Most of us love a clean, fresh home. We enjoy the feeling of a freshly mopped floor under our feet and a bed freshly made with crisp, clean linens. Keeping our homes clean is also supposed to kill any viruses or bacteria that could get us sick, but are the substances you use for cleaning harming you? Unfortunately, the answer is quite possibly “yes”!
Harmful, toxic, and potentially dangerous chemicals are found in some of the most used cleaning products on the market. If you purchase any popular home cleaning products such as laundry detergent, stain remover, or dish soap, there is a good chance you are introducing harsh chemicals into your living environment. Consistent exposure to these compounds will negatively affect your health, your family’s health, and the health of any animals living in your house.
Triclosan, for example, is found in most antibacterial products and has been shown to promote the growth of drug-resistant bacteria. This can result in difficult-to-treat infections. 2-Butoxyethanol, another chemical found in many home cleaning products, can cause sore throats, pulmonary edema, and even severe kidney and liver damage. Meanwhile, VOCs release dangerous compounds that can cause chronic respiratory problems, allergic reactions, and headaches. Phthalates are endocrine disrupters found in many cleaners and are often labeled simply as a fragrance. This can result in a hormonal imbalance and various other symptoms.
These are just a few examples of the chemicals you likely clean your home with! Most people do not know how many toxins they are exposed to daily.
Even cleaning chemicals used in cooking can be harmful to you. Citric acid is a chemical used often in cooking, but it can also be used in light descaling and removal of hard water stains and mineral deposits. However, this fragrance-free cleaner still irritates your eyes, nose, throat, and skin if you use it without protection.
It should go without saying that bleach is one of the harshest disinfectants responsible for cleaning. Just using it irritates your skin and eyes and using it consistently for an extended period significantly increases your cancer risk. Get bleach out of your house as quickly as possible!
Many popular cleaning products are also difficult to dispose of. Most bottles are stored in single-use plastic containers, and you’d be hard-pressed to find a home that doesn’t have single-use cleaning products. The harsh chemicals aren’t just harmful to you but harmful to the environment as well.
But where will you find all-natural products that can still kill germs while being plastic-free, green, and safe for you and your pets? The great news is that you can prepare perfectly safe and effective natural cleaning products in your home – and they are easy on the wallet, too! It is very easy to make cleaners that work without killing you in the process. That way, you don’t have to worry about finding products that are cruelty-free, natural, toxin-free, and good for the environment.
These cleaners can be made with simple ingredients like distilled water, white vinegar, olive oil, baking soda, castile soap, and certain essential oils that are antimicrobial, antibacterial, ant-viral, antifungal, anti-allergenic, deodorizing and disinfecting. All-purpose cleaners, furniture polish, grout and tile scrubs, hand sanitizers, and even laundry soap can all be made with few ingredients and no harmful chemicals.
A straightforward yet effective recipe for carpet deodorizer is to combine 6 ounces of baking soda with approximately 12 drops of organic lavender essential oil in a container, mixing well. Sprinkle onto the carpet and allow it to sit for 15 to 20 minutes. Allow this mixture to sit overnight for carpets and rugs with an extreme odor. Vacuum it off and your floors will smell amazing! This recipe is wonderful for pet and child “accidents” and the musty smells that lurk in carpeting. Baking soda naturally and safely freshens and absorbs odors, and the lavender essential oil is anti-allergenic, antibacterial, antifungal, and an excellent deodorizer. This is a perfect cleaner that is free of toxins like phthalates.
Keep your body healthy and toxin-free by utilizing natural cleaning products made at home! It is an important piece of what it takes to be in optimal health— it will help keep your hormones balanced and lower your inflammation. It is also easy and affordable: once you’ve made a single bottle of cleaner, it will last you for months! You will save money and reduce the toxin exposure for your entire family.