Once you are pregnant, life changes in ways you may not have expected. You can’t eat and drink as you did before, you’ve got to be careful about the exercise you do, and you’ve got to be careful about the way you clean around your home. Since pregnancy changes the way you should clean, you may be asking—is it okay to continue cleaning with bleach while pregnant?
According to the American Pregnancy Association, bleach is not hazardous, and it is, therefore, okay to clean with bleach while you are pregnant, provided you use these simple precautionary measures.
Safety Tips For Cleaning With Bleach While Pregnant
The following recommendations will keep you and your baby safe.
- Always read the instruction and warning labels.
- Protect your skin by wearing protective gloves and clothes.
- Open the windows to make sure there is adequate ventilation while you are cleaning.
- Never mix different chemicals like ammonia and bleach. Mixed chemicals can be dangerous (for anyone) to inhale.
- Do not clean your oven—it is a tight space, and the ventilation is not good.
- If you need help, ask for it.
While bleach and many other homemade cleaning products are safe to use during your pregnancy, you may nonetheless feel uncomfortable using them. You have options. You could buy chemical-free cleaning materials or simply make your own homemade cleaner.
Bleach Alternatives To Use While Pregnant
Make your own homemade cleaner
Here are some of the most common non-toxic cleaning products:
- Baking Soda is a proven virus-killer. It effectively brightens, cleans, deodorizes, and cuts through grease and grime.
- Castile Soap is made from 100% plant oils. It cuts through grease and cleans effectively.
- Vinegar is effective, and gentle, eliminating grease, grime, and soap scum.
- (Natural) Lemon Juice annihilates mold and mildew, cuts through grease, and shines hard surfaces.
You can make your own mixtures, like warm water and baking soda or Castile soap and water. Add a few drops of your favorite essential oils to make make your house smell amazing while you’re cleaning.
