What’s up With Cleaning?
I never thought that cleaning products would get me excited or be something that I would want to write about but today it certainly is. An old friend of mine I remember had a mother who was not always “there”, if you know what I mean and had man minor health issues…that her thinking ability wasn’t as keen as one would hope and she was fairly young. My friend explained to me that when her mother as younger that she cleaned with multiple household cleaners and mixed them…that’s what she said might have been the issue with her mother’s health issues.
It’s hard to believe that there are right now over 85,000 chemicals contained in products in the consumer marketplace and only a fraction have even been tested as to the safety and impact on human health. That fact alone is scary but to take it even farther the labeling on cleaning products aren’t regulated at all.
What Can We Do?
- Use Fewer Products.
I know I’m not the only one that back in the day I thought I had to have specific cleaners for each room in the house. I mean do you really think that a bathroom cleaner couldn’t clean the kitchen too? Maybe switch to a Green all purpose cleaner instead of multiple products. - Never Mix Products.
I wasn’t aware until recently that mixing products could prove to be a horrible “science experiment” could effect our health long term. The different chemicals in most cleaning products have dangerous reactions with one another. - Use Less Toxic Products
The obvious suggestion here is not to use products that say “Danger” or “Poison” but you more than likely aren’t using products that say that. HOWEVER, there are several chemicals that you can watch out for that will help with certain “issues” that might exist in your family.- Avoid using products containing Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC’s) such as aerosol sprays, disinfectants, moth repellents and air fresheners are likely to contain VOC’s…these products are especially horrible for asthmatics.
- Products that contain endocrine, disrupting chemicals such as butoxyethanol and other glycol ethers include: all purpose, glass, oven, tub/tile, carpet and floor cleaners; degreasers; stain removers; floor strippers; and metal polishes…all could actually be linked to REPRODUCTIVE HARM.
- Avoid Air Fresheners
So many people have come to accept the prevalence of watery eyes, headaches, skin and respiratory irritations, asthma and all allergic reactions. Well most air fresheners contain fragrances, VOC’s, carcinogens, benzene and formaldehyde and other irritants. - Reduce the Use of Disinfectants
Over time the use of disinfectants and the chemicals associated with the “superbugs” which is a growing problem…creating antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Soap and water is the most effective way to routinely clean, also simple alternatives scientists have recognized safer ways of cleaning with vinegar and borax. To prevent bacteria growth we can make sure we launder wash cloths or microwave sponges for at least a minute. - Make Non-Toxic Cleaning Products
I have made the switch to SUPER INEXPENSIVE ingredients to clean the house that’s 100% safe for everyone. Vinegar, baking soda (or borax), and hydrogen peroxide. I add essential oils which make the house smell wonderful (a mild smell) and actually boosts antibacterial properties.
How Do We Really Know
There are many companies and people that are dedicated to using, testing and reporting how effective and safe for us.
http://www.WaToxics.org/files/cleaningproducts.pdf
http://www.Tinyurl.com/yln44bt
Where’s the Balance?
Apart of finding a balanced life, I feel, is finding a balance personally and within the world around us…so many people have looked at the transitions I’ve been making over the past 5 years and would call me a “tree huger” or “organic girl”-both of which I don’t mind being called because over time our family are making changes with even our cleaning products that is much healthier for our family and so much better for the environment and that’s a great balance to me!
So happy cleaning for sure!
