And I don't mean big-ugly-angry-hulk-green, I mean Eco-friendly or more specifically more friendly to my family. Inspired by an online conversation, I started doing some research about common household cleaners and was horrified when I found out what is *really* in those suckers. NASTY STUFF! Apparently using chemical cleaners is one of the number one worst things you can do for your health. Ever. Almost 80 percent of the chemicals in household cleaners have not been tested for lasting health effects! When you use these chemicals in your home, these chemicals react with our ozone, stick around in the air for a LONG time and leave nasty residues on hard surfaces, carpets etc. Many never break down and over time indoor air pollution can cause all kinds of illness and diseases.
This link is a great starting point for researching household chemicals. Here are some of the points that I found most interesting:
"An EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) survey concluded that indoor air was 3 to 70 times more polluted than outdoor air."
"Another EPA study stated that the toxic chemicals in household cleaners are 3 times more likely to cause cancer than outdoor air."
"National Cancer Association released results of a 15 year study concluding that women who work in the home are at a 54% higher risk of developing cancer than women who work outside the home."
"Cancer is the Number ONE cause of death for children."
"There has been a call from the U.S./Canadian Commission to ban bleach in North America. Bleach is being linked to the rising rates of breast cancer in women, reproductive problems in men and learning and behavioral problems in children"
"Since 1980, asthma has increased by 600%. The Canadian Lung Association and the Asthma Society of Canada identify common household cleaners and cosmetics as triggers."
There is WAY more information in the article, give it a read.
Anyway, after doing a ton of research I decided that I would challenge myself for the weekend--do all of the cleaning without using any commercial cleaners or air fresheners. Guess what? My house has never been cleaner or smelled better.
I cleaned everything with these ingrediants: White Vinegar, Baking Soda, Water and a Lemon.
I got stains out of things I've never been able to remove before using vinegar and baking soda and my microwave wiped clean in about 2 seconds after steaming half a lemon inside. My linoleum looks better than it has since we moved in and with no residue! My toilet is shiny and so are my faucets, I even cleaned my carpets with a steam cleaner using, you guessed it- vinegar and water. I know exactly what you are thinking right now. You're thinking that my house must stink to high heaven of vinegar, but I assure you it does not. The vinegar stinks while you are using it but the smell disappears as soon as it dries and takes any other annoying odors with it plus it disinfects! (If you are cleaning an area you feel needs REALLY disinfected you can follow up with some rubbing alcohol.) The result is a really clean (and clean smelling) home. Instead of using toxic air fresheners I simmered some cinnamon on the stove and the house smelled delicious. I was amazed at how well these home solutions worked and now I'm a total convert. No longer will I expose my sweet little boy to the nasty crap in household cleaners. I LOVE the fact that my house smells CLEAN instead of smelling like chemicals.
I'm putting all of my store-bought cleaning supplies on freecycle tomorrow. The only things we are keeping right now are laundry detergent and Dawn but I've been reading that I can make those things too. One thing at a time.
Will you take the challenge? Make your home and your family healthier--throw out your commercial cleaners!
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