It is not only household cleaning products that may contain toxic material: fitted carpets, paint and even some pieces of furniture may have been treated with these products, which is why the first few days after installing them the house should be ventilated regularly.

The most common toxic materials
The disinfectant par excellence when it comes to cleaning the house is bleach. However, this is a highly corrosive product that can irritate the skin if touched and may even cause burns. It is highly advisable to always wear gloves and keep it away from the eyes and respiratory channels.

Ammonia is another agent that is often used in cleaning products, and one that is equally aggressive with the skin and eyes. It is best not to mix bleach and ammonia, as it is a highly toxic mixture that can cause serious damage if breathed in.

The third common agent is phenol, which is mainly used in wood conservation solutions and disinfectants. It is highly toxic, above all if accidentally ingested, so extra special care should be taken if children are around.

Basic rules of conservation
- Make sure you follow the manufacturers' instructions on how to use and dispose of the product. All that enters piping ends up in the sea and many detergents or similar products are not biodegradable.
- If you break a bottle and need to move a product to another receptacle never use food containers and ensure you label the bottle correctly to avoid domestic accidents.
- If the agent is highly dangerous, try to keep it in its original container, which will e specially treated and prepared. Never remove or amend the original labels.
- Keep all products that may be regarded as dangerous away from heat sources, as the solutions could be highly flammable. Always keep them out of reach of children.
- Do not mix products unless the manufacturer indicates that you can. If the products are incompatible they may even explode.
- Always use the amount indicated by the manufacturer. If you use too much, the products may remain on the furniture and children may bring the product to their mouths.

A few solutions
A lot of these products can be replaced by other less aggressive agents, as there is a wide variety of ecological products available. However, knowing a few household remedies could be useful. For example, there is no need to use ammonia to clear a blockage: a mixture of bicarbonate and vinegar is also efficient. Phenol can be replaced with beeswax, which is a natural treatment that polishes your furniture effectively.

If you normally use dangerous products in your home, you should follow the instructions on the label to the letter to prevent accidents. This is the only way to keep your family safe from harm.