Eco Cleaning
Many cleaning products are bad for your health and the environment. Choose more naturally alternatives!
With COVID-19 leaving its mark across the world, we've created new routines. One of the many is regular cleaning. While cleaning can help to remove dust, allergens, and infectious agents, it can bring damage to the environment and animals. Many cleaning products release Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), and other harmful chemicals. Plus, commercial cleaning products are hazardous for the eye, skin, and respiratory tract. Here are ten great DIY staples you need for an eco-friendly cleaning regimen.
Dryer Balls: The average American goes through a whopping 520 dryer sheets a year. Help reduce this excessive waste by investing in a few wool dryer balls.
Biodegradable Laundry/Dish Pods: Ensure that your laundry and dish detergents are as eco-friendly as possible with compostable versions.
Reusable Cleaning Towels: Rather than using disposable paper towels, go reusable. Even better, convert old clothes, t-shirts, or socks into rags.
Baking Soda: Baking soda is an excellent cleaner and deodorizer. It can help work as a natural soap or air freshener. Try leaving one in your fridge to remove the "musty" smell.
Vinegar: White vinegar or acetic acid cuts through buildup and mildew, freshens, lifts certain stains, and clears wax buildups.
Lemon Juice: Lemon contains some of the most powerful naturally occurring acids in food. Use it to cut grease and sanitize areas of your kitchen or bathroom.
Cornstarch: Cornstarch is an excellent alternative to clean and polish sliding windows, picture windows, bay and bow windows, fiberglass doors, and other glass surfaces.
Oxygen Bleach: Oxygen-based bleach gently removes stains, whitens fabric, and has several household stain removal applications. Look for ones with only sodium carbonate and peroxide.
Olive Oil: Olive oil can help bring moisture back into wood furniture or floors. Mix two parts oil with one part white vinegar.
Sunlight: While it may not be a physical product, natural light can help sanitize the air and environment. It can even remove tough odors given enough time.
While you may not need all of these cleaning supplies, make sure that you always avoid products containing:
Perchloroethylene (PERC): Commonly found in fabric softeners, this potential carcinogen and neurotoxin can be toxic with prolonged exposure.
Formaldehyde: In many heavy-duty cleaning agents, formaldehyde is present. In addition to its devastating impact on the environment, it disrupts the brain's hormones.
2-Butoxyethanol: This can be found in many window or glass sprays. Contrary to its sweet and floral scent, 2-Butoxyethanol can cause liver and kidney damage, necrosis, and pulmonary edema.
Ammonia: Ammonia works as a polisher, but heavily irritates human tissue and nature. It can cause permanent damage to your mucous membranes and cardiovascular system.
Sodium Hydroxide: Sodium Hydroxide is found in many ovens, drain, and grease cleaners. While effective, it can cause a burning sensation when touched and is unhealthy for animals.
By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your cleaning won't harm your health or the environment.
