Hi There! We hope your day is going great! We truly enjoy writing the Bloommaid Blog about cleaning and various interesting topics for our audience in New Jersey and other areas.
Today we would like to review the pros and cons of certain cleaning products available in stores in such cities as Weehawken, Hoboken, Jersey City, Fort Lee, West New York and more. In fact, you may be using them in your household right now. As you may not know, some tools and chemicals can not only destroy or damage surfaces but also pose a serious risk to your health.
Keep on reading to learn more about those products and understand the importance of a professional home cleaner who is trained and knowledgeable about the potential dangers.
Bleach – NEVER MIX BLEACH WITH ANY OTHER CHEMICALS!
Some of us love bleach! Yes it’s one of the most common and available disinfectants on the market that’s been used in households for many years. It is widely used in care centers because it is affordable, readily available, and very effective. However, there are important health risks associated with its use that should be carefully considered:
- Bleach can trigger or worsen asthma
- Children and Pets are particularly vulnerable to the harmful effect of bleach on lungs.
- Bleach can severely irritate the skin and eyes.
- Prolonged inhalation of bleach vapors may increase the risk of developing cancer.
- Mixing bleach with certain chemicals, such as ammonia, can produce toxic gases.
- Excessive bleach use can result in the accumulation of chloroform in the air, a substance known to cause cancer.
Never mix bleach with anything. Avoid using excessive amounts of bleach for general cleaning. It should only be used in small amounts for certain projects or tasks with proper protection.
Oven Cleaner & Other Toxic Cleaners
At Bloommaid we like stick to Safer Choice and non-toxic products for general cleaning. Sometimes a harsh chemical may be used for certain tasks such as oven cleaning, toilet bowl and shower stains removal. Our team is certified and trained to use proper PPE and techniques to prevent spill accidents, mixing of chemicals and improper use.
Many of your local New Jersey or New York stores sell oven cleaners. When buying an oven cleaner, ensure to read the label and instructions very carefully. Many of the professional products can damage you oven (especially the ones with the self-cleaning option). If you find the right product and decide to clean yourself, don’t forget to thoroughly wipe out the chemicals before cooking.
On a separate note, we don’t recommend for you to use the self-cleaning option either. Particularly small homes with poor ventilation, small children and pets can be affected by the heat and fumes. We will post a separate blog about the oven self-cleaning option soon.
Highly Acidic & Basic Cleaners
Generally, effective cleaning products are found at either extreme of the pH scale: soap and bleach are highly alkaline, while vinegar is very acidic. Each of these can be effective depending on the type of dirt, soil, and surface being cleaned.
The higher the pH level, the more corrosive the cleaner. If you’re trying to remove an acidic substance, an alkaline cleaner is usually more effective, and vice versa for alkaline substances. Both types of cleaners work to neutralize the substance’s pH, aiding in its removal.
However, it’s important to note that while cleaners with very high or low pH can be powerful, they also pose risks. The chemical reactions they trigger can damage surfaces, release toxic fumes, and cause skin irritation if proper precautions aren’t taken. More neutral cleaners with a pH of 5-9 tend to be safer, though they may not always be as effective.
Bloommaid is a professional cleaning company that serves most of Hudson and Bergen county. We clean homes in cities like Weehawken, Jersey City, Hoboken, Edgewater, Fort Lee, West New York, Secaucus and so on. Allow us to use proper cleaning methods and tools to make your space sparkle again!
Magic Eraser
The abrasiveness of Magic Erasers, while making them effective at removing stains and grime, also comes with some downsides. Please use caution and don’t get carried away by it’s “magic”. Scrubbing too hard, too long or on the wrong surfaces can cause irriversable damage.
Surface Damage: Magic Erasers can scratch or dull delicate surfaces, such as glossy paint, high-shine finishes, stainless steel, and certain plastics. Over time, this can lead to noticeable wear and tear, especially on items like furniture, appliances, and walls.
Worn Finishes: The abrasive action can strip or damage protective coatings on surfaces, including the finish on hardwood floors, the non-stick coating on cookware, or the lacquer on furniture. This can reduce the lifespan of these items.
Paint Damage: When used on painted walls or surfaces, Magic Erasers can remove not just dirt, but also paint, especially on flat or matte finishes. This can lead to discoloration or peeling, requiring touch-ups or repainting.
Cumulative Wear: Over time, the constant use of Magic Erasers on a surface can degrade its appearance and structural integrity, as the abrasiveness slowly erodes the surface layer.
