What ingredients do most commonly used cleaning products include and how do they effect me?

Cleaning products these days are usually full of chemicals supposedly giving us the power to clean all surfaces and remove all stains that may occur in our home. They promise to help you get the best possible clean for your home, however what they do not tell you is the harm you could be causing to your health. If you take a look at the back of these well known products you’ll see that the ingredients include some of the following, let’s take a look and see just how these harmful ingredients affect our bodies:

• 2- Butoxyethanol

2- Butoxyethanol is a more common ingredient found in most multi-purpose cleaners and window sprays. It is usually recognised by its sweet and slightly floral scent. It is a glycol ether solvent that helps break down dirt and oil particles. Being exposed to 2- butoxyethanol regularly can cause high grade liver and kidney damage and pulmonary oedema. 

• Perchloroethylene (PERC)

Perchloroethylene , most commonly found in fabric cleaners and stain removal cleaners for carpets. Used at most dry cleaners and used by most carpet cleaning technicians on a daily basis. If inhaled consistently over time is a potential carcinogen and neurotoxin, all could lead to lung cancer in serious cases. 

• Sodium Hydroxide

Most commonly found in oven cleaners due to them being a higher heavy duty of cleaners. As well as drainage clog removers as they use ingredients such as lye and sodium hydroxide to dissolve and break down dried food or hardened skin particles causing a blockage. If this was to come into contact with your skin or be inhaled it can cause a burning sensation in your throat and on the skin’s surface.

• Formaldehyde

Formaldehyde, found in some more heavy-duty cleaners, has been connected with the onset of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or also known as ALS, a neurodegenerative disease that slowly eliminates the brain’s ability to control the body. It has also been known to cause damage to the body’s nervous system in different ways than ALS does. In some cases, it can shift the balance of chemicals in the brain, which may lead to  insomnia, depression, mood swings and headaches.

• Chlorine

You will automatically think of being at the pool when seeing that you’re cleaning product contains chlorine and you may think if we can swim in it why can’t we clean with it? Well when added to pool water the concentration is quite mild however even then it can cause irritation to skin. It is also used in washing powder whiteners, toilet bowl cleaners and mildew removers. You will notice the very distinct aroma that it gives off. Prolonged exposure can in serious cases  disrupt thyroid function, irritate sensitive skin, and cause chronic dryness. However this is more unlikely than some of the other chemicals were looking at today. 

• Ammonia

Most commonly used for its polishing benefits. Used on glass and surfaces that you want to shine and leave streak free. Although great at all, it can irritate human tissue especially if you already have irritable lungs or asthma. You will notice some discomfort pretty early on however if you do not have irritable lungs or ashamed you will still be at risk of permanent damage later on in life. permanent damage to your mucous membranes and cardiovascular system will still be something to worry about late on.

All of these chemicals are found in almost every cleaning product that is found on our shop shelves. End of Tenancy Cleaning London wants to help in showing people that natural cleaners can achieve the same if not better results than these harmful cleaning products. Natural cleaning products can give abetter finish as well as ensuring that you and your family are kept safe from harmful fumes.