MIX-AT-HOME RECIPES
What You Need to Know
Today, we hear a lot about mix-at-home cleaning products, but do we really know enough about this kitchen
chemistry (Some Facts About Mix-at-Home
Cleaners)? Some common household
chemicals can irritate eyes and skin. Some may be caustic and harmful if
accidentally ingested. And many mix-at-home recipes do not provide safety information or directions for use.
Mixtures
of these chemicals should be handled with the same care used when handling commercial household cleaning
products.
In fact, you should have the same information for mix-at-home recipes as you get with commercial products. We
suggest that you do not use any mix-at-home product unless you can confirm the following (for commercial products,
this information appears on the product label):
- Emergency treatment guidelines
- Safety precautions for mixing, combining with other products, usage, etc.
- Complete directions for use
Check with manufacturers of the individual ingredients to see if they recommend the mixture, or if there are any
hazards associated with using their products in this manner.
Do not use empty cleaning product bottles to mix your own cleaning products. Not only could a reaction occur
with any
product residue, but the commercial product label will not reflect information about the mix-at-home contents
and may
cause confusion or mistreatment in an emergency situation.
Never store mix-at-home recipes in a food container, since the contents could be mistaken as edible by young
children,
the elderly and people with impaired vision.
Additionally, you should have assurance that any product or mixture that makes disinfectancy claims can prove its
effectiveness. Products making disinfectant claims must meet EPA requirements and must display an EPA Registration
Number. Disinfectancy is an important aspect of a cleaning product, especially in group child care centers or
in the
home if there is an illness.
Commercial products provide effectiveness, safe packaging, use directions, safety information, convenience and
a good
value for your money. When consumers purchase cleaning products, they bring home not only a mixture of ingredients,
but years of the manufacturer's experience and expertise on the safe and effective use of each product.
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