7 Cleaning Products To Avoid During Pregnancy And Their Substitutes

7 Cleaning Products To Avoid During Pregnancy And Their Substitutes

By : angelina
There is no denying that having a healthy pregnancy promotes a safe and healthy birth. Getting regular prenatal care is important if you are conceiving a baby. Ensure you eat a balanced diet, meditate daily, sleep properly, and control your stress during your trimesters. According to the statistics, around 20 %  of pregnant women have a miscarriage in the first 20 weeks of their pregnancy. Taking extra care of your health in your pregnancy’s first and third trimesters is important. Do not come in direct contact with chemical-based products, especially household cleaners, because they contain ammonia, sodium hypochlorite, trisodium phosphate and much more. Exposure to toxic products can lead to various health hazards, which is not good for you and your baby. Instead, use safe and sound substitutes that can help you maintain a clean abode. Here is a list of 7 cleaning products that you must avoid during pregnancy, along with their safe alternatives:

1. Avoid Glycol Ethers-Based Cleaners

Glycol ethers are synthesised from ethylene oxide, which can be a very harmful chemical if used regularly. It is commonly used to prepare detergents, stain removers, soaps and other household cleaning products. Inhaling glycol ethers can lead to miscarriage or congenital disabilities. When buying store-bought oven cleaners, dish soaps and detergents, it is important to read the label. Do not purchase such products during your pregnancy.

2. Never Bring Ammonia-Based Cleaning Products

Ammonia is among the most common ingredients in household cleaning products, including glass cleaners, de-greaser, disinfectants, room fresheners, etc. It is a colourless gas with a pungent smell that can be harmful if inhaled or absorbed via the skin. Exposure to high levels of ammonia can be harmful to a pregnant woman. It can irritate the lungs and cause breathing difficulties, coughing and wheezing. Ammonia-based cleaners can irritate your skin and increase the risk of fetal toxicity. It is good to use cleaning products that don’t contain ammonia and other harmful chemicals. If you are at the end of your tenancy, hire a company that can offer safe and sound bond cleaning Sunshine Coast. Such companies use tried and tested products safe for pregnant women, toddlers and the environment.

3. Do not Use Cleaning Products with Phthalates

It is a group of harmful chemicals that are often used in cleaning products to enhance their fragrance and effectiveness. They can be found in a variety of traditional cleaning products, such as:
  • Dish soap
  • All-purpose cleaners
  • Toilet Bowl Cleaners
  • Laundry Detergents
  • Air Fresheners
  • Floor Cleaners

  • Products that contain phthalates may increase the risk of congenital reproductive anomalies in male kids. It isn’t easy to find the name on the label. So, if you see store-bought cleaner with a ‘fragrance’ word, there is a high probability of phthalates presence. According to the study, pregnant women who regularly use dish soap or laundry detergent had higher levels of phthalates in their urine.  If you want to maintain a clean abode, you can invest in cleaning gadgets to make your life easier, especially during pregnancy.

    4. Avoid Parabens-Based Cleaners

    Parabens may not be harmful chemicals, but they can lead to various health-related concerns such as cough and cold. It can also harm male fertility. These chemicals are used to boost the shelf-life of products and prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi. Direct exposure to paraben cleaning products during pregnancy may increase the weight of a baby and obesity in adulthood.

    5. Avoid Aerosol Cleaning Agents

    Using cleaning sprays or aerosol cleaners during pregnancy may increase the risk of asthma. So, it is good to read the labels and avoid purchasing aerosol products. You can ask professional bond cleaners Sunshine Coast to use safe products for human beings and the environment.

    6. Do Not Use Store-Bought Air Fresheners

    This can also increase the risk of asthma and other respiratory issues because such products contain phthalates and other harmful cleaners. Inhaling the strong smell can put your infant at risk.

    7. Never Use Formaldehyde-Based Products

    Formaldehyde-based cleaners are hazardous chemical that is often used as a disinfectant. It can potentially kill all types of germs and bacteria in no time. Unfortunately, the toxic fumes can irritate your respiratory system and could increase the chances of miscarriage.

    Safe Alternatives to Chemical-Based Cleaning Products

    Instead of using traditional cleaning products that contain ammonia, phthalates, formaldehyde and other harmful chemicals, you can use eco-friendly products to prepare the following cleaning agents: 1. Vinegar and Warm Water: All-purpose Cleaner You can take one part of vinegar, one part of warm water and a few drops of a mild dishwashing liquid. This solution can help you remove all types of stains in no time. You can apply it on hard surfaces, windows, carpets and other areas to remove stubborn stains and grime during pregnancy. You use natural cleaning products and follow effective spring cleaning tips to maintain a healthy and hygienic home. It is good to open windows and doors for proper ventilation. You can also wear a mask and gloves. 2. A DIY Floor cleaner: Castile Soap and Water You can add castile soap and warm water to prepare a pregnancy-safe floor cleaner at home. Castile soap is a natural cleaning agent that can help you remove stains, grime, mould, mildew and grease from floors in no time. It is safe for sensitive skin and leaves no toxic fumes behind. 3. A Natural Deodoriser: Baking Soda Baking soda is a great alternative to a store-bought deodoriser and disinfectant. It is safe for pregnant women, kids and pets. You can sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda on the carpet and vacuum-clean it to absorb the pungent smell. Preparing a thick baking soda and water paste can help you clean oven, microwave, and natural stone surfaces. 4. An Eco-friendly Disinfectant : Lemon + Baking Soda You can use lemon and baking soda to kill germs and bacteria from contaminated surfaces. However, it won’t kill 100 % germs and bacteria, but it is still a safe alternative to formaldehyde-based cleaning products.  You can also prepare a house cleaning checklist to disinfect dirty areas and promote a healthy indoor environment. 5. Natural Room Fresheners You can freshen up your house with fresh coffee beans, natural candles, and essential oils. These are safe substitutes for traditional room fresheners that contain harmful chemicals.  You can also hire professionals for a quality bond cleaning Sunshine Coast and impess your fussy landlord.

    Wrapping up

    You should avoid these 7 cleaning products or solvents if you are pregnant. Take care of your baby by using safe and sound products that don’t contain toxic fumes and harmful chemicals like ammonia, formaldehyde, Glycol Ethers, Parabens, etc. Instead, use lemon, baking soda, vinegar and other natural cleaning products that are safe for you and the environment.