With all of the precautions to take during pregnancy, it can be confusing as to what's safe and what's not. Smoking, drinking, and most prescriptions lean heavily on the "unsafe" side, but much of everything else lands in a gray area. Caffeine, sushi, and lunch meat aren't considered as risky as they once were, and most daily physical activities are given an OK by doctors. But what about household chemicals and substances, like cleaning products? Can you use cleaning products if you're pregnant?
According to the American Pregnancy Association (APA), most household cleaning products, including bleach, are safe to use during pregnancy. But, there are steps you can take to keep yourself and your baby safe from harm. As the APA mentioned, using good ventilation when cleaning can prevent you from inhaling harmful fumes, and help keep smells from complicating your nausea. Wearing protective gloves can also keep chemicals from touching your skin. Most importantly, always read the instructions on the products you're using to ensure safe usage, and never mix cleaning products in order to avoid potentially unsafe chemical reactions.
March of Dimes confirmed that most cleaning products will not cause harm to your baby when used safely and smartly. In addition, keeping your home clean can prevent the spread of infections that could make you sick.
But if you're still unsure, you can just update the brands you use. As Parents mentioned, if using chemical-based cleaners makes you uncomfortable, natural options are a good alternative. Baking soda can work well on bath tubs, toilets, and ovens, while a vinegar-and-water solution can clean glass and countertops. Fit Pregnancy also suggested that hydrogen peroxide can be used as an effective, non-toxic stain remover, while lemon juice and diluted tea tree oil can make a natural disinfectant.
As it turns out, unfortunately, it's perfectly safe to clean while you're pregnant. With many more chemical-free cleaning products on the market, there's a lot of options to choose from when picking your cleaner of choice. But, if for some reason you don't really feel like cleaning, it won't hurt to err on the side of more rest, while handing your partner the mop.
