How to Use Cleaning Products Safely During Pregnancy

Women need to be careful when pregnant while using cleaning products. However, they still need to clean their homes. No one wants to live in a dirty home and besides it is not sanitary. Having a clean home can ward off many sicknesses. Using the right cleaning products and using them safely is important during pregnancy. You'll discover what to use and how to use it safely with this article.

Things You'll Need

• Rubber gloves Empty spray bottle Ammonia Bleach Water

Instructions

1. 

   Use your nose. If the smell of any cleaning product is strong you have two choices. Don't use it at all and allow someone else in the house to do the cleaning. As an alternative, you can use it but have good ventilation while using it.

2. 

   Dilute chemicals that have strong odors. Fill a 26 oz. spray bottle with water. Leave room to add 1/8 cup of ammonia. Mix well. Use this as your all-purpose cleaner and you'll discover that it works well on all surfaces. It is a safe way to clean while pregnant.

3. 

   Make a disinfectant solution. Fill a 26 oz. spray bottle with water. Leave room to add 1/8 cup of bleach. Mix well. Use this mixture as your sanitizer for sinks, toilets, door knobs and any other surface that needs disinfecting.

4. 

   Use gloves. To avoid the chemicals being absorbed through the skin, always use gloves. This will not only protect your insides but also the beauty of your hands.

5. 

   Clean the oven after the baby is born. Oven cleaners have very toxic fumes. Avoid them especially if you are pregnant. Wait until the baby is born or have someone else clean the oven. A solution of soap, water and baking soda can be used to clean the inside of the oven instead of these toxic oven cleaners that are on the market.

6. 

   Consider using cleaning products that are free of toxins. Products, such as Seventh Generation, are non-toxic, hypo-allergenic, and free of harsh dyes, fragrances and fumes. While pregnant and even after pregnancy, these types of products are a good idea for everyday cleaning.

Tips & Warnings

• Consider using a mask while cleaning.

• Never combine bleach with ammonia. This mixture creates deadly fumes. Chemicals to avoid are straight bleach, ammonia, oven cleaners and any other chemical with a strong odor. In addition to cleaning chemicals, stay away from paint fumes, pesticides and most importantly lead.

Resources

• What to Expect website for more pregnancy tips
• Baby Zone for more information