Cleaner Near Me can help keep your house clean and safe. Different surfaces and materials need different cleaners. Some cleaning products are also less damaging to the environment.
Harsh chemicals can strip wood finishes and damage carpets, while gentle, eco-friendly cleaners can nourish delicate fabrics and surfaces. Using the wrong cleaners can also damage your home.
Choose the Right Cleaner for the Right Surfaces
Different surfaces and materials in your home require a specific type of cleaner to keep them in top condition. Using the wrong cleaner can damage them, strip finishes from wood or cause fading on fabrics. It can also leave behind harmful residues that could spread germs or damage the surface itself. By choosing a natural cleaning product that is formulated for the specific surface you’re working on, you can ensure your home stays healthy and clean.
In addition, many natural cleaning products don’t release harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs), making them safer for the environment and your family to breathe. This makes them a great choice for cleaning and sanitizing hard surfaces throughout your home, including floors, countertops, and furniture.
When shopping for a cleaner, look for labels that indicate what surface types the product is safe for and check online reviews for compatibility with other surfaces in your home. For example, a gentle cleaner is best for hardwood floors and can prevent scratching while a more powerful cleaner can cut through kitchen grease.
Avoid Harsh Chemicals
Keeping your home clean doesn’t just mean tidiness and spotless surfaces—it also means limiting the amount of potentially harmful chemicals in your house. Harsh cleaning products can contain ingredients that have been linked to asthma, irritation, and other health problems, such as ammonium quaternary compounds (found in many disinfectants) or formaldehyde (released from preservatives) or bleach (linked to asthma and irritation).
To avoid harsh chemicals in your cleaners, choose plant-based options that are free of phosphates and chlorine. Also, avoid cleaners containing dyes and colorants. The dyes in these formulations add no benefit to the cleaning process and may actually contribute to allergic reactions, sensitization, or lack of biodegradability. Instead, look for options that are certified by Made Safe or the EPA’s Safer Choice label to ensure they’re safer for your family and the environment.
Look for Eco-Friendly Cleaners
There are a lot of green cleaning products on the market today that are made with natural ingredients and don’t contain harsh chemicals. They’re gentle on surfaces and safe for people and pets, and they help reduce chemical exposure and minimize pollution in the environment. They also usually have a smaller environmental footprint and are biodegradable, so they won’t harm the earth or pollute water.
Different surfaces and materials require special care to keep them in top shape. Using the right cleaner is essential for preserving their color, texture, and durability. For example, leather requires a gentle product that nourishes it instead of drying it out or damaging it. Likewise, glass surfaces need a clean that won’t leave streaks or damage the surface. And in bathrooms and kitchens, it’s crucial to use a disinfectant that kills germs to prevent the spread of bacteria.
Look for eco-friendly cleaning products in your local stores that are certified by environmental organizations such as Green Seal or EcoLogo. Or, you can make your own homemade cleaning solutions with natural ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice. Many of these are just as effective at cleaning as commercial brands and are better for the health of your family and the planet. If you’re new to green cleaning, start by trying one of these all-purpose cleaners: Seventh Generation Free & Clear All-Surface Cleaner, Better Life Natural All-Purpose Cleaner, or Dr. Bronner’s Sal Suds Biodegradable Cleaner.
Consider the Safety of Your Family
Cleaning products can contain harsh chemicals that affect indoor air quality and impact the health of your family. It’s important to look for cleaners that avoid harmful ingredients like phthalates (found in scented products), ammonia, and chlorine bleach, which are irritating to the eyes, nose, throat, and lungs.
Look for products with specific ingredient names on the label instead of catchall phrases, such as “surfactant,” “dye,” or “enzyme.” Fragrance-free soaps and detergents can prevent headaches and respiratory problems in some people. For disinfectants or sanitizers, choose products that are EPA registered and contain safer active ingredients, such as citric acid, L-lactic acid, ethanol, or properly diluted hydrogen peroxide.
Remember that cleaning removes most germs from surfaces, but sanitizing and disinfecting can kill them. Clean and sanitize high-touch surfaces, such as light switches, doorknobs, and refrigerator handles, regularly, especially after you have guests in your home. Always clean before you sanitize or disinfect, and keep toxic cleaners out of reach from children and pets. Read product labels carefully and follow printed instructions. If you have questions about the safety of a particular cleaner, contact the manufacturer or use EPA’s Safer Choice product search tool.