Healthy Home Series, Part 2: CLEANing Supplies
Do you know what is in your cleaning products? Unfortunately, there is no mandatory requirement for companies to disclose all the ingredients present in cleaning products. However, it’s still best to read labels and avoid these harmful compounds whenever possible:
Ammonia: Frequently used in glass and oven cleaners. Can irritate the respiratory system and exacerbate asthma, particularly in poorly ventilated areas.
Chlorine: Commonly found in bleach and disinfectants. Can react with other chemicals to form harmful chloramines that can irritate the lungs and even lead to death.
Triclosan: Antimicrobial commonly found in disinfectants and hand soaps that can disrupt hormone function and contribute to antibiotic resistance.
Phthalates: Common fragrance enhancers, linked to hormone disruption, infertility and asthma. Often listed as DEP, DBP, DEHP, BzBP, DMP, “fragrance" or "parfum" on labels.
Formaldehyde: A known carcinogen and respiratory irritant in many air fresheners and surface cleaners.
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES): Found in cleaning and personal care products. Can irritate the skin, eyes and lungs.
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
Wanna take the guesswork and reading glasses out of the equation? Environmental Working Group (EWG) is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping consumers avoid pesticides and other toxins in their foods and products.
Check out this list of over 100 cleaning products that pass their tests for safety and label transparency.
Wanna Save $$ and Just Make your own?
Here are some DIY cleaning recipes that our staff use:
Glass Cleaner:
2 cups water
1/4 cup distilled white vinegar
1/2 teaspoon non-toxic dish detergent
Procedure:
Mix together in a spray bottle and spray directly on your windows before wiping it off.
All Purpose Cleaner:
1 c. water
1 c. distilled white vinegar
15 drops of essential oil (lemon, citrus, peppermint, grapefruit)
Add all ingredients to any spray bottle, preferably glass if using essential oils
Shake before each use
Laundry Detergent:
2/3 c. washing soda
3 T. baking soda
1/2 c. castille soap
6-7 c. water, divided
Procedure:
Boil 5 c. water
Stir in 2 cups of that water into the washing soda and stir until dissolved
Add the baking soda and castille soap and stir well.
Add the remaining 3 c. water, mix well and allow it to cool completely
Once it has cooled, add 1-2 more cups of water (it will be thick and gel-like) and stir.
Use 1/3 c. in each load
Fabric Softener:
Add 1 cup of distilled white vinegar to your washer for each load
To brighten clothes, add it to the bleach dispenser; to soften clothes, add it to the fabric softener dispenser
Anti-Static Dryer Sheet
Instead of dryer sheets, use wool balls and put a few drops of essential oil on them before throwing them in the dryer.
Bathroom Cleaner:
1/2 c. baking soda
A little bit of liquid soap
OR
1 and 1/2 c. vinegar
1/2 c. Sal Suds
Oven Cleaner:
Sprinkle oven stains with baking soda and use a spray bottle to thoroughly mist it with water, then let it stand overnight. You can easily wipe it up the next morning.
Hardwood Floor Cleaner:
Add lemon essential oil to water and spray on your hardwood floors before mopping it. A glass bottle is best to use for anything with essential oils in it.
Ant Spray: *(taken from this website)
Two cups of white vinegar or apple cider vinegar.
Two tablespoons of baking soda.
Two tablespoons of non-toxic liquid dish detergent.
Water
Procedure:
Combine 1st three ingredients in a large bowl.
Stir gently, and then pour it into a spray bottle.
Fill the remaining space with water.
Wait for the foam to settle before tightening the lid.
Spray for Spiders/Bugs
Just add peppermint essential oil to water and spray around doors and windows.
If you missed part 1 of our healthy home series, click here.
If you feel like your health has been impacted by toxins, our providers can help you prioritize where to start on your journey back to health. Call today to schedule.