Carpet cleaners, laundry detergents, fabric softeners, stain removers and room deodorizers all contain chemicals which are irritant or toxic to humans and animals. Children are ofen most susceptible to these chemicals which can cause longterm health defects.

Liver and kidney damage can be caused by perchloroethylene when ingested (or 1-1-1 thichloroethane solvents)  which are found in stain removers and carpet cleaners. This chemical is a known animal carcinogen and is a suspected human carcinogen.

Napthalene and paradichlorobenzene are also suspected human carcinogens, which also cause defects in the central nervous system, liver and kidney. Napthalene is also responsible for damage to eyes, skin and blood.

Toilet bowl cleaner often contains the chemicals hydrochloric acid, or sodium acid sulfate. These are corrosive and can burn the skin, and when ingested can cause vomiting, stomach burns and diarrhoea. Serious damage to eyesight or blindness can occur if the chemical comes into contact with eyes.

As well as these, fragrances and residues from fabric softeners can be irritants to the skin and to the respiratory system.

Aside from starch, spray starch often contains the toxic chemicals formaldehyde (a suspected carcinogen), and phenol (damaging to the kidney and liver).

Instead of using products containing chemicals which are harmful to both you and the surrounding environment, it is easy to switch to a safer, more sustainable cleaner. Soap, vinegar, or baking soda are just a few of the natural alternatives to consider.