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