Best Practices for Reading Cleaning Labels - Your Guide

Introduction to Understanding Cleaning Product Labels

Choosing the right cleaning products is essential for both effectiveness and safety. However, with the vast array of chemicals and marketing terms used on labels, it can be challenging to understand what you're actually using. This guide will walk you through best practices for reading cleaning labels, helping you make informed decisions about the products you use in your home or workplace.

The Importance of Ingredient Transparency

Ingredient transparency in cleaning products is not just about knowing what you're using—it's also about understanding the potential health and environmental impacts of those ingredients. With increasing concerns over the safety of chemical ingredients, it's crucial to know how to read and interpret the information presented on cleaning labels.

Key Components of a Cleaning Label

1. Ingredients List: Manufacturers are increasingly providing fuller disclosures of their ingredients. Look for labels that list all components, not just the active ones.
2. Warning and Safety Information: This section includes any hazards associated with the product, such as irritability to skin or eyes and potential toxicities.
3. Usage Instructions: Proper usage guidelines are essential for ensuring effectiveness and safety. This includes how much of the product to use, surfaces it’s safe for, and any dilution required.
   

Deciphering Chemical Names and What They Mean

Understanding the chemical makeup of cleaning products can be daunting due to the complex names often used. Here’s a primer on how to understand these components and their implications:

Common Chemicals and Their Uses

1. Surfactants (e.g., Sodium Lauryl Sulfate): Used for their cleaning and foaming properties. They help to break down dirt and grease.
2. Disinfectants (e.g., Benzalkonium Chloride): Kill bacteria and viruses on surfaces but may be irritant if misused.
3. Solvents (e.g., Isopropanol): Used to dissolve substances or ingredients. Useful in glass cleaners and disinfectants.
4. Fragrances and Dyes: Added for aesthetic purposes, but can cause allergic reactions and are often unnecessary.
5. Preservatives (e.g., Methylisothiazolinone): Prevent microbial growth in products, but can be allergenic or irritating.
   

Recognising Harmful Chemicals

Some chemicals should be avoided due to their harshness or potential health risks:

• Phthalates: Often used in fragrances, linked to hormonal disruptions.
• Formaldehyde: A preservative known to be a carcinogen.
• Ammonia and Chlorine: Highly effective but can cause respiratory irritation and should not be mixed due to producing toxic gases.
  

Tips for Safer and More Informed Choices

1. Look for Certifications: Products certified by organisations like the EPA's Safer Choice or EcoLogo have been vetted for environmental and health safety.
2. Avoid Unnecessary Additives: Opt for products with fewer fragrances and dyes.
3. Use Concentrated or Refillable Products: Reduces plastic waste and often contains fewer stabilisers and additives.
   

Conclusion

Understanding how to read cleaning labels empowers you to make safer, more environmentally friendly choices that align with your health standards and cleaning needs. Always take the time to read and understand labels before purchasing to ensure you are choosing the best product for your situation. Always carry out a product risk assessment when using any product indoors, and dispose of any residue safely and correctly.

Interested in learning more about safe and effective cleaning products? Contact us to discover our range of eco-friendly solutions and gain further insights into the chemicals in your everyday products.

‍