Household cleaning products: your health and the environment
In the last 30 years, the range and choice of cleaning products has exploded and the number of chemicals in use has increased from hundreds to tens of thousands; And yet we still don’t have a clear picture of the long-term health effects of some of these chemicals. Allergies seem to have increased along with the use of these chemicals; many are potent irritants despite their use in cosmetic and household products. It’s also worth mentioning that some common household chemicals have been found in breast milk and can cross the placenta. Home hygiene is big business and billions of pounds are spent every year to convince you that you need to protect the health and safety of your family by using their products, while revitalizing and relaxing with their fragrances.
Many (or most) of these products are unnecessary and a huge contributor to environmental pollution, with millions of ‘easy-clean’ disposables filling our landfills every day. Since when did we become unable to use a cloth to clean things? If you’re addicted to spray bleach, read on; here are several easy ways to remove chemicals from your home; They’ll save you some money and tone those arms:
1. You can keep most things in your home perfectly clean by using microfiber cloths (www.enviroproducts.co.uk), which can be reused and washed hundreds of times, and due to their texture, remove dirt and grime No need for ANY chemicals. Old toothbrushes will get into those tough spots only spray bleach seems to get to.
2. Buy white distilled vinegar which is a natural disinfectant and will remove stains and mineral deposits (lemon juice is great too);
or 2-3 tablespoons in 3 liters of warm water to wash windows, dry with crumpled newspaper to shine.
or 1 tablespoon into a foamed vase, fill with lukewarm water, soak for ten to fifteen minutes, and rub with a soft cloth before rinsing.
o For dirty and laminated floors, mop with 8 tablespoons of vinegar for every 3 liters of hot water.
o For carpet stains, oven cleaning, and pet odors, use equal amounts of water and vinegar.
3. Your next best friend is baking soda, which you should be able to buy in big boxes at your drug store. This harmless yet powerful product can be mixed with water to dissolve grease and loosen dirt, or used as a paste to scrub stubborn areas.
o Apply a paste of baking soda and water with a damp cloth to the stainless steel, leave it for five minutes before cleaning.
o Make a solution to clean the fridge; Baking soda also removes odors, so leave some in a pot in the fridge with a little lemon juice.
o For everything in the bathroom, make a paste of 2 parts baking soda to 1 part lemon juice vinegar, apply with a damp cloth and allow to sit for 10 minutes before cleaning. For mold leave for a couple of hours.
o For the toilet, use 8 tablespoons in the pan overnight and wipe down the seat and china with a pinch of baking soda on a soft cloth.
o For drains, use hot vinegar soda 1:4 parts and leave overnight. Your drains will also benefit from the solution you use during cleaning.
4. Wood furniture and floors can be cleaned with natural beeswax that you can get from your local honey supplier or farmer’s market. Alternatively, use one part olive oil (not the best) to one part lemon juice; Rub then shine with a soft, dry cloth.
5. Artificial fragrances (including those used in candles) are strongly linked to allergies, skin problems, and possibly cancer too. It is easy to switch to using essential oils. Buy an oil burner and buy quality pure essential oils to scent your home; 8 tablespoons of baking soda in a bowl with a bit of essential oil added will absorb unpleasant odors. (For essential oils and cosmetics, go to http://www.nealsyardremedies.com Prayed http://www.culpeper.co.uk as well as your local pharmacy or health food store).
6. For washing powder, fabric conditioner, and liquid detergent, try Ecover, which is available at most decent supermarkets, or visit your local organic supermarket for a larger range; bear allows you to refill your bottles for additional green Brownie points. It may also be worth swapping out your regular laundry products if you have someone in the house with asthma, eczema, or other sensitivities or skin problems. If you use a tumble dryer, Eco Zone’s Dryer Balls (around £9) will cut drying time by 25% (saving the leccy) and soften clothes without resorting to chemicals. If you want some fragrance, please put a cloth with some essential oil in the drum.
If you live in the Bristol area, why not try The Better Food Companies Eco Store, which sells a wide range of products designed to make your home and the environment a safer and happier place to be (www.betterfood. co.uk). Or for more ideas on how to reduce chemicals in your home, visit http://www.ethicalsuperstore.com. The best thing about this way of life is that children can join in the cleaning safely, there is nothing dangerous stored in the cupboards, you will help any family member with allergies and skin problems, as well as keeping the children safe. pets, and you’ll be doing the planet a huge favor.