Healthy Home
Decoding the
Label Lingo
What’s in the cleaning products under your bathroom
sink? Before you reach for the cleaner, learn what chemicals
could be hazardous to your health.
ACTIVE INGREDIENT: Usually anti-microbial pesticides
are added to kill bacteria, viruses or mold. Avoid them —
they are hazardous chemicals.
CHLORINE-FREE/BLEACH ALTERNATIVE: May contain
oxygen bleach instead and is irritating and corrosive. If the
product contains chlorine bleach, it can release traces of
chlorine gas. You may be at an increased risk of developing
asthma and other respiratory problems.
FRAGRANCE: Often contains a chemical cocktail of
phthalates, a substance added to plastics to increase their
flexibility, and other hazardous ingredients. Fragrance is
unnecessary and can provoke allergic reactions.
SURFACTANT: Chemicals that loosen dirt and grease
from surfaces. Some are safer than others, but many like
nonylphenol ethoxylates are toxic to aquatic life.
SOLVENT: Many are flammable and release volatile
organic compounds into the air. When inhaled, they can
cause respiratory impairment, neurological damage,
reproductive harm and cancer. Stay away!
Definitions according to the
Environmental Working Group, ewg.org.
Go GREEN
We talked to Jordan Ford, owner of Jordan’s Jungle — an oasis
of tropical, rare and exotic houseplants in Pawtucket — about the
best hard-to-kill, air-purifying plants for your home.
For the Living Room/Office
Monstera Delicioso
Due to its large split leaves, this philodendron plant requires
plenty of space and light and thrives in warm, bright areas.
It needs to be kept moderately moist, but has good all-around
air cleaning properties.
For the Bedroom
Peace Lily
This pretty white flower adds a touch of elegance to your personal
space, is easy to care for and needs to be watered once a week.
It is excellent for air filtration and is a top oxygen producer. It is
also available in a variegated form.
For the Bathroom
Zamioculcas Zamiifolia (ZZ Plant)
Because it prefers low light and has to be watered only every
ten to fourteen days, it’s okay if you forget about it every once in
a while. The ZZ Plant is a top oxygen producer and removes a
number of pollutants from the air, however it is toxic to pets.
For the Kitchen
Sansevieria (Snake Plant)
Also called Mother-In-
Law’s Tongue, this wildly
popular (but toxic to pets)
houseplant requires indirect
sunlight, drier soil and
little-to-no maintenance.
It is another top oxygen
producer and unlike many
other species, it also filters
the air at night.
The Ultimate Cleaning Checklist
EVERYDAY
�Cellphone
�Coffee Mug
�Remote Control
�Kitchen Counters
�Bathroom Counters
�Purse/Backpack
�Computer Keyboard
EVERY WEEK
�Bath Towels
�Bed Sheets
�Bathroom Toilet
�Vacuum/wash floors
EVERY MONTH
�Microwave
�Bathmat
�Refrigerator
�Shower Curtain and Liner
�Comforter/Duvet
�Light Fixtures
�Oven
�Windows
What to clean
and when.
EVERY YEAR
�Curtains
�Carpet
(professional steam clean)
�Fireplace/Chimney
ALL IMAGES THIS AND PREVIOUS SPREAD: GETTY IMAGES.
62 RHODE ISLAND MONTHLY l MAY/JUNE 2020