Can you boil Fabuloso? (3 Tips)

In this brief guide, we will answer the question, can you boil Fabuloso? We will discuss why you can not boil Fabuloso and the consequences that it can have. We will also talk about Fabuloso products, the chemicals it has; and the correct way to use them. 

Can you boil Fabuloso?

In the 2019 Swedish work environment survey 9% of men and 17% of women reported skin exposure to cleaning agents and/ or disinfectants during more than 25% of their working time. Young women (aged 16–29 years) were the most highly exposed group (26%). Domestic cleaners and helpers, healthcare assistants, and nursing professionals are groups where more than 50% experience skin contact with cleaning agents or disinfectants more than 25% of their working hours (1).

You cannot boil Fabuloso. When you boil Fabuloso, you introduce chemicals into the atmosphere that can negatively impact a person’s health. It can trigger respiratory infections, asthma, and other inflammatory diseases. According to the manufacturers webpage, Fabuloso contains glutaraldehyde, which is harmful to health. Glutaraldehyde is an eye, skin and respiratory tract irritant and skin and respiratory tract sensitizer (2).

Fabuloso is a multipurpose cleaner that has a remarkable smell and works by disinfecting the hard surfaces of your house. Glutaraldehyde, one of the components of Fabuloso,  is a colorless liquid with a pungent odor. It has a wide spectrum of medical, scientific and industrial applications and is the best disinfectant for cold sterilization of medical equipment (2).

Some people have come up with an unconventional yet dangerous idea that pouring Fabuloso and water in equal parts and letting it boil makes the air fresh. Then they reduce the heat and let the solution simmer for a few minutes as it vaporizes.

When you boil Fabuloso, it smells quite pleasant like lavender, citrus, or ocean breeze. Fabuloso is a cleaning chemical with an extraordinarily pleasant smell that people are getting obsessed with. The smell seems to be better than other cleaners and some air fresheners as well. 

The product’s indication states clearly that to use Fabuloso you can either apply Fabuloso directly on a hard surface or dilute with water first. Needless to say, you must not use Fabuloso for anything other than its intended purpose. Any Fabuloso product is not meant to be heated.

What is Fabuloso?

Fabuloso is a multipurpose cleaner that works well for hard surfaces such as that in the kitchen and bathrooms. It is applied directly on a hard surface and scrubbed with a sponge. Alternatively, you can dilute in water before application. 

Fabuloso comes in a range of products. You can find general Fabulso on the market and some other products such as  Fabuloso® Complete Floral Burst and Cool Mist and Fabuloso® Complete Sparkling Citrus Ingredients.

Some of the ingredients included in the product are citric acid, lactic acid, fragrances, and Sodium dodecyl benzenesulfonate. 

Among the chemicals present in the product, hydrogen peroxide, and Laureth sulfate can pose a threat to your health if it comes in contact with your skin or the respiratory system. In a nutshell, Fabulsoos can irritate the skin, eyes, and lungs. 

Why do authorities advise against boiling Fabuloso?

Boiling Fabuloso evaporates the chemicals found in the cleaner. The chemicals are strong and harmful especially for young children, pets, and people with respiratory problems. 

Glutaraldehyde (GA), a chemical found in the formulation of Fabuloso, is irritating and corrosive to the skin, eyes and respiratory tract and is recognized as a cause of health problems in those handling it. In a study, when rats were exposed to saturated GA vapor generated at 23°C, no deaths occurred. However, 4/12 rats died when they were exposed to GA vapor at 65°C. These findings suggest that toxic substances may be produced at higher temperatures of generation of GA vapor and enhance its toxicity (2).

The chemicals vaporize and can be harmful when breathed in. People who have conditions like asthma and COPD are vulnerable to such harsh chemicals and can trigger an attack. 

Moreover, it is not safe for the cleaner to leave its packaging. The chemicals are secure when they are left in their packaging and taking the solution out increases the risk of inhaling the fumes while in the package the chemicals stay secure. 

The manager of the Palmetto Poison center advised against using Fabuloso for any such purpose. Jill Michels stated clearly that cleaners such as Fabuloso must not be boiled.

You do not want to pour it into a pan and put it on the stovetop. Doing so can create the misunderstanding that it is edible and increase the risk of food poisoning. Not surprisingly, such accidents are the main cause of food poisoning, as confirmed by the poison control agency. 

The company clearly states that the cleaner must not be inhaled or heated. If there is accidental contact with it, the person should move to a place where they can breathe in fresh air to prevent the fumes from affecting the person’s ability to breathe. 

What can you use to make your house fresh instead?

There are hundreds of other options that can help to make your house smell better. You can choose an option that provides a cheaper and healthier alternative to using the cleaner. 

Essential oils and extracts obtained from many plants have recently gained a great popularity and scientific interest. The antimicrobial activity of essential oils from oregano, thyme, sage, rosemary, clove, coriander, cinnamon, garlic and onion against food- related microorganisms as well as their applications in food system have been investigated (3).

A good way is to simmer water in the pan and some citrus peels such as that of lemon. Using natural ingredients is a good way as it not only makes the house smell fresh but improves the health and well-being of the people around. In a study, lemon juice and orange peel extracts were used as sanitizers for meat cutting boards and were shown to be effective in reducing bacteria and yeast compared to control (3). 

Another productive way to make your house smell good is by adding cinnamon sticks and simmering in a pot of boiling water. 

Other options to include are placing scented candles and sweet-smelling plants and flowers around the house. Eucalyptus, geranium, jasmine, or gardenia are all terrific plants to have in your house. Aromatherapy has been used for thousands of years in Egypt and India to treat various diseases, and the antimicrobial and antiviral activity of essential oils have been confirmed by numerous studies. Using essential oils vapors could increase their application against airborne bacteria and viruses (4). 

Conclusion

In this brief guide, we answered the question, can you boil Fabuloso? We discussed why you can not boil Fabuloso and the consequences that it can have. We also talked about Fabuloso products, the chemicals it has; and the correct way to use them. 

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References

2.-

Takigawa, Tomoko, and Yoko Endo. Effects of glutaraldehyde exposure on human health. J occup health, 2006, 48, 75-87.

4.-

Panyod, Suraphan, Chi-Tang Ho, and Lee-Yan Sheen. Dietary therapy and herbal medicine for COVID-19 prevention: A review and perspective. J trad complement med, 2020, 10, 420-427.