Cleaning Radiator with Zoflora
Zoflora has been around since 1922 but has increased in its popularity recently with a lot of the increase being attributed to the Instagram star Sophie Hinchcliffe, better known as Mrs.Hinch.
With over 2 million followers, when Mrs. Hinch announced that Zoflora was the go-to product for cleaning her home, Zoflora suddenly went flying off Supermarket shelves.
Zoflora is a multi-room, multi-use product that can be used throughout the home to combat the spread and reproduction of bacteria and viruses in the home, which can kill up to 99% of the bacteria and viruses.
It can be used on many surfaces floors, baths, floors, tiles, taps, worktops, drains, sinks, dishcloths, toilet etc.... But should we use it on radiators?
Zoflora has always been available in a variety of fragrances and sizes, although the fragrance selection has changed over time which include the earliest fragrances Honey Suckle, Violet, Lavender and sweet pea which are still as popular now as they were 80 years ago.
There is a vast range of Scents from the Zoflora range you can buy.
As we are now approaching the winter months and the festive period see below some of the scented disinfectants from the the Zoflora range for Christmas 2020.
- Cranberry and Orange
- Winter Morning
- Warm Cinnamon
- Winter Spice
- Sparkling Spruce
- Festive Fireside
As lovely as Zoflora smells they do contain certain chemicals!
Is Zoflora Toxic?
All products are given a classification called a ‘hazard class’; the products are tested to determine if their composition is:
- Flammable
- A skin irritant
- An eye Irritant
- Hazardous to aquatic life
The classifications are shown within the products SDS sheet (Safety Data Sheet) with a number running from 0-4:
0 – Minimal hazard
1 – Slight hazard
2 – Moderate hazard
3 – Serious hazard
4 – Severe hazard
These classifications are indicated on the products packaging in the form of a symbol:
Flammable – 2 (Moderate hazard)
A skin irritant – 2 (Moderate hazard)
An eye Irritant – 2 (Moderate hazard)
Hazardous to aquatic life – 3 (Severe Hazard)
What ingredients are Contained in Zoflora?
Before any disinfectant can be determined to be good or bad for our indoor environment the ingredients it contains needs to be considered. In the case of Zoflora, it does contain some chemicals which could be potentially harmful to the environment but also to our pets and humans.
One of the chemicals that is used in Zoflora that could be of a concern is Linalool.
Linalool:
This chemical is a component of many essential oils, that it is contained in over 60% of the Zoflora range. On its own, in its pure form, Linalool has been found to have Antiproliferative effects (suppress cell growth) in cancerous cells.
However, when oxidized it can become an irritant to the skin in some people.
Linalool can be absorbed through the skin and by inhalation which can cause drowsiness and dizziness.
Linalool is used as a pesticide and sometimes a bug repellent.
If disposed of incorrectly Linalool is very highly toxic to certain freshwater amphipods.
If you want to take a look at ALL the ingredients used in the Zoflora products, here is a link to their SDS (Safety Data Sheet)
Is Zoflora Safe To Use Around Pets?
Zoflora products contain a chemical called benzalkonium chloride that can cause ulcers and loss of appetite if your pets accidentally touch or should eat it.
Like any cleaning product, the instructions for use should be followed very carefully. Zoflora does have a ‘pet safe’ product however precautions should to be taken making sure that the dilution ratios are correct, your pet is not directly exposed and also that they are not able to walk or roll around on wet floors.
See article from The Sun Newspaper 10th January 2020.
Can you use Zoflora on Radiators?
We would advise when using Zoflora make sure that your radiators are switched off when you come to clean them.
You may find if your radiators are warm or on full heat Zoflora can become quite over powering, leaving a lingering taste on your lips and can make you feel quite nauseous, which we found when testing it on a warm radiator!
Zoflora like many cleaning chemicals can contain toxins that can be harmful to your health when inhaled, so we would advise when cleaning any part of your home to open a window slightly to bring in some fresh air.
See Blog - The Importance of Cleaning Your Radiators
Cleaning Radiators with A Natural Own Cleaning Spray
This is something you could try using, a simple mix of essential oils and water is a great alternative than using cleaning chemicals. By combining 60ml of distilled water and about 10 -15 drops of your favorite essential oil in a simple spray bottle, add 1 tsp of baking soda this can have the same affect as any other cleaning product without containing the toxins.
Citrus scents like lemon, tangerine, wild orange, juniper and tea tree can be very refreshing, and a lavender scent can be very calming and relaxing.
Our Recommendation
When cleaning radiators we recommend you do not use chemically based cleaning agents.
Step 1. Using a filtered vacuum cleaner to remove the excess of dust and to capture disturbed dust particles to reduce exposure when cleaning would be the ideal method and the most convenient.
Step 2. Use a damp cloth to wipe the exposed surfaces of the radiator to remove any remaining fine dust particles and any marks that have accumulated over a period, using just clean lukewarm water.
This would be sufficient to maintain hygiene in the home; it is recommended that at least one deep clean once a year prior to the first use in the Autumn/Winter period.
Step 3 – The use of a handheld steam cleaner could be beneficial in a more clinical environment if required to combat bacteria exposure.
See Blog How To Clean Radiators
Conclusion
However you may think, dust around our home is obviously bad for us!
Radiators are the one thing we never consider when cleaning our homes, they heat the air which rises and spreads the dust around.
By cleaning behind them at regular intervals this can help alleviate the problem.
Cleaning behind your radiator at regular intervals has proven to manage the removal of dust mite allergens. By cleaning behind radiators in hospitals in the UK it has proven to manage allergens plus the infection control of the so-called superbug MRSA and C-diiffle.
By being able to access your radiators for periodic cleaning to remove the dust this could make a significant contribution to improving your health.
So consider when you are cleaning around your home do not forget your radiators, which ever cleaning chemicals you decide to use our recommendation for radiators is warm water and cloth to wipe all that accumulated dust and grime away.
See Blog - Can You Be Allergic to Central Heating Radiators