Only choose cleaning products that will keep them safe.

With the advent of COVID-19, many of us have stepped up on our cleaning efforts. This may include the use of stronger products to eliminate the pathogens in our homes. Ironically, doing so could be making you ill, as not all cleaning products are safe for use. Many of them contain VOC (volatile organic compounds) and ammonia, which can be toxic, especially for those with respiratory problems like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. These chemicals can also give rise to skin issues like contact dermatitis.

What is distressing is that children are often the most vulnerable. Accidental poisoning at home accounts for 1% of the daily cases reported at KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital. The bulk of these poisonings occurred in children aged one to four years old, and a sizeable portion was due to household liquids used.

To prevent inadvertently poisoning your family, you may want to keep a critical eye on the ingredients in your household cleaning products, and opt for non-toxic solutions instead. Below are some recommendations:

MR WONDERFUL SANITISING WATER
Formulated by Dream Sparkle, an eco-friendly cleaning company founded by a former paramedic with experience in the cleaning industry, Mr Wonderful Sanitising Water was created with human safety in mind. With potassium hydroxide as the main active ingredient, the biodegradable cleaning solution comes in the form of purified ionised alkaline water. Skin and food remain safe even if they come into contact with it; in fact, it is so non-toxic that, should it be accidentally ingested by your child, he/she will not suffer much consequence — which should be a load off your shoulders.

Colourless, odourless and non-sticky, it does not produce foam or residue, and is effective for deep cleaning, claiming to eliminate up to 99.9999% of harmful germs and bacteria. Being multi-purpose, it can be used not only for cleaning the kitchen and toilet — you can also spritz it on personal items like watches and jewellery.

Available on Shopee and Lazada.  

QUANTUM-ION MULTI
Another cleaning product worth looking into is Quantum-ION®’s Multi. Made in Singapore, this product’s efficacy has been certified by the World Health Organization. The all-purpose solution is water-based, gentle on skin, non-toxic, and alcohol- and fragrance-free, making it safe for both children and pets.

Offering 24-hour protection, the antimicrobial solution can be sprayed directly onto surfaces to disinfect them. With the use of resonance technology, the antimicrobial solution is able to eliminate 99.9% of pathogens such as bacteria, virus, mould and fungi. Its key ingredients are nano silver, ionic copper, and nano titanium oxide.

Available on www.vallio.co and www.familiessingapore.com 

THIEVES HOUSEHOLD CLEANER
Formulated with Young Living’s Thieves essential oil blend, Thieves Household Cleaner is a natural concentrate that can be used on any surface in your home. It is safe for children and pets and — as a bonus — contains lemon essential oil, which leaves behind an invigorating aroma.

You can dilute it in a spray bottle or bucket, or use undiluted for extra strength. Dilution ratios are listed on the label, which removes the guesswork for the user. 

Available at https://www.youngliving.com/en_SG/products/thieves-household-cleaner, or in-store at Young Living Singapore’s Experience Centre located at 111 Somerset Road, #05-18 TripleOne Somerset, Singapore 238164.

BRPROTECT™ 30 DAYS ANTI-MICROBIAL SPRAY
BRProtect is a revolutionary disinfectant spray with a unique anti-microbial technology. When applied to surfaces, it forms an invisible and odourless shield that attracts bacteria and viruses. It then electrocutes and kills them upon contact! It is 99.99% effective against bacteria and viruses. In fact, surfaces coated with BRProtect remain active against germs for up to 30 days.

Alcohol-free and non-toxic, BRProtect is suitable on all surfaces, and will not wash off during routine cleaning. Spray it on all high-touch areas after they’ve been cleaned.

Available at https://www.aas.com.sg/membership/aa-shop/200-home-travel-appliances.html