A commitment to safety is a top priority from the time a company begins working on a new product and continues as long as the product is in the marketplace. Companies evaluate the safety of existing cleaning products by talking with consumers, reviewing scientific developments and monitoring product use data that may affect the safety assessment process. Learn more about the safety assessment process.
In real-world use of these beneficial products, problems generally arise when they are improperly handled, used, or stored. The key to ensuring safe use comes down to common sense.
Use cleaning products as directed.
Read the product label.
Store products properly and securely.
Products and Ingredients
Understanding the different products and their ingredients ensure you select the right product for the cleaning job.
Through their ability to loosen and remove soil from a surface, they contribute to good personal hygiene; reduce the presence of germs that cause infectious diseases; extend the useful life of clothes, tableware, linens, surfaces and furnishings; and make our homes and workplaces more pleasant. Find out more information on products and ingredients.
Cleaning Products
Clean & Safe in the 21st Century (PDF 256KB)
A guide to safe and effective use of cleaning products including understanding labels; guidelines for cleaning and disinfecting; and safe use and storage.
Cleaning to Control Asthma/Allergy Triggers
Cleaning is one of the first and easiest steps to controlling the most common indoor allergens that can trigger attacks. SDA Publications and News Updates are available to help you combat asthma and allergies.
Laundry Products
Whatever their form or their sudsing characteristics, laundry detergents must perform the same basic functions, but diversity exists among laundry detergent formulas. Each ingredient is in the formula at a specified amount for a particular purpose. Understand more about laundry with these interesting facts.
Detergents
An in-depth review of detergents and their ingredients as well as guidelines on how to effectively use laundry products.
Laundry
SDA's Laundry web page features tips and fact sheets on a variety of laundry and fabric care products.
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) is a widely used surfactant in cleaning products, cosmetic, and personal care products. SLS's uses in these products have been thoroughly evaluated and determined to be safe for consumers and the environment.
The book "Everything Goes With Green" unfairly attacks cleaning products that are used safely and effectively by millions of people every day, according to The Soap and Detergent Association.
SDA, a long-time member of the Poison Prevention Week Council, shares ten simple year-round reminders for consumers to help keep their families safe while cleaning.
Nearly nine out of ten Americans believe the cleaning products they buy are safe when used as directed, according to a survey conducted for The Soap and Detergent Association (SDA).
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