Are you the type who loves to clean or do you loathe it?! Most of us do not look forward to cleaning our whole house. For some of us, a good clean can be therapeutic. If you’re cleaning regularly and inhaling lots of toxic fumes, it may be time to switch up your products to non-toxic home cleaning options.
Did you know that EWG found that more than 2,000 cleaning supplies on the American market have found that many contain substances linked to serious health problems?
Not only do toxic home products put you at risk but they can also impact our pets, our plants, and may stain clothing or household items. If you’re decluttering your house or doing a normal clean, we hope that this guide helps you make the switch to non-toxic home cleaning products.
Do Natural Cleaning Products Really Work as Well as Non-Toxic Products?
Do natural cleaning products really work as well as non-toxic products?
You might be wondering – how effective will non-toxic cleaners be compared to the normal cleaning agents used? According to Oui Clean, “Natural cleaning products are just as effective as traditional commercial products with harsh chemicals”.
Not only do natural cleaning products work as effectively as harsh chemicals, but there are also other benefits to making the switch.
One major benefit is that the air quality will be better after cleaning. Using toxic products can release toxins into the air and impact your indoor air quality.
If clean air isn’t enough for you, you might be able to save some money by using an all-purpose natural cleaning product instead of buying tons of different products for your shower, sink, kitchen, etc.
Other things to consider when looking at the benefits of natural cleaning products is that many ingredients in your house may be used for cleaning
What Harmful Ingredients Should be Removed From Your Current Cleaning Stash?
The pungent smell is one of the major giveaways of the presence of harsh chemicals in your cleaning products. But how can you confirm that they are harmful? It’s simple, look for the below ingredients, if you find any of it in your cleaning agents, toss them out of your house immediately.
- Methylisothiazolinone
- Butyl cellosolve/glycol ether
- Ammonia
- phthalates, 1-4 Dioxane
- Formaldehyde
- Bleach (Shocking isn’t it)
- pH adjusters
- Synthetic foaming agents
You will not find the following harmful ingredients in non-toxic home cleaning products because the list above is not natural.
So what natural or non toxic products should you use to clean your house?
Now, with people becoming more aware of the negative impacts of using these harsh chemicals for cleaning, there are more non-toxic products than ever in the market. You can easily find eco-friendly, natural cleaning products that do a better job than your toxin-filled cleaning products.
Below is a list of a few of our favorite cleaners that are usually already present in your home.
Below is a list of a few of our favorite cleaners that are usually already present in your home
White Vinegar
White vinegar is great for cleaning your carpet off those tough stains. It can also be substituted as a fabric softener and it does the work it’s supposed to do. You can also look out for products that have white vinegar as a major component. Sure, white vinegar has a particular smell to it, but the pungent nature of the smell won’t stay on your clothes if that’s what you are worrying about.
Hydrogen peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is another mild component that is best for removing stubborn stains and marks from your fabrics. It can be used as a great alternative to disinfectants.
Tea Tree oil
Tea tree oil is known for its calming effects and how effective it is in the treatment of facial acne. But what most people aren’t aware of is that tea tree oil can be a great non-toxic cleaning product. To make the best out of it, mix some drops as per your liking in a spray bottle along with some white vinegar. Spray it onto any kind of surface – wood, or metal and slowly wipe off with a towel. You get a shining surface within minutes without having to worry about your home smelling like white vinegar.
Baking soda
Did you think that we would leave out one of the most popular cleaning agents, baking soda, or chemically known as sodium bicarbonate? This compound is found in almost all kinds of organic cleaning agents. It is powerful enough to unclog your clogged drains when mixed with vinegar.
If you want to get oil stains out of your clothes, make the baking soda into a paste with water and leave it on the clothes for about 15 minutes and then rinse. Even the toughest oil stains are bound to disappear!
Lemons
Cut a lemon in half and use it to remove stains or smells on surfaces and cutting boards. Lemons will leave your house smelling fresh while taking care of tough stains.
Other ways to make a switch to nontoxic cleaning products
- Swap out a few products a month. Buying an entire new cleaning supply pantry can be pricey but if you do it over time, it will be more of an organic change.
- Think about buying a few spray bottles that you can use over and over again. If you make your own products, you’ll have a perfect non-toxic spray bottle to go along with your cleaners.
- Don’t be too hard on yourself! Transitioning to non-toxic cleaning products may be a lifestyle adjustment. We’ve been brainwashed to use the toxic cleaners of the world so if it’s a slow transition, it’s okay!
Final Thoughts
Switching to non-toxic home cleaning products can be a life changer, in the literal sense. You no longer have to inhale those toxic fumes that come out of the bottle each time you open it for cleaning. You can either invest in store-bought all-organic cleaners, or go for the above-mentioned compounds. Either way, it’s time to make the switch and trust the process.