Common hazardous ingredients
Ammonia, dichloro (or trichloro) isocyanurate, glycol ethers, oxalic acid, phenols, sodium carbonate, sodium hypochlorite, sodium metasilicate, tripolyphosphate, trisodium phosphate.
Potential hazards
Irritating to skin, eyes, nose and throat; corrosive if swallowed. Air pollutant. Never mix chlorine bleach with ammonia or with any acid, including vinegar. When combined, these compounds produce toxic chloramine gas.
Use
Wear gloves and use in a well-ventilated area.
The Oregon Poison Control Center provides Mr. Yuk stickers to put on hazardous household products. Show the stickers to children and teach them to leave those products alone.
Storage
Keep container lid tightly closed when cleaner is not in use. Store in a secure area away from children and pets.
Disposal
Best: Use up or give away. Empty aerosol containers can be recycled with steel cans.
Second best: Take to a hazardous waste facility or collection event.
Third best: If your home is connected to a city sewer system, flush small amounts down an inside drain (toilet is best) with lots of water. Contact your local sewer agency to know what is an acceptable small amount for your wastewater treatment plant. If you are on a septic system, flush very small quantities over several days. Place small amounts of powdered or solid cleaner in a heavy-duty plastic bag and dispose of in the garbage.
Alternatives
Find recipes to make your own all-purpose cleaners at home.