Household cleaners are made of numerous chemicals, some of which are known to be harmful to women or an unborn child during pregnancy. Some risks of cleaning product use have not been identified but the product may still be deemed unsuitable for use while pregnant. Selecting products that are known to be safe can eliminate the fear of the unknown hazards of many cleaning solutions.
White Vinegar
There are a number of cleaning solutions that can be made from safe products found around the home, including white vinegar. White vinegar, whether combined with something else or used separately, can be found in just about any home cleaning solution recipe. Avoid mixing vinegar with other cleaning solutions, especially bleach. A toxic gas can be formed when mixed with toxic chemicals. White vinegar is acidic and can be used to remove stains, reduce glass smudges, disinfect and cut grease. Inhalation can be uncomfortable, so proper ventilation is important during pregnancy. The solution is not harmful to mom or the unborn baby.
Baking Soda
Baking soda can be mixed with a little water or vinegar to form a semi-abrasive paste. This is an excellent tool for removing stubborn stains or burnt food off the stove. Baking soda is an odor remover and can be used just about anywhere in the home to freshen the air, including sprinkling into the carpet, pouring into the toilet before scrubbing and sprinkling down sink drains. Vinegar and baking soda combined can fulfill most household cleaning needs.
Commercial Products
Certain commercial cleaning products can be noxious when inhaled or when they make contact with the skin. When in doubt, women should avoid products that are marked as toxic on the label, reports the March of Dimes. Proper ventilation and protective clothing and rubber gloves can help minimize the potential risks.
Purchasing commercial products that are safe is possible if the labels are read carefully. Avoid products containing bleach, acid, ammonia, ethers or other toxic ingredients. Many companies have manufactured products that are labeled as earth-friendly, biodegradable or organic. These products are made from alternatives to toxic cleaning chemicals and are considered to be more safe, according to the Holistic Pediatric Association. Some of these non-toxic commercial product lines include Seventh Generation, Ecover, Planet and Bi-O-Kleen.
