There are probably several things in your house that have the potential to harm your eyes if you don’t take adequate precautions. You need to be extra careful, especially when you have kids around the house. While some of these products can be done away with, most are often considered essentials. So you’ll have to take action appropriately and store the essentials as required. Here’s a list of harmful household products that could hurt your eyes.

Household cleaners
Nearly all household cleaners you buy from the supermarket contain tons of chemicals, including bleach and ammonia. Both of these irritate the eyes. From floor cleaners to window cleaners, floor polishing waxes, furniture polish, drain cleaners, toilet cleaners, bathroom cleaners, multi-surface cleaners, and glass and mirror cleaners can contain these chemicals. This is why it is always important to read the labels and follow the usage and storage instructions. Use these products in a well-ventilated space with the spray nozzle pointed away from you.

Vinegar
Vinegar is one of the most versatile and useful household products. You not only use it while cooking but also for getting rid of stains and other purposes. However, you need to be careful while using it. If vinegar comes in contact with your eyes, it can cause irritation and redness. Also, avoid mixing it with other chemicals or substances that produce toxic gases. For example, if you mix vinegar with chlorine beach, it will release chlorine gas, which is hazardous. If your eyes get exposed to vinegar, splash copious amounts of water. Then head to the nearest emergency room or your eye doctor.

Inks, paints, and dyes
Many brands of inks, dyes, and paints contain acetic acid. Also, this chemical is found in pesticides, fungicides, pigments, and preservatives. Although it has certain useful properties, acetic acid is highly corrosive. It can cause irritation in the eyes. Even short-term exposure to dilute acetic acid vapors can cause mild irritation and itching in the eyes.

Insect repellent
Insect repellents are another common category of harmful products that could hurt your eyes. This is because these products contain a high percentage of toxic substances. Nearly all of these substances are in concentrated forms. This means you have to be always careful while storing and handling them. Always cover your eyes, nose, and mouth with protective gear when using insect repellants. Also, ensure that you carefully read the labels for storage and usage instructions to avoid any injuries or harm.

Air fresheners and candles
Fragrant candles and air fresheners can create a pleasing indoor space by masking odors and releasing aroma into the air inside your house. But some of these products can also affect your eyes while acting as a freshener to your surrounding space. This is because these products contain potentially harmful chemicals commonly used to create fragrances. These chemicals include linalool, acetone, and benzaldehyde, which can irritate the eyes.