When we are cleaning, we tend to ignore the effects some products have on our health. Take a moment to think about your cleaning supplies—and consider substituting some gentler alternatives.
Have you ever suffered eye or skin irritation from a cleaning product? Even with warning labels and preventive actions, some products can cause these temporary reactions.
This study in the American Journal of Respiratory Care suggests that exposures related to cleaning activities could affect long-term respiratory health. Over the course of 20 years, the respiratory health of 6,230 participants who cleaned regularly at home or as their occupation was checked three times. Participants’ respiratory health declined more quickly than the normal rate.
Here are some recipes for safe, green, homemade cleaning solutions, courtesy of
Women’s Voices for the Earth.
All-purpose cleaner
2 cups white distilled vinegar
2 cups water
20-30 or more drops of essential oil (optional)
This all-purpose cleaner can be used on hard surfaces including countertops, windows, and tile floors. Warming up the solution in the microwave will help with the tough spots.
Laundry detergent
1 cup soap flakes
1/2 cup washing soda
1/2 cup baking soda
1-2 tbsp oxygen bleach (optional for extra whitening power)
The suggested amounts are one tablespoon per load and two for a highly soiled load. You can use white distilled vinegar as a fabric softener by adding ½ cup to the rinse cycle.
Drain opener
½ cup baking soda
½ cup vinegar
Put the baking soda down the drain first, followed by the vinegar, letting it sit for 30 minutes. After it sits, flush it with boiling water.