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Sure, your home is clean… but is it safe for your family?
October 2006
EPA530-F-06-013
Be smart about using household products!
Be smart when you use, store, and dispose of household products.
Did you know that the products you use for cleaning, carpentry, auto repair and gardening can contain ingredients that can harm you, your family and your environment?
These products may harm your children and pets, cause physical injury to sanitation workers if put out for regular trash pick-up, and contaminate septic tanks or pollute the ground water if poured down drains and toilets.
Here’s what you can do to safeguard your family, your home and your community...
Always…
READ the Label
Before you buy, always check the product labels. Look for labeling that reads “DANGER,” “WARNING,” “CAUTION,” “TOXIC,” “CORROSIVE,” “FLAMMABLE,” or “POISON.” These warnings tell you if the product is harmful to you, your family and the environment, and how to use, store and dispose of it safely.
Never…
- Pour harmful household products down a sink, toilet or bathtub drain unless the products are made for that purpose
- Pour products like used oil or bug killer on the ground or into storm drains
- Store leftover products in food or beverage containers
Pay close attention to the labels on:
- Drain Openers
- Oven Cleaners
- Automotive Oil and Fuel Additives
- Paint Thinners, Strippers and Removers
- Grease and Rust Removers
- Glues
- Bug and Weed Killers
- Mold and Mildew Removers
KEEP products in their original containers and store them safely away from children and pets
DISPOSE of household products safely
Many communities hold special collection days or have special drop-off sites for harmful household products. Contact your local trash service for help, call EARTH 911 (1-877-EARTH-911), or visit www.earth911.com 
.
TRY alternative products when available
For everyday tasks, try household products that are less harmful. Remember to follow the same rules about storing these products and never mix these products together.
- Glass Cleaner: Mix 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice in 1 quart of water.
- Toilet Bowl Cleaner: Use a toilet brush and baking soda or vinegar. Note: these clean but do not disinfect.
- Furniture Polish: Mix 1 teaspoon of lemon juice in 1 pint of vegetable oil.
- Rug Deodorizer: Sprinkle liberally with baking soda and vacuum after 15 minutes.
- Plant Spray: Wipe leaves with mild soap and water and rinse.
- Mothballs: Use cedar chips, lavender flowers, rosemary, mint, or white peppercorns.
Did You Know…
The average home can have as much as 100 pounds of environmentally harmful products in the basement, garage and other storage areas. Make sure yours is safe.
View and print this brochure (PDF) (2 pp, 539K, about PDF).
