Household Hazardous Products: What are they?  

Many household products found on store shelves and in homes are considered household hazardous products. Household hazardous products are: Toxic, Corrosive, Ignitable or Reactive.

 

Common Examples

  • Aerosols

  • Bleach

  • Cleaning products

  • Hygiene products

  • Furniture polish

  • Drain opener

  • Insect killers

  • Fertilizers

  • Motor oil

 

How Toxic is Toxic?

1 of 3 degrees of toxicity can be found on the label of virtually all nonfood products, They are:

  • Caution: least Toxic
  • Warning
  • Danger!: Most Toxic

Caution: Moderately Toxic

Lethal dose is 1 ounce to 1 pint

Warning: Very Toxic

Lethal dose is 1 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon

Danger!: Extremely Toxic

Lethal dose is 1 taste to 1 teaspoon

 

Follow these tips to reduce the toxicity in your home:

  • Always read the label
  • Avoid products with Danger! label
  • Use safer alternatives
  • While searching for alternatives, consider the package and its contents

And remember to always:

  • Use properly
  • Store properly away from food items
  • Keep out of reach of children
  • Dispose of properly

 

Reduce the Toxicity in Your Home

Try these safer alternatives to common household hazardous products

Instead of:

Try:

Aerosols

Pumps, Gels, Roll-ons

Glass cleaner and Windshield Wiper Fluid

 Vinegar & Water (equal parts)

Rug cleaner

 

Club Soda on fresh stains or sprinkle corn starch and Vacuum for general cleaning or Ammonia for tough stains

Spray Cleaners

 

 Mix Baking Soda, or Washing Soda or Borax with Warm Water & Lemon Juice

Bleach

 Super Washing Soda or Borax

Disinfectants

Ammonia

Oven Cleaner

Rub Salt on warm spills and scour with wool pad

Drain Opener

 Pour boiling water down drain to prevent clogs. Always use drain strainer. Try Plunger.
Easy to Make All Purpose Cleaner
All Purpose Cleaner
(Safe for Linoleum, hardwood floors, bath, toilet, shower, appliances)		 Mix 1/2 gallon Hot Water with 1/4 cup Baking or Washing Soda & 1/4 cub Ammonia & 1/4 cup Vinegar. Add Lemon Juice for fresh scent.
Easy to Make Wood Polish
Wood Polish (furniture & floor)
Do not use over varnish		 Mix 1 part Vegetable Oil with 2 parts Lemon Juice for fresh scent.

Easy on Your Pocket
Look for multi-use products. 

 Washing Soda, Borax, Lemon Juice, and Ammonia

Did you know?
It is illegal to dispose of the unused portions of your household hazardous products in your trash?

Did you know?
You may properly dispose of the unused portions of your household hazardous products at Merced County Environmental Health Department's Free Household Hazardous Waste Drop off Station located at the Highway 59 Landfill, 6040 S. Highway 59, Merced.

(209) 385-7391
(800) 734-7391
Monday - Thursday 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
Saturday 9:00 am to 1:00 pm