Consider safer cleaning alternatives such as baking soda for scrubbing and water with vinegar for cleaning glass.ДЄnd before you go out to clean your gutters, please review this information on Ladders from WorkSafeBC.

Read all labels and follow instructions when using cleaning products.Never mix bleach and ammonia because it creates a potentially lethal gas.See Cleaning Supplies and Household Chemicals from the American Lung Association, for tips, including: Remember that cleaning supplies - even those advertised as вЂњgreenвЂќ or вЂњnaturalвЂќ - can include harmful chemicals. Make sure you drink liquids, especially water, when exerting yourself.Before plugging in any power equipment, make sure the power switch is вЂњoff.вЂќ.Remove all rocks, sticks, toys, and tools from the lawn before mowing.Warm up before gardening with some slow stretches, holding each for at least 20 seconds.Garden Safety from Health Canada includes this advice (and much more): Damaging these underground lines can cause serious injuries, property damage, and service disruption. No one wants to cut into utility lines buried close to the surface. This includes things like putting in a new fence post, planting a small tree, or disturbing the soil in any way. (I love reading comments - so donвЂ™t be shy!) GardeningД«C One Call reminds us to Call Before You Dig even if it seems like a really small project. Add your own safety tips in the Comments section at the end. Please keep these safety tips in mind this spring and share them with your contacts.

Spring cleaning safety