely destroys all disease-causing
identify these substances because manufacturers are al- organisms (pathogens). These include disease-causing
lowed to label these substances as confidential business strains of salmonella and staph bacteria. To be labeled
information (CBI). The U.S. Environmental Protection as a disinfectant, the EPA stipulates that the product
Agency (EPA) has acknowledged that the inappropriate must destroy 99.999% of pathogens within 5 to 10
and excessive use of CBI claims has hidden important minutes. Disinfectants are applied directly to non-
information from the public and even from EPA offices. porous surfaces, such as diaper changing tables, coun-
Modifications to the chemical information reporting tertops, door and cabinet handles, toilets, and other
rule are ongoing. Visit the EPA website for more infor- bathroom surfaces.
mation on the agency’s efforts to increase transparency
in chemical access (Increasing Transparency in TSCA Disinfectants for Household Use
available at http://www.epa.gov/oppt/existingchemicals/ Liquid chlorine bleach is a common household disin-
pubs/transparency.html). fectant. For detailed information, refer to the Bleaching
Agents section in this publication.
Quaternary ammonium compounds are generally
CLEAN HOMES referred to as quats. These are salt compounds used with
A clean home reduces exposure to allergens, pesticides, a variety of additional ingredients to create a safe and
consumer chemicals, and pest droppings and urine, and effective disinfectant. They are effective in destroying
reduces shelter for pests. While it is important to keep a wide range of harmful bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
your home clean to provide a healthy environment, Quats are economical and effectively control odors
cleaning product labels often display complex chemi- when used according to the manufacturer’s directions.
cal terms. Additionally, commercial advertisements They can be used on sensitive floor surfaces and will not
may exaggerate the performance of cleaning products. damage floor finishes.
Therefore, to make informed decisions when comparing Pine oil cleaners are all-purpose cleaners made from
product performance and safety, consumers need to be a natural resin distilled from pine trees. The pine oils are
familiar with the most common ingredients found in combined with alcohols and quats to improve their dis-
cleaning products. infecting and cleaning properties. Pine Sol is an example
This publication provides definitions of common of a pine oil cleaner/disinfectant.
ingredients and guidelines for selecting products for When mixed in water, pine oil cleaners do not dis-
household use. Types of cleaning products include solve, but instead make a milky soap. Most people like
the way they smell and the fact that they can clean and
• Disinfectants and • Alkalis, deodorize at the same time. Overall, they are good clean-
sanitizers, • Bleaching agents, ers. Caution: These cleaners are highly flammable. They
• Abrasives, • Detergents, and can be very dangerous if swallowed or if the fumes are
• Acids, • Spirit solvents. inhaled. Use with adequate ventilation and follow all

1
Community and Environmental Health Specialist, Department of Extension Family and Consumer Sciences, New Mexico State University.

To find more resources for your business, home, or family, visit the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental
Sciences on the World Wide Web at aces.nmsu.edu
labeled precautions. Do not use these products full- to as scouring powders and are used to kill bacte-
strength or leave them soaking on waxed or freshly ria in addition to general surface cleaning.
painted surfaces.
The EPA provides a limited listing of 500 registered In household cleaning products, mineral and chemi-
disinfectant products. It is updated periodically, yet it cal abrasives are available in powder and cream (or thick
is not a complete listing. The list is available at http:// liquid) forms. Generally, the larger the particles used in
www.epa.gov/oppad001/influenza-a-product-list.pdf the product, the harsher the cleaner. Calcium carbon-
ate (or calcite) and silica are two types of minerals often
Sanitizers for Household Use found in these products. Calcium carbonate is the mild-
Sanitizers are commonly used in restaurants and house- est of abrasives, with the finest abrasive found in the
hold products. A sanitizer is a product that reduces cream form.
germs on surfaces to levels considered safe by public
health codes or regulations. By EPA standards, these Uses
products must destroy 99.999% of pathogens within Mild abrasives are appropriate for surfaces such as fi-
30 seconds. Many sanitizers are a formulation of a de- berglass, laminate, countertops, grout, tile, sinks, tubs,
tergent and disinfectant. Sanitizers can be used on food cookware, and glass.
contact surfaces, such as dishes, eating utensils, and cut- Coarse or harsh abrasives can be used to clean out-
ting boards. Pacifiers and toys that children may place in door stainless steel grills, oven baking racks, and cement.
their mouths can be sanitized for safety. Usually sold for removing tough stains, harsh abrasives
By killing bacteria, sanitizers also destroy odors. These will cause damage to many surfaces. Regular use may
products are used when cleaning tubs, showers, toilet scratch the shiny finishes of sinks, bathtubs, and kitchen
bowls, bathroom sinks, and ceramic or plastic bathroom appliances, making them dull and rough. When surfaces
tile. They are also used in laundering and dishwashing are damaged in this way, they soil faster and stain deep-
products. Often, household products sold as disinfec- er. It will then be necessary to continue to use a harsh
tants are also effective as sanitizers. Household products abrasive to remove embedded dirt and stains.
that are effective sanitizers include bleach and products
formulated with quats, such as pine oil cleaners.
The EPA recommends that EPA-registered prod- Caution
ucts be used whenever possible. Only a disinfectant or Always check the manufacturer’s directions before
sanitizer with an EPA registration number on the label using abrasives on any surface. Consumers should be
can make public health claims that they are effective in aware that all abrasives can leave scratch marks on
destroying germs. some surfaces. Use sparingly when cleaning alumi-
num, plastic, plated and highly polished metals, and
appliance enamel on refrigerators, dishwashers, oven
ABRASIVES doors, and microwave ovens.
Abrasives are rough or gritty. They clean surfaces by
creating friction that lifts off hardened food particles,
grease, tarnish, and stains. Anything that is rough to ACIDS
the touch can be considered an abrasive when used to Acids are used to remove mineral deposits, rust stains,
remove spots or stains from a surface. Types of abrasives and hard water deposits. They can remove discoloration
include physical, mineral, and chemical. from some metals, such as aluminum, brass, bronze, and
copper. Some acids are effective both in cleaning and
• Physical abrasives include sandpaper, plastic and disinfecting surfaces.
nylon meshes, scrubbing pads, and steel wool. Acids range from very mild to very strong. Consum-
ers must take care when choosing and using acids for
• Mineral abrasives are composed of particles. cleaning. Acid-based disinfectant cleaners are very ir-
Baking soda, powdered borax, and salt are all ritating to your eyes and skin and will burn your throat.
examples of mineral abrasives that are considered When using toilet cleaners, it’s a good idea to wear latex
natural cleaners. dishwashing gloves to help protect your skin and safety
goggles to help protect your eyes from splashes.
• Chemical abrasives are also composed of par- This section provides an overview of types of cleaning
ticles. A common chemical used in commercial products that contain acids as well as best use practices.
products that contain bleach is sodium dichloro- As always, read the manufacturer’s directions before
s-triazinetrione. These cleaners are often referred using on any surface. Refer to Table 1 for examples of
acids in household cleaners.

Guide G-304 • Page 2

Table 1. Examples of Acids in Household Cleaners hard water buildup on dishes and glassware. It is also
Product Acid Ingredients used as an acid spotter to remove coffee and tea stains,
Toilet bowl cleaner sodium bisulfate, oxalic acid, dilute yellowing/browning discolorations, water stains, and
hydrochloric acid, or dilute sulfuric acid
urine or feces stains. Some commercial products that
contain citric acid are water-based and may cause cor-
Rust removers acetic, citric, gluconic, levulinic,
hydrofluoric, hydroxyacetic (glycolic), or
rosion or rust on metals. Wash and dry the metal after
oxalic acids cleaning to prevent rust.
Cream of tartar is a very mild acid salt. Made into a
Metal cleaners citric or acetic acids paste with water, it can be used to clean brass and cop-
per, brighten aluminum, remove rust, and freshen coffee
Hard water removers levulinic, acetic, hydroxyacetic (glycolic), makers. Mix a small amount with vinegar to create a
citric, or gluconic acids nonabrasive cleaner for use on grout, mold and mildew,
oven tops, and cookware.
Tarnish removers levulinic, acetic, hydroxyacetic (glycolic), Phosphoric acid is a clear, colorless, odorless liquid.
citric, or gluconic acids
It is very mild, yet more acidic than vinegar or lemon
juice. Commonly used for rust removal, it works quite
well on most types of bathroom stains. In commercial
products, phosphoric acid is found in tub, tile, sink, and
Uses toilet bowl cleaners.
Very Mild Acids
Mildly acidic cleaners are used to dissolve hard water Very Strong Acids
deposits, remove mild rust stains, and eliminate soap Strongly acidic cleaners are highly toxic. They may be
film from around the sink and on shower doors. They corrosive, meaning they can eat away at metal surfaces
are useful in removing tarnish from brass and copper. or human tissue. Avoid getting them on your skin or in
Mildly acidic cleaning products include vinegar your eyes. Avoid getting them on other materials since
(acetic acid) and lemon juice (citric acid). Mild cleaners the acids may have bleaching effects, eat through metals,
made from these acids are safe for use around children or etch (scratch) surfaces and porcelain enamel. Always
and pets. Other acids are often found in household read the labels on the products you buy and follow the
cleaning products. directions to ensure your own safety. See the Caution
section (at the end of this ACIDS section) for more in-
• Gluconic acid – organic compound with very formation on safe use.
low toxicity Hydrochloric acid comes from a mixture of com-
mon table salt and sulfuric acid. Concentrated solutions
• Hydroxyacetic (or glycolic) acid – a mild organic of hydrochloric acid are extremely corrosive. Diluted
acid (stronger than vinegar) solutions are commonly found in household cleaning
products. Very dilute solutions are only mildly corrosive.
• Levulinic acid – a non-toxic sugar-derived chemi- When using hydrochloric acid, be careful to not let the
cal used as a platform chemical in the production cleaner come in contact with eyes and skin.
of a number of products Hydrochloric acid is used in toilet bowl cleaners to
remove dirt and grime. It is used for cleaning mortar
Acetic acid is the acid in clear white vinegar and is a spills off new bricks, removing rust from metals and
natural all-purpose cleaning agent. It is best for general other surfaces, and etching floors before sealing them.
household cleaning on surfaces that can tolerate a strong, This product eats cotton, rayon, and mortar and is very
acidic product. Vinegar removes hard water deposits corrosive to metals. In commercial products, hydrochlo-
from glassware, rust stains from sinks, and tarnish from ric acid is also called muriatic acid and is used for clean-
brass and copper. After using alkaline cleaners, acetic acid ing concrete; the acid cleans the concrete by etching
can be used as a mild deliming rinsing agent. Although away the top layer.
vinegar is widely used as a disinfectant in household Hydrofluoric acid is a commercial rust remover
cleaning, the packaging cannot claim the product as a that will burn the skin. Keep this one away from glass
disinfectant because it is not registered with the EPA. windows or glass products. See the Caution section
Citric acid is a natural substance found in lemons, before using.
limes, oranges, and grapefruits. It is nontoxic, antibacte- Oxalic acid is a bleaching agent that is an effec-
rial, and antiseptic. It has much the same use as vinegar. tive rust remover. It is poisonous and corrosive. Make
In commercial products, citric acid is used to remove sure to keep children and pets away while using this

Guide G-304 • Page 3

product. Dispose of cloths and brushes used to apply ALKALIS
oxalic acid. Otherwise, the acid could be transferred to Alkaline cleaners are composed of alkali salts, such as
kitchen utensils and dishes, from which this poisonous sodium bicarbonate (baking soda), sodium carbon-
substance could be ingested. See the Caution section ate (also known as washing soda or soda ash), sodium
before using. metasilicate, and trisodium phosphate (TSP). Along
Sodium bisulfate (also known as sodium acid sul- with their detergent properties, certain alkali salts have
fate) can be found in toilet bowl cleaners. It is a com- water-softening characteristics and are used in cleaning
pound made by combining sodium, hydrogen, sulfur, products for that purpose.
and oxygen ions. It is a poison and should be used with Cleaning products are available in soaps, detergents,
extreme caution. See the Caution section before using. and all-purpose cleaners. Alkalis help clean food spills,
Sodium hypochlorite is a chemical used in bleach- oils, grease, and everyday things that get dirty. They
ing solutions, disinfectants, water purifiers, and clean- remove oily dirt without rubbing and vary in strength
ing products. As a disinfectant, it attacks and destroys from mild to moderate to strong. Refer to Table 2 for
bacteria, viruses, and mold. It can be found in toilet examples of alkalis found in household cleaners.
bowl cleaners and tile and grout cleaners, among other
products. Swallowing sodium hypochlorite can lead to Table 2. Examples of Alkalis in Household Cleaners
poisoning. Breathing the fumes may also cause poison- Product Alkali Ingredients
ing, especially if the product is mixed with ammonia. All-purpose cleaners Ammonium compounds, sodium
Sulfuric acid is a strong drain cleaner and can be Examples: 409, Ajax, bicarbonate (baking soda), sodium
found in some toilet bowl cleaners. It also is a powerful Borax (20 Mule Team), carbonate, sodium metasilicate, trisodium
Clorox OxiMagic, Mr. phosphate (TSP), sodium borate (borax)
oxidizer. However, it attacks nylon, vinyl, and most or- Clean, Spic and Span
ganic substances. It will burn the skin and emit danger-
ous fumes. Be sure to use it with caution. Store in a safe Drain cleaners Caustic soda/sodium hydroxide (lye)
place away from other chemicals or heat, and definitely
keep it away from children or pets. See the Caution sec- Oven cleaners Caustic soda/sodium hydroxide (lye),
tion before using. ammonia

Scouring powders Alkali salts, sodium metasilicate,

trisodium phosphate (TSP)

Caution Window cleaners Ammonia or ammonium compounds,

Always read the labels on the products you buy sodium bicarbonate (baking soda)
and follow the directions to ensure your own safety.
Oxalic acid, hydrochloric acid, sodium bisul-
fate, sodium hypochlorite, and sulfuric acid are all Uses
poisonous. They can also injure skin and eyes and Mild Alkalis
damage clothing, leather, and some metals. Dam- For the most part, household cleaning chemicals listed
age can occur when two or more different kinds in the mild alkali category are ones that contain sodium
of metals are treated together with acid. For this bicarbonate (baking soda). Mixed with water, this so-
reason, avoid soaking a metal in a container made lution is used on areas that require a mild cleaning. It
of another metal. safely cleans glass, wall tile, and porcelain enamels. It
Never mix a toilet bowl cleaner with any other also removes coffee and tea stains from china and plastic
household or cleaning products. Doing so can re- dishes. Mild alkalis are not corrosive. They are safe to
sult in poisonous gasses being released and cause use around children and pets.
very serious breathing problems. When cleaning
your bathrooms, always be sure that the room has Moderate Alkalis
plenty of ventilation. Leave the door open, open a Ammonia is a strong, colorless gas. When the gas is dis-
window, and use the exhaust fan, if you have one. solved in water it is called liquid ammonia.
Ammonia is added to a number of household and
commercial cleaners to boost their alkalinity and grease-
cutting ability. It dries clear and usually won’t streak.
Ammonia also is found in glass cleaners and in cleaners
used for shiny surfaces, like wax cleaners. Too much of it
can ruin or damage some surfaces, so use it with caution.

Guide G-304 • Page 4

 An effective cleaning agent, ammonia’s odor is the Caution: Sodium metasilicate is highly alkaline. Dust
main deterrent to its use. Never mix ammonia with from the powder can irritate the nose, eyes, and lungs.
chlorine and bleach products because this can release a Prolonged exposure can cause skin irritation. Wear pro-
highly toxic gas. For that matter, never mix any kind of tective gloves, eye protection, and long-sleeved shirts
chemicals since this can cause an unstable reaction and and pants while using this product. Wear a dust mask
perhaps fumes, fire, or volatility (explosions). while mixing the powder with water if dust irritates
nasal passages.
• Household ammonia—containing 5 to 10% am- Store the compound in original containers in a dry
monia gas in water—cleans kitchen range burners, location. Sodium metasilicate is highly poisonous when
ovens, windows, and mirrors. ingested. Store it out of reach of children or pets.
Trisodium phosphate (TSP) is not commonly
• Sudsy ammonia has soap or detergent added. found in products because most phosphates have been
Sudsy ammonia cleans garbage pails, kitchen range phased out of cleaning products due to environmental
burners, and sinks. concerns. Products that do contain TSP are banned or
restricted use in many states.
Borax, also known as sodium borate, is a natural
mineral compound. In the home, borax is used as a
natural laundry booster; multipurpose cleaner for wood- Caution
work, walls, sinks, and carpets; deodorizer; and disin- Most alkalis are toxic (poisonous), some are corro-
fectant. Borax is not flammable. It is not reactive and so sive, and others irritate skin and eyes. Lye can burn
can be mixed with most other cleaning agents, including skin severely. Alkalis remove oil from skin, so wear
chlorine bleach. It dissolves best in warm water. Borax is gloves. They also take oil from linoleum and oil-
toxic if swallowed in large doses, and medical attention based paints and often result in cracking or peeling.
should be sought immediately if this occurs. They can darken aluminum. Damage to surfaces can
be prevented by using a mildly alkaline solution and
Strong Alkalis by rinsing well to remove all the cleaner.
A cleaner that fits in the strong alkali category destroys
bacteria and dissolves proteins.
Cleaning products such as oven cleaner, lye, and BLEACHING AGENTS
drain cleaners are strong alkalis. They are highly cor- Bleaching agents are chemicals used to remove stains.
rosive and cause chemical burns on the skin and in the Many bleaching agents can be used as disinfectants. If
lungs when inhaled. a product contains a bleaching agent, the product in-
Lye (also known as caustic soda or sodium hydroxide) formation label may state contains bleach, bleaches as it
is sometimes found in drain and oven cleaners. These cleans, or chlorinated.
types of cleaners are used to unclog sink drains or in the Bleaching agents may not list the term bleach on
bathroom. They should not be stored in the kitchen or the product label. Therefore, it is important for con-
bathroom cabinets. Lye emits dangerous fumes and can sumers to recognize other names for bleach. Table 3
cause skin burns—and in some cases blindness—if the provides a list of possible chemical bleaching agents that
fumes come in contact with your eyes. Products with may appear on product labels.
lye can cause death if swallowed. Wear gloves and safety
goggles when using these products. Also, make sure that
there is good ventilation in the room when these clean- Table 3. Chemical Bleaching Agents Found on Product
ers are used. Labels
Sodium carbonate (also known as washing soda Chemical Use In Cleaning Products
or soda ash) is used as a building block for powdered Calcium hypochlorite Solid bleach used in sanitizing.
detergents and washing soda. It is used to remove fat Hydrogen peroxide Bleaching textiles and fur.
from drains, greasy burners, and pans. This type of Sodium carbonate peroxide Oxygen-based bleaching agent.
cleaner is slightly corrosive and will burn skin and cor- (or, sodium percarbonate) Releases hydrogen peroxide when
dissolved in water. Whitens,
rode aluminum products. brightens, and removes dirt and
Sodium metasilicate is mixed with water to form a stains from surfaces and fabrics.
cleaning solution. It makes a highly effective cleaner that Sodium dichloroisocyanurate Sanitizing and dishwashing agents.
can remove dirt and marks from walls in preparation for Sodium hypochlorite Household laundering and sanitizing.
painting, and can attack stubborn soils on siding when Sodium perborate Milder bleach for laundering and
cleaning the exterior of a home. replacement for phosphates in
detergents.

Guide G-304 • Page 5

 DETERGENTS
Detergents are an ingredient found in many home
cleaning products. A detergent is a chemical substance
used to break up and remove grease and grime. Soap
is an example of one kind of detergent. The most im-
portant ingredients in detergents are chemicals called
surfactants—a word made from bits of the words
“surface active agents.” Since water does not clean ef-
fectively alone, detergents help loosen dirt. The surfac-
tants in the detergents are used to bond water to dirt
and grease. They help water to get a hold of the grime,
break it up, and wash it away.
Builders enhance the detergent’s efficiency. Phos-
phates are a type of builder commonly found in deter-
gent products. Trisodium phosphate (TSP) and diso-
dium phosphate are rarely used these days due to bans
enacted for environmental reasons. Most phosphates in
use today, referred to as complex or condensed phosphates,
have a lower alkalinity than the banned phosphates. If a
complex phosphate builder has been added, the deter-
gent will remove oily dirt better. When a builder is pres-
ent, the product is labeled heavy duty or all-purpose.
Some laundry detergents may be used for house clean-
ing jobs. The safety of a laundry detergent depends on
the brand and the additional chemicals it may contain.
Check the product label carefully. Liquid dishwashing
detergent is safe for use around children and pets.

Figure 1. A bottle of commercially available liquid

chlorine bleach. SPIRIT SOLVENTS
Solvents are cleaning chemicals that dissolve grease, oil,
and oily dirt. The ingredients in solvents include (but
Chlorine bleach is one of the most widely available
are not limited to) acetones, denatured alcohols, and
and affordable disinfectants on earth. Liquid chlorine
mineral spirits. Cleaners that contain solvents include
bleach (Figure 1) is an alkaline solution of sodium hypo-
spot removers, rug cleaners, sanitizers, drain cleaners,
chlorite dissolved in water. It is a base and is especially
and all-purpose cleaners. Examples of spirit solvents are
good at removing stains and dyes from textiles. Addi-
paint thinners, turpentine, and kerosene.
tionally, chlorine bleaches are used for controlling mold
Many waxes and polishes for furniture and floors
and mildew and for disinfecting surfaces.
and floor wax removers contain spirit solvents. Spirit
solvent floor wax removers are safe and effective for use
on wood, wood composite, cork, magnesite, linoleum,
concrete, and stone floors. They are used for removing
Caution wax, oil, and grease. These products are non-flammable.
Chlorine bleach is a strong corrosive material. Note: Spirit solvent floor waxes are not to be used on as-
Inhaling the fumes will irritate the eyes, skin, and phalt, thermoplastic tiles, PVC (vinyl), or rubber floors
respiratory tract. Never mix bleach with toilet bowl because the solvents will damage these types of floors.
cleaners or rust remover because a poisonous gas is Not all floor waxes contain spirit solvents. Some are
produced. Never mix bleach and ammonia because water-emulsion waxes that will damage wood and cork
this produces a dangerous chemical compound that products. Water-emulsion waxes can be recognized by
could result in fire. the product label statement Keep from Freezing.
Consumers should be aware that chlorine bleach
can dull shiny finishes on sinks, bathtubs, and other
porcelain enamel faces. Since it is an alkali, bleach
will darken aluminum and make linoleum brittle.

Guide G-304 • Page 6

Figure 2. Warning label on household cleaning product.

Caution
Most spirit solvents are flammable and must be kept Figure 3. Installing childproof latches on cabinets can
away from heat, sparks, and open flame. By law, the prevent children from opening them and possibly ingesting
label must indicate that the product is flammable. dangerous chemicals. Photograph by Thomas E. Tamayo.
Before using, read product labels and follow all
recommended safety precautions.
products in the original packaging. Buy products in
If solvent is spilled on clothing, don’t wear it near
childproof containers and store them in cabinets with
a heat source because the clothing is flammable and
childproof latches.
serious burns may occur. Be careful when disposing
Many household cleaners are stored under the kitch-
of empty solvent containers, especially aerosol cans.
en sink in cabinets that are not locked. This is the worst
Even a small amount of solvent left in the container
place to store household cleaners. If this is the only place
can ignite and cause an explosion if the canister is
where you can store cleaning products, put safety latches
left in a warm place or in direct sunlight.
(Figure 4) on the cabinets and drawers. The best prac-
tice is to put these products in a place that children can-
not reach. Also, if possible, keep children and pets out
SAFE HANDLING OF CLEANING PRODUCTS of areas where cleaning products being used.
Most cleaning products used in homes today are con- Keep products, such as strong acids and alkalis,
sidered safe when used according to the manufacturer’s directed away from skin and eyes when in use. Wear
instructions. Regulations require that all hazardous protective clothing, including gloves, safety goggles, and
substances be labeled with the statement Keep Out of an apron. Immediately wash off any products that you
the Reach of Children (Figure 2). Not all products are splash or spill on your skin.
hazardous, but when directions are not followed some of Products containing flammable liquids should never
these products become dangerous—and some are more be used near open flames, including pilot lights on kitch-
dangerous than others. en ranges or gas clothes dryers, furnaces, or lit cigarettes.
The most frequent misuse is accidental swallowing by Do not leave aerosol (pressurized) containers on a
curious children (Figure 3). Therefore, never transfer kitchen range, radiator, or furnace; in direct sunlight;
cleaners into soft drink bottles or other containers or near other heat sources. Never puncture aerosol
that may seem harmless to children. Keep cleaning containers. Before discarding this type of container,

Guide G-304 • Page 7

 You can also call 911 or your local emergency
ambulance number.

• Household chemical swallowed. First, drink a

half glass of water. Then call your poison control
center at 1-800-222-1222. You can also call 911
or your local emergency ambulance number.

• Poisonous gas inhaled. Quickly get to fresh air.

If any other person is around, they should not
breathe the fumes. If you can, open all the doors
and windows wide. If not, stay in the fresh air.
Call your poison control center at 1-800-222-
Figure 4. A childproof safety latch on a cabinet door. 1222. You can also call 911 or your local emer-
gency ambulance number.

hold the valve open until all the contents and gas Be prepared for any emergency in your home. Keep
have escaped. your local emergency number, local ambulance number,
Never discard an empty aerosol container in a fire or and the local poison control center telephone numbers
incinerator because some gas usually remains. This is on or next to your phone. All poison control centers
true even in an apparently empty can. Heat causes the now have the same telephone number—it doesn’t matter
gas to expand, which may lead to an explosion. which state you live in. The number is 1-800-222-1222.
For more information on use and disposal of
Accidents - What To Do household chemicals, see Cooperative Extension Ser-
If an accident occurs while you are using a hazardous vice Guide G-312, Safe Use and Disposal of House-
substance, refer to the product label for the appropri- hold Chemicals (available from http://aces.nmsu.edu/
ate first aid procedures. Follow the directions carefully. pubs/_g/g-312.pdf ), and Guide G-313, Household
If it is necessary to take a child or adult to the hospital Hazardous Waste (available from http://aces.nmsu.edu/
or a physician’s office because of an accident, be sure to pubs/_g/G-313.pdf ).
bring along the container of the product that caused the
injury. The information on the label will help the physi- Original author: Susan Holder, Extension Housing
cian give prompt and proper treatment. Specialist. Previously revised by Constance Kratzer,
If no other person is close by and you are hurt or Extension Family Resource Management Specialist.
starting to feel sick, then do the following.

• Household chemical splashed in the eyes. Rinse Sonja Koukel is Assistant Professor and
out your eyes for 15 to 20 minutes in the shower Extension Community and Environmen-
or under a faucet. Then call your poison control tal Health Specialist in the Department
center at 1-800-222-1222. You can also call 911 of Extension Family and Consumer
or your local emergency ambulance number. Sciences. She earned her B.S. at NMSU
and her M.S. and Ph.D. at Texas Tech
• Household chemical splashed on the skin. Take University. Her Extension programs
off the wet clothing and rinse the skin for 15 to 20 focus on health and wellness—physical,
minutes in the shower or under a faucet. Then call mental, spiritual, and environmental.
your poison control center at 1-800-222-1222.

Brand names appearing in publications are for product identification purposes only. No endorsement is intended, nor is criticism implied of
similar products not mentioned. Persons using such products assume responsibility for their use in accordance with current label directions of the
manufacturer.
Contents of publications may be freely reproduced for educational purposes. All other rights reserved. For permission to use
publications for other purposes, contact [email protected] or the authors listed on the publication.
New Mexico State University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and educator. NMSU and the U.S. Department of Agriculture
cooperating.

Revised September 2012 Las Cruces, NM

Guide G-304 • Page 8