Are Cleaning Products Safe During Pregnancy?

Household cleaning products can effectively remove dirt and grime while promoting a healthy and hygienic indoor environment. While some cleaning products are safe during pregnancy, a few solvents contain hazardous chemicals that pose potential risks. Prolonged exposure to ammonia, phosphates and other harmful chemical-based cleaning products can cause harm to you and your baby during pregnancy. According to a study by the NHMRC (Australian National Health and Medical Research Council), every 1 in 5 pregnant women in Australia is exposed to harmful air pollutants from household cleaners. This has increased the risk of adverse pregnancy results, such as low birth weight, premature birth, etc. Thus, it is important to check the label and avoid using harmful cleaning products during pregnancy. Here is a complete guide to help you make the right decisions for your baby’s good health. Let’s Get Started!

What Types of Cleaning Products Should Be Avoid During Pregnancy?

It is always good to take care of your health during the first and third trimesters of your pregnancy. Do not come in direct contact with the following cleaning products:

Ammonia-Based Cleaning Solvents

There is no denying that ammonia is one of the most powerful chemicals that are present in almost all store-bought cleaners, such as de-greasers, toilet cleaners, glass cleaners, room fresheners, and much more. Exposure to high levels of ammonia-based cleaners can pose health hazards to a pregnant woman. It can affect the lungs, leading to respiratory disorders such as coughing and sneezing. Ammonia-based cleaners can also cause skin irritation and increase the fetal toxicity risk. So, it is good to use safe alternatives to tackle stains and grime. If you are moving out of your leased apartment during pregnancy, ask professionals to perform a best bond cleaning Sunshine Coast using environmentally-friendly products.

Products That Contain Phthalates

A pregnancy is a crucial phase for the expected mum and her child. Make sure you read the label and never buy a store-bought cleaner that contains Phthalates. It is a group of hazardous ingredients that adds strong fragrance and stain removal properties to the product. They are present in the following products, including:

• Laundry Detergents
• Floor Cleaners
• Dish Soaps
• Toilet Bowl Cleaner
• Room fresheners

These products may pose a risk of congenital reproductive anomalies in male fetuses or cause asthma. So, never buy a store-bought cleaner with a strong smell or fragrance. These cleaning products can damage your floors, tiles, window screens, etc if using them on a regular basis.

Parabens-Based Cleaning Products

These can lead to hazardous respiratory problems. Parabens are used to enhance the shelf-life of products and remove bacteria and germs. Using it directly during pregnancy can lead to the baby’s weight gain or obesity problem at an early age.

Cleaners with Glycol Ethers

These are the most toxic elements in any cleaning product. Glycol Ethers are present in stain removers, detergents and soaps. Inhaling the chemical can actually cause congenital disabilities, but the chances are rare. Make sure you follow all the safety precautions when using such products.

Avoid Formaldehyde-Based Products

These are also harmful chemicals that are used to kill germs and bacteria from surfaces. Using store-bought disinfectants can also cause respiratory disorders during pregnancy. If you are outsourcing a professional bond cleaning Sunshine Coast service, make sure you do a proper research, ask relevant questions about cleaning products, and hire a company that adheres to green cleaning practices.

What Are the Safety Tips When Using Cleaning Products During Pregnancy?

Ensure you consider the following things and reduce the potential risks of using cleaning products when pregnant.

Use Organic or Natural cleaners

Instead of using harsh or harmful cleaning products, you can opt for safe alternatives that are safe for the mother and her fetus. You can use:

• White vinegar: A natural stain remover that can help you clean almost all surfaces, except natural stone surfaces, with perfection.
• Baking Soda: A versatile product and a mild scrubbing powder to clean, disinfect and deodorise surfaces.
• Lemon: To kill germs and bacteria
• Essential Oils: To freshen up your rooms
• Tea Tree Oil: To kill germs, bacteria and mould growth.

Using these products can help you create a kid-friendly home environment with ease.

Ensure Proper Ventilation

It is always good to ventilate the area when sprucing up your house using cleaning products. Always keep your doors and windows open to remove pungent smells and pollutants.

Wear a Mask and Gloves

Whether you are treating mould growth or carpet stains, make sure you wear protective eyewear, face mask and gloves. This is important when using store-bought products to protect your respiratory system and skin from pollutants.

Don’t Use aerosol Sprays

These fancy sprays release toxic fumes into the air that can cause coughing, sneezing and wheezing. You can do proper research and find non-toxic cleaning products for your home and create a healthy abode without using harmful chemicals.

Never Mix Cleaning Products

Whether you are using store-bought cleaners or natural ones, such as vinegar or baking soda, never take the risk of mixing two different products into a bowl or container. This can produce toxic fumes that can be hazardous for your fetus.

Hire Professional Cleaners

It is always good to hire professional bond cleaners in Sunshine Coast if you are at the end of your tenancy. There is no denying that performing multiple cleaning chores, such as scrubbing stains, cleaning walls, vacuuming carpets, etc, can be physically draining during pregnancy. So, you can hire professionals and ask them to bring tried & tested cleaning products that are safe, sound and effective.

Wrapping Up

It is always good to use cleaning products that are safe during pregnancy. If you are using store-bought cleaners, then follow the safety measures and protect yourself from toxic fumes. You can also use safe alternatives, such as vinegar, lemon, baking soda, etc, to maintain a clean and healthy living space for you and your baby in the womb.