Unhealthy Chemicals Find Their Way Into Our Homes

Here’s how to clean up.

Are you aware of the extent to which chemicals are used in cleaning and personal products? Maintaining a healthy indoor air quality is a priority, to keep your home environment safe. Let’s take a quick look at the chemicals found in many homes.

Chemicals may already be on your radar.

You may already be aware of the dangers of many substances outside our homes. Good for you! How many times have we complained when a neighbor spreads a poisonous commercial fertilizer? How many of us buy deet-free insect repellent, only to find the city has sprayed a commercial mosquito treatment or weed killer along the roadsides?

Unfortunately, unhealthy chemical substances like these don’t stop at the mailbox. Without thinking, we bring them indoors – and not just on our shoes. We breathe in hairspray in the mornings and outgas from vinyl shower curtains every time we step into the bathroom. We use chemical cleaners in the kitchen, scrubbing solutions in the shower, floor wax in the family room… and more.

Unhealthy chemical products often include:

• Bleach (sodium hypochlorite) – a form of toxic chlorine salt, it can bond with other chemicals to form organochlorides, which cause cancer
• Drain cleaners – caustic lyes or acids
• Antifreeze – ethylene glycol is considered a household hazardous waste
• Batteries – caustic acids

Many of those everyday products contain ingredients that are widely considered to be environmental pollutants. Indoors, their presence can negatively impact air quality and increase risks to our health. Studies link many common household chemicals to cancer risk and nervous system disorders, among other health concerns. Thank goodness. There is a better way.

A Healthier Home Approach To Cleaning Can Improve Indoor Air Quality

The simplest way to make your  home healthier can be by purchasing products that are less toxic.”

Today, increasing numbers of individuals seek out commercially available products which are not toxic to the planet. Happily, this also means these products are safe for use in our homes. The ingredient lists are simple, less toxic, and family friendly.

You could simplify even more. And, even better:  What if improving indoor air quality could save you money without adding effort? 

Five Non-Toxic Cleaning Ingredients For Healthier Homes

Here are five simple ingredients that you can use to clean everything in your house: baking soda, washing soda, liquid soap or detergent, distilled vinegar, and an antiseptic essential oil. Just remember to check additional information on how and where to use.

1. Baking soda
   The foundation for healthier cleaning, the minerals in baking soda are multi-taskers. You can use baking soda – a mild abrasive – to neutralize stains or odors, cut grease, and more. You won’t even need to wear gloves. (Just be careful around granite and other stone, you will dull the surfaces).
2. Washing soda
   This is baking soda’s more caustic cousin. It’s for heavy duty scouring, and you’ll definitely want to wear gloves.Non-toxic oven cleaner: Simply sprinkle the baking soda over the bottom of the oven to cover, dampen, and spray every few hours with water. Let sit overnight. Wipe clean and rinse until no film remains.
3. Liquid Soap or Detergent
   I’ve found that the all-natural castile liquid soaps don’t leave the film associated with other types of soaps, like dish soaps. You can use all-natural castile liquid soaps in the shower, to wash dishes, in the mop bucket, and in the laundry in place of detergents. If laundry detergents are non-negotiable, consider going with the most biodegradable brand you can find. (PS And store label brands are just as good as the national ones)Gentle scrubbing: Stir together ½ cup baking soda and enough liquid soap to make a mixture with the consistency of cake frosting. Add 5-10 drops of your favorite essential oils. Use a sponge to clean counters, sinks, and appliances.Fabulous floors: Add ¼ cup of liquid soap (less if concentrated) and ½ cup white vinegar to two gallons of warm water. Optional: add 5-10 drops of essential oil.
4. Vinegar
   For cleaning, white vinegar is the one to choose, because apple cider vinegar has been known to stain textiles. Due to its acidity, vinegar neutralizes stains and odors. You can also use vinegar in the shower to dissolve mineral solids that accumulate from water and soap deposits. (Be careful on hardwood floors though)Clean bath bowl: Combine ¼ cup white vinegar with 2 cups of water in a spray bottle, and spritz inside the toilet bowl. Leave for 15 minutes, then lightly scrub.
5. Antiseptic Essential Oils
   Molds and bacteria are eliminated when you use tea tree, lavender, sweet orange, lemongrass, birch, cinnamon, clove, or eucalyptus essential oils. These are friendly to indoor air quality and leave your home feeling fresh.Streak-free surfaces: Combine ¼ cup white vinegar with 2 cups of water, ½ teaspoon of liquid soap or detergent, and add a few drops of essential oil. Spray on and wipe off.

You’ll breathe easier, your family will too … and you’ll give your pocketbook a break.