Effects of household cleaning products on children?

[Giles Fish]

I just wanted to ask, does anyone have any idea of the effects cleaning products could have on my child? My baby girl comes and starts pulling at my leg for attention when i'm doing the dishes, and it'd be great to try and involve her when i'm washing up, but i don't know if the detergent is harmful, or could be irratating to her skin, which got me thinking, could any other house hold cleaning items have the same effect? and has anyone had any good or bad experiences with a childsafe or natural alternative? Any advice?

[Bunnyhugs]

I wouldn't worry about dishwashing detergent, unless you wanted to buy one specifically for sensitive skin.

What other household cleaning products do you use that you're worried about? Are you worried about her coming in contact with the surface after it's been cleaned or with the cleaning agent itself?

[Knocked_for_six]

It may give her a rash, but I am not certain. I use an organic dishwashing liquid that is free from many chemcials- it is made by Murchison Hume, I bought it in David Jones, can also be found online. :thumbsup:

[mummeeto2]

For general cleaning I've been using enjo. Unless you have tough stains you only need the fibre (glove) & water!

[ckhodgo]

I have just started using Norwex cleaning products, they are safe and they work as they are anitbacterial. My little ones can use the cloths and cleaning products as they are safe. Cleaning is said to be quicker using these products and they are if you don't have you little one helping.

[ckhodgo]

Have you tried using Norwex, its great, I have always used chemicals and liked using them as they work but now I have found the Norwex products and am converted!!!

[Giles Fish]

A friend of mine gave me some of this safe-care stuff to try out, used the dishwashing liquid and i'm very impressed. It didn't even feel like detergent when i was using it, and i suggest atleast giving it a go, they're website is http://www.safecareclean.com/index.php

[katiegreen]

Hi Giles Fish,

I am a mom of 3 and am very cautious of the cleaning products they are exposed to. If you are interested in cleaner, safer, more effective products, I highly suggest Melaleuca. They do not use chlorine bleach, ammonia or formaldehyde. Instead they use naturally derived ingredients. If you are interested in exploring their Ecosense cleaning line, let me know and I can forward better detailed information. Have a great day!

-Katie

[wocket]

and just remember just because it's "natural" doesn't mean it's safe.

[Seacretsquirrel]

My DD loves doing the dishes so I pop her up at the sink with just plain water and placts stuff to wash.
Perhaps if you have a double sink you have one side she has the other?

[julietv8]

We stopped using chemical cleaners in our house. If anyone wants the recipes for DIY household products that are cheap, safe, good for the environment and effective let me know and I will type them up.

As for the dishwashing, you can just use bicarb soda in the water (also works in the dishwasher, put some vinegar in the rinse) if you have stuff that's really baked on, sprinkle it with bicarb, then pour/spray vinegar on it and scrub it while it fizzes (a rolled up pair of stockings is really good at getting grime off without scratching).