Disinfectants

Person cleaning the room, cleaning staff is using cloth and spra

Common Hazardous Ingredients

Ammonia, aromatic hydrocarbons, cationic detergents, formaldehyde, hydrocarbon solvents, lye (sodium or potassium hydroxide), monoethanolamine, phenols, pine oil, quaternary ammonium chlorides, sodium borate (borax), sodium hypochlorite, triethanolamine

Potential hazards: Irritant, may be flammable or corrosive

Use and Storage

  • Use according to label instructions.

  • Avoid aerosol dispensers to reduce exposure to hazardous vapors.

  • Use chemical splash goggles and heavy rubber or nitrile gloves to protect from corrosive effects.

  • Use in a well-ventilated area.

  • Do not use around food, pets or children.

  • Keep container lid tightly closed when not in use and store out of reach of children.

Disposal

  • Best: Use up or give away. Dispose of empty, nonaerosol containers in the garbage.

  • Second Best: if connected to a city sewer system, flush small amounts of disinfectants down an inside drain (toilet is preferable) with plenty of water.

  • Third Best: If you are on a septic system or have aerosol containers, hold for a household hazardous waste collection. In Oregon, call 1-800-732-9253 to find out if there is a hazardous waste collection event scheduled in your community, or call your garbage hauler, local government solid waste department or the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality at (503) 229-5913 or toll-free at 1-800-452-4011.

Alternatives

  • Rubbing alcohol is a disinfectant, although it is extremely flammable. Use in a well-ventilated area far from possible sources of ignition. Wear nitrile gloves. Apply with a sponge and allow to dry.

For LOADS of green cleaning suggestions, we recommend the book:
"The Naturally Clean Home: 150 Super-Easy Herbal Formulas for Green Cleaning" by Karyn Siegel-Maier