Careful use of cleansers urged

Press, Volume CXI, Issue 32676, 4 August 1971, Page 6

Careful use of cleansers urged

Housewives can help preserve the .quality of our environment by the careful choice and use of laundry and other cleaning materials in the home.

While these are only one small aspect of the total problem of pollution, such positive . action is one way of showing our concern. To be effective, we must know how these substances contribute to pollution. Armed with this knowledge we can take steps to minimise the problem at the domestic level. The Department of University Extension at the University of Otago has prepared these notes for the guidance of conservationconscious housewives.

Any substance which cleans is a detergent, but not all detergents cause water pollution. The cleaning products used in the home may damage the environment in two ways. When they cannot be broken down by bacteria, waste water containing them produces foam which has caused disposal problems in other countries. In general, soap and most soap products are biodegradable, i.e. they can be broken down by living organisms. The majority of New Zealand women use these for laundering and cleaning purposes. Other washing and cleaning products are based on synthetic detergents and some of these are not biodegradable as yet, though manufacturers are working to correct this.

A table showing the contents of laundry products and their degradability was published in “Consumer,” No. 65, August, 1970. Further advice is given in "Consumer,” No. 74, in June, 1971. r PHOSPHATES Products containing phosphates entering the waterways stimulate the growth of water plants and algae which disturbs the balance of nature. If not stopped, the process leads to dead lakes, dry streams and polluted shores. By far the greatest contributors to this form of pollution are waste materials from people, industry and agriculture. Only a small proportion arises from household detergents. Manufacturers add alkaline phosphate-con-taining substances to washing wwders to build their cleaning power and to improve the product in other ways. The laundry powders designed for treating average to hegvy soiling, whether they are based on soap or synthetic detergent, may both com tain phosphates. The industry is already seeking alternative ways to boost cleaning power without adding to the pollution problem. Washing powders are not the only cleaners likely to contain phosphates. Some alkaline preparations for cleaning, dishwasher detergent powders, and certain types of water softeners may also include phosphates. Some indication on the container of both biodegradability and phosphate content would be a useful guide to aid housewives in their selection of such materials. This could be a requirement under the Consumer Information Act.

The housewife who wants to reduce the water pollution her household cleaning tasks create can do so by controlling the type of cleaning materials used, and their frequency of use. Moderation in all things should be her watchword.

Some guidelines follow. In soft water, soap is as i effective a cleaner as a syn- ’ thetic detergent. In hard ■ water areas where soap does not lather freely, either soften the water with washing soda before using soap products, or use a minimum of synthetic detergent. Select the cleaner according to the type of soiling. Lightly soiled articles do not require heavily built washing products. Mild soap, soap flakes or liquid detergents will suffice. Soap powders and synthetic detergent powders are designed for treating average to heavy soiling. You can reduce the need for strong measures by washing before articles become too soiled. A pre-soak with a small amount of the chosen washing product in the water will loosen stains and soil, thus reducing the amount needed in the washing machine. Cut the frequency of laundering by waiting till you have a full tub or washer load each time. Where water can be saved for reuse, use for laundering several loads or for cleaning purposes. USE MINIMUM Use the minimum amount of washing product needed for efficient cleaning. Follow the manufacturers’ recommendations on this point but as the softness of the water and the degree of soiling will vary, smaller amounts may be adequate. Use a cup for measuring handfuls can vary. Scrape, rinse and soak dishes and utensils before washing. Wait till a sinkful or machine load accumulates, wherever this is practicable. Measure the amount of cleaner used. Soap or liquid detergent is usually sufficient for hand washing. Excessive foaming indicates that too much has been used. If "squeezes” are hefty, it helps to dilute the liquid detergent by pouring off half into another container and diluting both with water. Certain types of detergent powders are recommended by dishwasher manufacturers. As these may contain phosphates, use > the smallest amount possible, and measure accurately each time. Whatever the problem, the amount of paste, powder or liquid cleaner used can be kept to a minimum by never allowing a surface to become very soiled. Make it a rule that the user rinses out bath and basin after use. Always wipe up spills immediately before they can dry and resist cleaning. Try mildest measures first—often water alone will do the trick.

Your concern about pollution should not stop here. Only 14 per cent of water pollution begins at home. The rest arises from sewage, industrial and farm wastes. Besides water pollution, there are the problems of people pollution, noise, land and air pollution.

If you wish to put an end to uncontrolled pollution you must become informed , about these wider issues.

The Department of University Extension at the University of Otago, P.O. Box 56, Dunedin, has prepared a reading list for housewives which can be sent to inquirers on receipt of a stamped self-addressed envelope.