How to keep your home safe from toxic cleaning products

It’s easy to assume that a “tough”, chemical-based cleaning product like a Clorox wipe or Windex spray is the best type of cleaner. It kills germs, smells great (sometimes) and cleans well – what could be better? Yet in recent studies, researchers and doctors have found that the chemicals in these products can be extremely harmful to our overall health. Here are some tips on trading in your go-to cleaners for safe, natural chemical-free alternatives.  

1. Did you know that many companies are not required to list all of the ingredients in their products, like certain harmful chemicals? Make sure you actually do research before buying any cleaning product ahead of time, and check for synthetic chemicals,
2. If you’ve ever wondered why you or even your client may come down with sudden headaches or nausea, it might be your cleaners! Side effects of harsh chemical cleaners includes dizziness, nausea, or headaches. Some can even cause allergic reactions! If you absolutely need to use harsh chemicals for certain rooms in the house, like the bathroom or kitchen, be sure to take note of any of these side effects.
3. Going off the above, make sure you protect yourself anytime you use harsh cleaning products. Wear rubber gloves to protect your hands, wear goggles if possible to protect your eyes, and crack a window open if possible to keep the area ventilated.

When it using natural cleaning products, there’s no limit to what you can do. You can even make them yourself!

1. Natural substances like baking soda, vinegar, lemon juice, salt can work through dirt, grease and soap build up. While you can make your own solution with just a reusable spray bottle, vinegar and water, there are plenty of great companies out there that make effective, all natural cleaning products like Seventh Generation, Mrs. Meyer’s, and Dr. Bronners.
2. Use cellulose sponges instead of synthetic sponges when cleaning. Yes, we mean it’s time to put away those yellow and green sponges. They are actually extremely bad for the environment since millions end up in landfills every year and are soaked with pesticides. In addition to investing in some safe sponges, save money and make your own cleaning rags using old clothes instead of buying paper towels and rags.

Do you have any favorite, natural cleaning products or cleaning hacks you use? Let us know in the comments below!