Make simple changes to reduce chemicals in your home.
Read the labels
Look for the following words on a product label to find out if it needs to be used carefully. The label tells you how to use it, store it and dispose of it.
- Caution – Mild/Moderate hazard
- Warning – Moderate hazard
- Danger – Extremely flammable, corrosive, or toxic
- Poison – Highly toxic
Make your own cleaners
Homemade cleaners are easy to make and cheaper than store bought cleaners. Simple and low-cost ingredients like borax, baking soda, lemon juice and vinegar go a long way.
Find out how to make your own cleaners.
Store right
- Store cleaners and other chemicals out of reach of children and pets.
- Store products in their original container and make sure the label is readable.
- Follow the storage instructions on the label.
- Never store chemicals in food containers.
- Avoid look-a-likes that might confuse children and pets. For instance, blue window cleaner looks a lot like a blue sports drink.
- Never mix together.
- Close lids tightly to avoid spills and make the product last longer.
Keep a clean house
- Remove your shoes when you enter your house to avoid tracking in harmful chemicals.
- Place a floor mat at your entry doors to keep unwanted chemicals in one place that can be easily cleaned.
- Vacuum carpets and floors on a regular basis. Children playing on your floors are more likely to come into contact with chemicals on the floor. Use a HEPA filter in your vacuum.
- Use cleaning services that use less-toxic chemicals. If your carpets are professionally cleaned, find a service that uses chemicals low in VOC’s (volatile organic compounds).
- Avoid air fresheners and candles, which often contain chemicals.
Learn more
How to reduce toxic chemicals in your home
Sinkers – Get the lead out
Reduce the need for pesticides and herbicides