THE DO’S AND DON’TS OF USING
COMPRESSED-GAS CLEANERS
Because compressed gas is an aerosol
product, the contents can be hazardous if
used improperly. One big danger is inhalant
abuse, or “huffing.” It’s critical that people
who use aerosol products, parents and
children understand the seriousness of this
practice. To discourage huffing with its aerosol
products, Falcon has added an invisible, bitter
agent to Dust-Off and has been an industry
leader in warning consumers about the
dangers of huffing.
Other safety tips to follow when using
compressed gas are:
• Read the back-panel warning information
carefully before using.
• Clear the nozzle prior to use by pulling the
trigger in a series of short blasts.
• Hold the can in the most upright position
during use.
• Use in a sufficiently ventilated area.
• Contact a physician in cases of inhalation
or contact with eyes or skin.
• Don’t tilt excessively or shake the can
before or during use.
• Don’t leave in direct sunlight or
enclosed vehicles.
• Don’t use near potential ignition sources,
open flames or spark-producing equipment
(for example, a paper shedder).
• Collectibles, such as figurines, dishware, model trains, holiday displays and
wicker baskets. Cleaning collectibles is difficult because of the delicacy of
the items. Rags can get caught on fragile objects.
• Cloth mini-blinds—another time-consuming chore.
• In between piano keys.
• Drapes, lamp covers and shelves that contain
books and other objects.
In the garage and shop
Cars have lots of nooks and crannies. Dust
isn’t the only culprit that builds up in a car. A light
coat of dirt is common in warm climates, and
food crumbs are inevitable.
A rag often can’t get to hard-to-reach areas
in the car, including dashboards, dashboard vents
(spray sideways, not directly), radio control panels, areas around the steering column, the center
console and the seat rails.
Before using a compressed-gas cleaner in
a vehicle, make sure to open your car windows
or doors for sufficient ventilation. After spraying, vacuum the car to remove the materials that
were dislodged.
Compressed gas is also a great way to clean
tools, such as saws with accumulations of sawdust.
Whatever you use a compressed-gas cleaner
for, be careful not to tilt the duster at too extreme
an angle; in doing so you run the risk of dispensing
the product in liquid form. It is best to keep the can
in the most upright position as you spray. A
MEMBER TIP
COURTESY OF
CYNTHIA FALTER
RANCHO PALOS VERDES, CA
THOSE BOXES THAT your checks come in are
a handy size to help organize office drawers
by holding pens, pencils, folder tabs, paper
clips, rubber bands, etc. A
