5 Safety Tips for Spring Cleaning

Spring is finally here, so it’s time for a deep clean! As the weather gets warmer and the flowers bloom, we want our living spaces to mirror the freshness of the great outdoors. That means breaking out your heavy-duty cleaning supplies and searching every crack and crevice of your home for all the dirt, dust, and grime accumulated since your last thorough cleanse. 

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Although spring cleaning is necessary, it doesn’t come without hazards. Household cleaning products, ladders, and heavy furniture can all be dangerous if you’re not cautious. Welcome the sunnier days ahead with a deep cleaning session that’ll keep your family members safe!

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How to Stay Safe While Getting Clean

As springtime approaches, many of us like to welcome the new season with a fresh, organized home. While keeping tidy is ultimately beneficial for you and your family, deep cleaning often involves strenuous work and harsh chemicals that could pose a danger to your loved ones. To get the spotless living space you desire without risking your health, follow these five helpful tips!

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1. Avoid Mixing Chemicals

Common household cleaning products like bleach, vinegar, and ammonia are deep cleaning staples for many people, helping us rid our homes of stubborn stains and built-up grime. However, as effective as they are, these chemicals are dangerous when misused. For instance, mixing certain cleaning supplies can create toxic fumes, which are harmful to inhale. Here are some cleaning products you should never mix:

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• Bleach and Vinegar: When combined, bleach and vinegar release chlorine gas. Inhaling this toxic substance can cause respiratory issues, especially in children, pets, and the elderly.
• Bleach and Toilet Bowl Cleaner: This mixture produces toxic fumes that can lead to chest pains, shortness of breath, and even long-term health issues.
• Bleach and Ammonia: Mixing bleach and ammonia creates toxic vapors that can cause respiratory distress when inhaled.
• Bleach and Rubbing Alcohol: This combination produces a dangerous chemical called chloroform. Exposure to chloroform can result in nausea, dizziness, and unconsciousness. 
• Different Kinds of Drain Cleaner: Combining drain cleaners can lead to life-threatening reactions like toxic fumes and explosions.

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The combinations listed above are especially hazardous, but it’s a good rule of thumb to avoid mixing any cleaning products. Always read warning and usage labels on your cleaning supplies to learn how to use them safely. When working with chemicals, you should always ventilate your home to avoid breathing in toxic fumes. 

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2. Don’t Let Cleaning Products Touch Your Skin

Household cleaning products must be tough on bacteria and dirt to disinfect our homes. However, this means they’re also quite rough on our skin. Everything from spot cleaners to furniture polishes, window cleaners, and all-purpose products can contain chemical skin irritants like ammonia, lye, hydrochloric acid, and more. When they come into contact with our skin, these chemicals can cause dryness, redness, burning, itchiness, inflammation, blisters, hives, and even ulcers—all of which can lead to pain and discomfort. 

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To prevent skin damage caused by cleaning supplies, wear waterproof gloves and long sleeves whenever handling them. Additionally, wash your hands and any other part of your body exposed to these products after cleaning to remove any remaining residue. 

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3. Keep Children and Pets Away From Cleaning Supplies

When it comes to home safety, protecting our children and pets from danger is the top priority. Thus, store all your cleaning supplies in a child and pet-proof location and return them to the proper storage location as soon as you finish each spring cleaning task. If these products are left where children or pets can reach them, this could pose a serious threat to their well-being. 

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According to the National Center for Poison Control (NCPC), U.S. poison control centers received approximately 2.1 million calls about human poison exposure in 2023 alone. For every 1,000 children aged 6 years or younger, there were 32.1 poison exposures. Household cleaning substances accounted for the largest number of pediatric poison exposure cases at just over 87,000, which amounts to about 10 percent of total cases involving children. Additionally, nearly 42,000 cases of animal poison exposure were reported in the same year.

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Most poison exposures are accidental, meaning parents and pet owners must stay vigilant to keep their vulnerable family members safe. Sometimes, leftover residue from harsh cleaning products can harm people and pets. To be on the safe side, opt for non-toxic and organic cleaning supplies.

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4. Exercise Caution When Moving Furniture 

While we tend to clean around large pieces of furniture like couches and dressers for most of the year, spring cleaning makes us want to scrub down every nook and cranny. Sometimes, this means moving furniture aside to remove pesky dust and cobwebs that pile up during the colder months. 

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If you plan on moving furniture, ask for help lifting any heavy items. Attempting to move them by yourself could result in injury, so if there’s no one around to give you a hand, just clean around the furniture pieces like usual. Additionally, make sure to use proper form when lifting furniture. Keep your spine straight and lift with your legs to avoid straining your back. Plus, wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes to prevent any accidental injuries. 

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5. Be Mindful When Using Ladders and Step Stools

Cleaning hard-to-reach places like skylights, high windows, and the tops of tall bookshelves often involves a ladder or step stool. When using these items, have someone there to spot you, help you up and down, and hold the ladder. Don’t let your waist go above the top rung of the ladder, and keep both feet and one hand on the ladder at all times while cleaning. To avoid missteps and falls, mind your footing when coming down. Wearing non-slip shoes—not slippers or socks—will give you extra traction and security. If you feel lightheaded or unstable at any point, come down immediately. Remember: no one can see the top of your bookcase, so don’t risk your safety to get rid of a little dust!

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A pristine home doesn’t have to come at the cost of you or your family’s health. This spring cleaning season, prioritize your well-being by following these five safety tips!

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A Better Living Experience

At Bridge Homes, we believe everyone deserves a quality home. With thousands of new or renovated home rentals in desirable neighborhoods across the United States, our dedicated team ensures each property adheres to our standards of quality, cleanliness, and safety. Explore our listings and take the first step towards a well-maintained and fulfilling living experience.

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Additional Sources:

Combating Common Skin Irritants

Safe spring cleaning: 12 tips

Spring Cleaning Safety

Stay Safe During Spring Cleaning

Top 10 Cleaning Chemicals to Never Mix

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