How to Replace Your Toxic Cleansers

Would you believe me if I told you that the very products you are using to try and clean your home may actually be endangering your health even more than the dirt and grime you’re trying to get rid of? Many cleaning products on the market today are loaded with nasty and deadly chemicals, such as:

• Chlorine Bleach (Not only does this highly toxic compound irritate our respiratory systems, but it also releases very poisonous vapors into the air if it comes in contact with other cleaning products, such as ammonia or vinegar)
• Formaldehyde (This is a well know carcinogen that has been linked to causing cancer)
• Pesticides and Fungicides (This includes alkyl ammonium chlorides and chlorine, two toxic chemicals that are found in most mildew fighting and antibacterial cleaners. They are also know to cause skin problems and harm our nervous system)
• Petroleum Distillates (These oil-based materials can both damage our central nervous system and our cognitive abilities)

Sure, a lot of these cleaners that contain these hazardous materials are highly effective in cleaning our homes, but is having an easier time scrubbing your tile or wiping your countertops worth risking both you and your family’s life over?

Make Your Own Cleaner

Here’s the good news: There are equally effective, healthier, and natural cleaning alternatives out there – and they’ll even save you money! The key ingredients to any sort of household cleaner include:

• Vinegar
• Washing Soda (or sal soda)
• Baking soda (or sodium bicarbonate)
• Borax
• Salt
• Soapnuts

Washballs are also particularly handy when it comes to doing the laundry.

To get you started, here’s a great multipurpose multi-surface cleaner that you can make and use today. All you need is:

• An empty bottle (preferably a spray bottle)
• White vinegar
• Water

What you need to do is mix one part white vinegar and one part water together, combine them in a spray bottle, and you have a wonderful multi-purpose cleaner!

Yes, cleaning your home with safe and effective products is really that easy. Be sure to check out the Internet or your local library for further recipes and resources on how you can make up your very own safe and natural cleaners for your home.

photo by Sanja Gjenero