Non Toxic Cleaning ProductsNon toxic cleaning products are a great way to protect yourself from the harmful effects of chemical toxins. These toxins cause all sorts of health problems. Why use chemical-laden health and environment damaging household products when inexpensive and versatile healthy cleaning products are readily available? Natural cleaning supplies protect your health and the environment from toxic fumes and chemicals. They do a great job for all but the toughest cleaning needs. Natural detergents, general cleaners, and dish washing products are available at supermarkets, health food stores and just about any store that sells cleaning products. Healthy cleaning products are easy to make at home from common ingredients. Two very inexpensive and versatile healthy cleaning products are distilled white vinegar and baking soda. Cleaning with VinegarDistilled white vinegar is used in place of many general cleaning sprays. Keep a mixture of half water and half vinegar in a spray bottle to clean glass and counter tops. Let set for a few minutes before wiping off to kill germs.Vinegar can even be sprayed on weeds to kill them. Don't use vinegar on surfaces that are sensitive to acids. This video will show you several other ways to use vinegar for cleaning around your home.
Household Uses for Baking SodaAnother non toxic cleaning product is baking soda or sodium bicarbonate. Use baking soda to replace any gritty cleaner. You'll have to apply some elbow grease. That counts towards your day's exercise!Baking soda makes a great deodorizer for carpets, refrigerators, dog beds and upholstery. Just brush it into the material, leave 15 minutes or so, and vacuum it up. It will not harm most surfaces although it's always wise to test first. As the following video shows, baking soda also mixes with a other natural cleaning supplies to make a variety of cleaning products.
Buying Non Toxic Cleaning ProductsJust because a product is labeled "green", doesn't make it so. Look for labels that say the product is biodegradable. It should say it's a non toxic cleaning product or is made from all natural ingredients.Trust your nose. If it smells like chemicals, that's probably what it is. Detergents should be plant based, not made from petroleum. Microfiber cleaning cloths and mops do a better job of cleaning than others and require only water or a spritz of cleaning product. For a little more "oomph" when cleaning grease or harder to remove scum, try Dr. Bronner's Sal Suds. I use it full strength in the tub. Simple Green, castile soap with or without essential oils, and other products made by companies devoted to making non toxic cleaning products are all good choices. If you can't get all natural cleaning supplies, choose products that are a step in the right direction. Always open windows when using chemical products. Don't assume that because you don't smell them any longer that you are no longer breathing them in. Chemicals linger on surfaces where hands, feet and paws can pick them up. As far as the non healthy cleaning products you already have? Save them for tough jobs or use them up. No sense dumping them where they will pollute the soil or water supply. If you area has collection days for such products, take advantage of disposing of them at that time. Make a commitment to using natural cleaning supplies around your home. Protect yourself and your family from chemicals that compromise your health. Remember to use non toxic products on your body too. Your skin easily absorbs whatever it comes in contact with and delivers it straight to your blood stream.
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