16 Cleaning Products from the Past That Wouldn’t Be Allowed Now
Many old cleaning products contained harmful ingredients that are now banned due to serious health and safety risks.
- Sophia Zapanta
- 5 min read
In the past, cleaning products were made with chemicals that are now recognized as dangerous. Ingredients like lead, arsenic, and benzene were once considered effective but posed major health risks. These 16 items from the past would not pass today’s safety standards.
1. Arsenic Soap
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Arsenic was used in some soaps and cleaning powders for its ability to kill bacteria and fungi. It was marketed as a disinfectant and skin brightener. However, prolonged exposure to arsenic can lead to poisoning, cancer, and organ damage. It is now classified as a toxic substance and banned in consumer products.
2. Lead-Based Polish
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Lead was added to polishes and paints to enhance shine and durability. It entered the body through skin contact or inhalation during use. Lead exposure can affect brain development and cause neurological damage. Its use in household products is now illegal in many countries.
3. Benzene Spot Removers
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Benzene was a common ingredient in stain removers because of its ability to dissolve grease and oil. It was applied directly to fabrics or carpets. Long-term exposure to benzene is linked to leukemia and other blood disorders. It is now banned or heavily restricted in cleaning agents.
4. Carbon Tetrachloride Cleaners
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This chemical was used in dry cleaning fluids and household degreasers. It is toxic to the liver, kidneys, and central nervous system and can cause respiratory failure when inhaled in high doses. Due to its toxicity, it has been phased out of household products.
5. Radium Cloth Cleaners
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Cloths infused with radium were once sold for their supposed sanitizing and “energizing” properties. Radium is radioactive and emits alpha particles that can damage tissue and DNA. Users risked long-term radiation exposure. These products were removed from the market after the health risks became clear.
6. Mercury-Infused Scrubs
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Mercury was added to cleaning pastes and powders for its antibacterial qualities. It is absorbed through the skin during use or evaporates into the air. Mercury exposure can harm the brain, kidneys, and a developing fetus. It is now banned in household products in many regions.
7. Ammonia Bleach Mixtures
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Ammonia and bleach were sometimes mixed by users for a stronger disinfectant effect. This combination releases chloramine gas, which can irritate the lungs and eyes. In high concentrations, it can cause serious respiratory damage. Mixing these chemicals is now widely recognized as dangerous.
8. Formaldehyde Disinfectants
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Formaldehyde was once used in cleaning sprays and surface disinfectants. It is effective at killing microbes but can trigger asthma and is classified as a probable human carcinogen. Long-term exposure is linked to cancer of the nasal passages and blood disorders. It is now regulated or restricted in many countries.
9. Lye-Based Drain Openers
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Lye, or sodium hydroxide, was a common drain cleaner. It dissolves organic material but is extremely caustic and can cause severe burns. If splashed on the skin or in the eyes, it can cause permanent injury. Many modern drain cleaners now use safer alternatives or come with strong safety warnings.
10. Kerosene Floor Cleaners
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Kerosene was used to clean floors and remove grease. It is flammable and emits fumes that can irritate the respiratory system. Prolonged exposure can also lead to nervous system issues. Kerosene is no longer recommended for indoor cleaning.
11. Turpentine Window Wash
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Turpentine was used to clean glass and dissolve residues. It produces strong fumes and can cause headaches, dizziness, and nausea when inhaled. Skin contact may cause irritation. Safer and less volatile window cleaners have replaced it.
12. Chlorine Fumigators
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Chlorine gas was released into homes through fumigation products meant to disinfect the air. It can cause coughing, breathing difficulty, and lung damage, and high concentrations can be fatal. These fumigators are no longer in use due to serious health risks.
13. Naphthalene Toilet Cakes
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Naphthalene, used in toilet deodorizers and mothballs, emits vapors that affect the respiratory system. It can cause headaches, dizziness, and even liver damage with long-term exposure. It has also been linked to cancer in animal studies. Many countries now restrict or ban their use in household items.
14. Phenol-Based Sprays
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Phenol was once used in sprays to disinfect surfaces. It can be absorbed through the skin and cause internal organ damage. It also poses risks to the respiratory and nervous systems. Its use is now limited to controlled industrial environments.
15. Ether Floor Polish
National Museum of American History on Wikimedia Commons
Ether gave floors a smooth shine and evaporated quickly. However, it is extremely flammable and poses a risk of explosion in enclosed spaces. Inhalation can cause unconsciousness. Therefore, it has been replaced by non-volatile, safer polishing agents.
16. Sulfur Candles for Air Purification
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Sulfur candles were burned to disinfect the air by releasing sulfur dioxide. This gas can irritate the eyes, nose, throat, and lungs. It is especially harmful to people with asthma. The practice has been discontinued and replaced by modern air purifiers.