Safe Use of Cleaning Products

Cleaning products and chemical safety

A practical guide to understanding labels and using household cleaning products safely in Great Britain.

Cleaning product labels are not simply legal information printed in small text. They help you choose the right product, protect the surface being cleaned, reduce unnecessary exposure and understand what to do if an accident occurs.

Important: This article provides general guidance on the labelling, selection and safe use of cleaning and surface-care products. It is not a product-specific instruction for any individual NANO GO product.

Not every cleaning product carries all the hazard pictograms, statements or other labelling elements discussed below. The classification, warnings and instructions applicable to a product must always be taken from that product’s own label and official documentation.

Always follow the product label and directions for use. Where general advice in this guide differs from the instructions supplied with a particular product, the product-specific instructions take priority.

Why should you read the label before cleaning?

Many cleaning problems are caused not by a “bad product”, but by choosing the wrong cleaner or using it incorrectly.

A limescale remover is not intended to remove every type of grease. A strong degreaser may be unsuitable for natural stone, uncoated aluminium or delicate finishes. A glass coating should not automatically be applied to every glossy surface.

The label helps answer five basic questions:

What is the product designed to clean?
Which surfaces can it be used on?
How much should be used?
What precautions are required?
What should be done if accidental exposure occurs?

Some of the most important warnings may appear in the directions for use rather than beside a hazard pictogram.

Test first on an inconspicuous area.
Do not use on hot surfaces.
Do not allow the product to dry.
Avoid use on natural stone.
Rinse thoroughly after use.
Ensure adequate ventilation.

Even products that look similar may have different concentrations, contact times, surface restrictions and safety requirements.

Hazard and risk are not the same thing

A hazard is an inherent property of a substance or mixture. For example, a product may be capable of causing serious eye irritation, damaging skin, corroding metals or catching fire.

Risk depends on how the product is used, how much exposure occurs and under what conditions.

A hazard pictogram does not mean that harm will occur every time the product is used. It means that particular precautions are required. Correct dosing, ventilation, gloves, eye protection and compliance with the directions for use can substantially reduce risk.

The absence of a hazard pictogram does not mean that a product may be used without care. A mixture that is not classified as hazardous may still:

damage an unsuitable surface;
cause discomfort to sensitive skin;
create a slipping hazard;
leave residues if overdosed;
require ventilation or rinsing.

The label is not intended to frighten the user. It communicates important information before an accident happens.

What information may appear on a cleaning product label?

Label information	What it explains	Why it matters
Product purpose	The soils and surfaces for which the product is intended	Helps prevent use of the wrong cleaner
Directions for use	Dosage, dilution, contact time, application and rinsing	Affects cleaning performance and surface safety
Hazard pictograms	The general type of hazard associated with the mixture	Provides a rapid visual warning
Signal word	The relative severity of the classified hazard	Communicates the seriousness of the warning
Hazard statements	The nature and, where applicable, degree of the hazard	Explains what the product may do
Precautionary statements	Measures for prevention, response, storage and disposal	Explains how to reduce exposure and respond safely
Ingredient information	Certain ingredient groups, preservatives, fragrances or allergens	Helps users understand the general nature of the formulation
Supplier details	The business responsible for supplying the product	Provides a point of contact for further information
Net quantity	The amount of product in the container	Helps identify and compare the pack
Storage instructions	The conditions under which the product should be kept	Helps maintain safety and product stability

The precise requirements depend on the product’s composition, classification, intended use and applicable legislation.

What is GB CLP?

In England, Scotland and Wales, hazardous chemical substances and mixtures are regulated under the GB Classification, Labelling and Packaging Regulation, commonly referred to as GB CLP.

GB CLP is based on the United Nations Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals. Its main duties require hazardous substances and mixtures to be classified, labelled and packaged correctly before being placed on the market in Great Britain.

GB CLP applies in:

England;
Scotland;
Wales.

Northern Ireland: products placed on the market in Northern Ireland remain subject to the applicable EU CLP framework rather than GB CLP. Manufacturers, importers and distributors must therefore distinguish between Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

CLP is not a product quality certificate. It does not tell consumers whether a cleaner works well. It explains the hazardous properties of a mixture and how those hazards must be communicated.

Official information: Health and Safety Executive: GB CLP .

What do hazard pictograms mean?

Hazard pictograms are black symbols inside a red diamond. A pictogram provides a quick indication of the type of hazard, but it must always be read together with the signal word, hazard statements, precautionary statements and directions for use.

Exclamation mark

This may indicate hazards such as:

skin irritation;
serious eye irritation;
skin sensitisation;
harmful effects from certain routes of exposure.

Read the accompanying hazard statements carefully. The symbol alone does not describe the complete classification.

Corrosion

This may indicate that a product can:

cause severe skin burns;
cause serious eye damage;
corrode metals.

Suitable skin and eye protection may be particularly important. Compatibility with metals and delicate surfaces must also be checked.

Flame

This indicates that a liquid, vapour, aerosol or another material may be flammable.

Keep the product away from:

heat;
sparks;
open flames;
hot surfaces;
other ignition sources.

Environment

This may indicate that the product is hazardous to aquatic life or may cause long-lasting effects in the aquatic environment.

Do not release product residues into the environment. Follow the label and local waste-disposal requirements.

Skull and crossbones

This is associated with acute toxicity. Depending on the classification, serious toxic effects may occur after swallowing, inhalation or skin exposure.

Products carrying this symbol require particularly careful handling and secure storage.

Serious health hazard

This pictogram may be associated with serious or long-term health effects, including certain respiratory, organ, reproductive, carcinogenic or aspiration hazards.

The precise meaning depends on the hazard statements printed beside it.

A pictogram does not show whether a product is “good” or “bad”. It communicates a specific type of hazardous property.

What do “Danger” and “Warning” mean?

Danger

“Danger” is used for the more severe hazard categories.

It does not necessarily mean that the product cannot be used safely. It means that the specified controls, precautions and directions are especially important.

Warning

“Warning” is used for less severe, but still significant, hazard categories.

It should not be interpreted as meaning that the product is almost harmless. The accompanying precautions must still be followed.

Where more than one signal word could apply, the more severe signal word normally takes precedence.

Hazard and precautionary statements

Hazard statements

Hazard statements describe the nature of the hazard. Examples may concern:

eye irritation or damage;
skin irritation or burns;
flammability;
harmful effects if swallowed or inhaled;
environmental hazards.

Precautionary statements

Precautionary statements explain measures such as:

keeping the product out of reach of children;
wearing protective gloves or eye protection;
ensuring adequate ventilation;
responding to eye or skin contact;
storing the product safely;
disposing of residues or packaging correctly.

Users do not need to memorise statement numbers. The important thing is to read and follow the complete wording printed on the label.

Protective equipment should not be selected by guesswork. Where the label specifies gloves, eye protection or another control measure, that requirement relates to the classification and intended use of the particular mixture.

UFI and poison-centre information in Great Britain

Consumers familiar with products sold in the European Union may have seen a UFI, or Unique Formula Identifier, printed on certain labels.

The situation in Great Britain is different.

For mixtures placed on the GB market, product information may be submitted to the National Poisons Information Service, or NPIS. NPIS provides specialist toxicology information to healthcare professionals.

The current GB submission arrangement is not the same as the harmonised EU poison-centre notification system. An EU-style UFI should therefore not be described as a universal GB requirement for every hazardous cleaning product.

Products supplied in Northern Ireland may be subject to the applicable EU CLP poison-centre notification and UFI requirements.

In an incident: keep the original container and label available. Product identity, supplier details and relevant safety documentation may help healthcare professionals determine the appropriate response.

Official information: Health and Safety Executive: poison-centre arrangements .

Safe-use symbols and practical instructions

Some detergent and cleaning-product packaging uses voluntary safe-use icons developed by the cleaning-products industry.

These symbols are not GB CLP hazard pictograms. They are practical reminders that complement the product label.

Keep away from children

Store products in a closed place that children cannot access. Placing a product slightly above floor level is not sufficient if a child can climb or reach it.

Avoid eye contact

Do not spray towards the face. Where eye protection is specified, wear suitable protection.

Do not swallow

Cleaning products must never be stored beside food or drink or transferred into a drinks bottle.

Wash hands after use

Prolonged contact with water and cleaning products can dry or irritate the skin.

Ventilate the room

Ventilation is especially important when using sprays, aerosols, volatile products or strong formulations.

Do not mix products

Different formulations can react with each other and may release hazardous gases.

Keep products in the original container

The original container preserves the correct label, closure and product identity.

Refill only the intended container

A refill should only be poured into the compatible, correctly labelled container specified by the manufacturer.

What does the ingredient information mean?

Detergent ingredient information is not normally presented in the same way as a food ingredient list.

Depending on the product, the label may refer to ingredient groups and concentration ranges, such as:

less than 5% anionic surfactants;
less than 5% non-ionic surfactants;
perfumes;
preservatives;
enzymes;
specified fragrance allergens.

Surfactants help water spread across a surface, loosen oils and soils and keep removed material dispersed in the cleaning solution.

However, the name of one ingredient or ingredient group does not tell you how well the entire product will perform. Cleaning performance depends on the complete formulation, concentration, application method, contact time and type of soil.

A highly promoted individual ingredient is not the whole product.

Detergent rules in Great Britain

Detergents supplied in Great Britain are subject to specific rules covering matters such as surfactant biodegradability, ingredient information and certain labelling requirements.

Manufacturers must make appropriate ingredient information available in accordance with the applicable detergent requirements.

Legal compliance is not a special cleaning-performance certificate. Statements such as “compliant with chemical legislation” should not be treated as proof that one product cleans better than another.

For consumers, the most useful information remains:

the product’s intended purpose;
the surfaces for which it is suitable;
the directions for use;
the hazards and precautions;
the supplier’s contact details.

Official information: Health and Safety Executive: detergents guidance .

How to use a cleaning product correctly

The following sequence is general guidance only. Product-specific instructions may require different dilution, contact time, protective equipment or application methods.

1. Identify the type of soil

Limescale, soap residue, oils, burnt-on grease, rust, textile stains and everyday dust require different cleaning approaches.

2. Check the surface

Glass, ceramic, natural stone, painted metal, uncoated metal, plastic, leather and textile are not chemically identical.

3. Read the restrictions

Look for warnings relating to:

natural stone;
uncoated metals;
hot surfaces;
painted or lacquered surfaces;
sensitive textiles;
food-contact surfaces.

4. Test an inconspicuous area

This is particularly important where the material or its previous treatment is unknown.

5. Use the stated quantity

More product does not always produce better cleaning.

Overdosing may:

leave streaks;
create a sticky film;
increase rinsing time;
waste product;
increase exposure;
make floors slippery.

6. Dilute only as directed

Do not use a concentrate neat where dilution is required. Never estimate a dilution ratio if accurate measuring is necessary.

7. Provide ventilation

Open a window or use suitable ventilation where advised. Avoid breathing spray mist or vapour.

8. Use the specified protective equipment

Wear gloves, eye protection or other equipment where required by the label.

9. Observe the contact time

A product removed too quickly may not work effectively. Leaving it on for too long may damage a sensitive surface.

Do not allow the product to dry unless the instructions specifically permit it.

10. Remove residues correctly

Rinse, wipe, extract or polish the surface according to the directions.

11. Close and store the product

Replace the closure securely and store the product under the conditions stated on the label.

Why should cleaning products never be mixed?

Products should not be mixed unless the manufacturer explicitly instructs you to do so.

Different acidic, alkaline, chlorine-based, ammonia-containing or oxidising formulations may react chemically.

Particularly dangerous: never mix chlorine bleach with an acidic toilet cleaner, limescale remover, vinegar, an ammonia-containing product or another product of unknown composition.

Such combinations may release hazardous gases capable of causing serious irritation or injury to the eyes and respiratory system.

The safest general rule is: use one cleaning product at a time.

Where a second cleaning stage is needed:

remove the first product;
rinse the surface thoroughly where appropriate;
ventilate the area;
follow the instructions for the second product.

Do not assume two products are compatible because they have similar colours, fragrances or marketing descriptions.

Protecting the surface being cleaned

Human safety and surface compatibility are related but separate issues. A product may be handled safely and still be unsuitable for a particular material.

Natural stone

Marble, limestone and other acid-sensitive stones may be damaged by acidic limescale removers.

Uncoated metals

Unprotected aluminium, copper, brass and zinc may react with strongly acidic or alkaline cleaners.

Painted and lacquered surfaces

Long contact times, strong solvents or abrasive tools may soften, dull or discolour a finish.

Textiles and leather

Test colourfastness and material compatibility before treating the full area. Do not saturate leather or fabrics unless the instructions permit it.

Glass and mirrors

Some residues may leave streaking or interfere with existing coatings.

Hot surfaces

A product may dry too quickly, release more vapour or react differently on a hot surface.

Unknown coatings

Where you do not know how a surface has been treated, test the product in an inconspicuous area first.

Protecting children and pets

Cleaning products should be stored securely before, during and after use.

Keep them in a closed place that children cannot access.
Do not leave an open container unattended.
Never transfer a cleaner into a water, juice or soft-drink bottle.
Do not leave buckets of cleaning solution where a child or pet can reach them.
Keep laundry capsules and concentrated refills out of sight and reach.
Remove residues from surfaces frequently touched by children or animals.
Keep the original label attached.
Close the cap securely after every use.

Bright packaging and fragrances may be attractive to children. Safe storage cannot rely only on telling a child not to touch the product.

Pets should be kept away from the work area until the product has been used, removed or dried as directed and the area is adequately ventilated.

What should you do after accidental exposure?

Important: This section provides general information and does not replace the instructions on the product label or advice from a healthcare professional.

Stop the exposure first and check the product-specific first-aid directions. Keep the package or label available.

Product in the eyes

Rinse carefully with clean water as directed on the label. Remove contact lenses if present and easy to remove.

Continue rinsing and seek medical advice where pain, redness, visual disturbance or irritation persists.

Product on the skin

Remove contaminated clothing. Wash or rinse the affected skin according to the label.

Seek medical help for severe pain, burns, blistering, swelling or persistent irritation.

Vapour or spray inhaled

Stop using the product and move to fresh air.

Seek urgent help if the person develops:

breathing difficulty;
severe coughing;
wheezing;
dizziness;
confusion;
worsening symptoms.

Product swallowed

Do not make the person vomit unless specifically instructed by a healthcare professional.

Do not give food or drink unless advised to do so. Keep the product container available and obtain medical advice.

In Great Britain: contact NHS 111 for urgent medical advice where poisoning or harmful chemical exposure is suspected and the situation is not immediately life-threatening.

Call 999 or go to Accident and Emergency where there is severe difficulty breathing, loss of consciousness, a seizure, a serious chemical burn, rapidly worsening symptoms or an immediate threat to life.

The National Poisons Information Service does not normally provide direct advice to members of the public. It supports healthcare professionals.

Official information: NHS: poisoning guidance .

Cleaner, surface-care product, coating or biocide?

Products that look similar may have very different legal and practical purposes.

Product type	Main purpose	What users should understand
Cleaner or detergent	Removes dirt, grease, deposits or stains	Cleaning performance depends on the soil and surface
Surface-care product	Maintains appearance, gloss or ease of future cleaning	It may not remove heavy contamination
Protective coating	Forms or deposits a protective layer on a surface	Correct preparation and application are essential
Biocidal product	Controls harmful organisms through a biocidal function	Disinfecting or antimicrobial claims may require compliance with biocidal legislation

A product should not be assumed to disinfect merely because it cleans well, smells fresh or contains a fashionable ingredient.

Claims such as “kills bacteria”, “disinfects”, “antibacterial protection” or similar statements may bring a product within the applicable biocidal-products regime.

Great Britain and Northern Ireland have separate regulatory frameworks in this area.

Official information: Health and Safety Executive: biocides .

What do “nano” and “nanosilver” mean?

The word “nano” does not automatically describe one specific chemical, one safety profile or one level of product performance.

Depending on the product, it may refer to:

very small particles;
a surface structure;
a coating technology;
a marketing description;
a particular material used in the formulation.

“Nanosilver” generally refers to silver present in a nanoscale form, but the term alone does not establish:

the amount present;
the function of the ingredient;
the product’s legal classification;
whether the product is a biocide;
the level of exposure;
the product’s effectiveness.

The product should be judged using its complete formulation, intended use, substantiated claims, label and supporting technical information.

A “nano” claim does not replace safe-use instructions.

Does “natural” or “eco-friendly” always mean safer?

No.

A naturally derived substance can still:

irritate the skin or eyes;
trigger an allergic reaction;
damage a surface;
be harmful if swallowed;
be dangerous when mixed with another product.

Words such as the following should not replace a proper label or safety assessment:

natural;
green;
eco;
non-toxic;
chemical-free;
environmentally friendly.

Everything around us is made of chemicals, including water, air, vinegar and plant extracts. The relevant question is not whether a product contains “chemicals”, but which substances it contains, at what concentration, for what purpose and under what conditions it is used.

Environmental claims should be specific, understandable and supported by appropriate evidence.

Digital information does not replace the physical label

A website, QR code, digital product page or Safety Data Sheet can provide useful additional information.

It may help users find:

detailed directions;
ingredient information;
technical documentation;
surface compatibility guidance;
frequently asked questions;
supplier contact information.

However, digital information should not be used as an excuse to ignore the physical product label.

The label remains essential because it stays with the container at the point of use.

A Safety Data Sheet is primarily a supply-chain and workplace safety document. It should not be treated as a substitute for clear consumer directions printed on the packaging.

Frequently asked questions

Does a hazard pictogram mean the product is unsafe to use?

Not necessarily. It means the mixture has a classified hazardous property and must be used with the stated precautions.

Is a product without a pictogram completely harmless?

No. It may still irritate sensitive skin, damage an unsuitable surface or require particular directions for use.

Can I use more product to improve cleaning?

Usually not. Excess product may leave residues, streaks or a slippery film and may increase unnecessary exposure.

Can I mix two cleaners if neither label says not to?

No. Products should not be mixed unless the manufacturer specifically confirms that the combination is intended and safe.

Can I pour a cleaner into a smaller drinks bottle?

No. Always keep cleaning products in their original, correctly labelled containers.

Is a UFI mandatory on every cleaning product sold in Great Britain?

No. The GB system differs from the EU harmonised poison-centre notification system. Northern Ireland may be subject to the applicable EU CLP and UFI requirements.

Does a pleasant fragrance mean a cleaner is mild?

No. Smell is not a reliable indicator of hazard, concentration or surface compatibility.

Does “natural” mean the product can be used without gloves?

No. Follow the product label. The source of an ingredient does not determine whether skin protection is required.

Should domestic users read a Safety Data Sheet?

The product label and directions are normally the first source of information for household use. A Safety Data Sheet can provide additional technical information, particularly for professional and workplace use.

What number should I call after suspected poisoning?

Use NHS 111 for urgent advice where the situation is not immediately life-threatening. Call 999 for severe symptoms or an immediate threat to life.

The essential rules

Choose a product intended for the soil and surface.
Read the complete label before use.
Follow the specified dosage and contact time.
Test delicate or unknown surfaces first.
Use the protective equipment stated on the label.
Provide adequate ventilation.
Never mix cleaning products.
Keep products in their original containers.
Store them securely away from children and pets.
Keep the packaging available if accidental exposure occurs.
Contact NHS 111 for urgent poisoning advice or call 999 in an emergency.
Treat Great Britain and Northern Ireland as separate regulatory markets where applicable.

Used correctly, cleaning products help achieve the intended result while protecting the user, the surface and the surrounding environment.

Official sources and further information

Last reviewed: 26 July 2026.

This guide provides general consumer information and does not constitute legal, medical or product-specific safety advice.