Cleaning Your Home: Good. Accidentally Poisoning Yourself: Bad. (Published 2020) (2024)

As meticulously cleaning our homes becomes a national pastime, it’s important to remember that many of the cleaning agents we use can be hazardous when used incorrectly. Spraying yourself or others with Lysol, or mixing cleaning products together, are just two examples of the countless ways to use your cleaning supplies incorrectly — and dangerously. Here are some guidelines to help keep you and your family safe.

Avoiding common hazards

Incorrect use of bleach

Chlorine bleach, which can appear on ingredients lists as sodium hypochlorite, must not be mixed with any chemical other than water, as it can create dangerous and potentially deadly gasses. Likewise, when using bleach, remember to keep the area in which you’re cleaning well-ventilated: Open windows and doors so you don’t inhale harmful amounts of the toxic fumes it gives off. If you start to feel queasy or lightheaded or experience problems breathing, take a break to get some fresh air, and if your symptoms are severe, call Poison Control. (Take a moment and save the Poison Control number in your phone: 1-800-222-1222. You can call Poison Control for both human and animal accidents.)

Here’s how to prepare a proper bleach solution, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:

• 5 tablespoons of bleach per gallon of water, or

• 4 teaspoons of bleach per quart of water

Make only as much bleach solution as you’ll need right now; it can be stored, but its effectiveness begins to degrade after only about a day, so it’s best not to make more than you need. However, if you must store excess solution, follow these storage guidelines from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission:

• Make sure the container has a tightfitting, secure closure or cap.

• Clearly and accurately label the bleach solution.

• Explain to your family that a dangerous solution is in the container.

• Keep it locked up and away from young children, elders and pets.

• When choosing a storage container, opt for glass or plastic, and avoid metal containers.

Misusing Lysol disinfecting spray

There are many ways to misuse Lysol, and it is important for your health to know how to use it properly.

“Lysol spray is a disinfectant — it’s designed for use on surfaces,” said Joe Rubino, director of research and development for microbiology at Reckitt Benckiser, Lysol’s parent company. “It is not meant to be used on the body, whether it be humans or pets. By no means should you do that.”

“As a disinfectant, it’s not meant for food,” he added. “We would not want anybody spraying this on food — there’s no need to use a Lysol product on food.”

The incorrect use of Lysol can also cause material damage; while Lysol is designed for use on most hard surfaces, it should not be used on painted wood, acrylic plastic, leather or silk. Lysol can be used to disinfect children’s toys, but they should be rinsed with potable water afterward.