Many cleaning products contain toxic chemicals, and although these chemicals clean well they can cause allergic reactions and other health problems. They can also harm the environment and wildlife. Many people are now turning to natural cleaning products, but how to choose products that are truly safe and natural? Toxic Ingredients in Chemical Cleaners Ammonia is toxic when touched, inhaled or swallowed, but it is used in many cleaning products. Chlorine is a common bleaching agent, but it is corrosive and can irritate the respiratory system and the eyes. Disinfectant substances such as triclosan are commonly added to many products, but they can cause allergic reactions. Natural disinfectants include lemon juice, tea tree oil and hot soapy water. Other potentially harmful ingredients that are commonly used in commercial cleaners include butyl glycol and ethylene glycol which have been linked to liver and kidney damage, phosphates which are typically used in laundry detergents but are harmful to the environment and can damage aquatic life, and phtalates which are used as fragrances but are linked to disruptions in hormones. Many laundry detergents and dish washing solutions contain synthetic fragrances and colors that are derived from petrochemicals and can cause allergic reactions and irritation in the eyes, in the lungs and in the mucus membranes. Petrochemicals are also linked to possible risk of cancer, problems in the nervous system and in the reproductive system.
Many natural products contain simple household ingredients such as vinegar or baking soda. Vinegar is an excellent cleaning agent that can be used for many different types of surfaces. It dissolves any calcium build-up in coffee makers, kettles or dishwashers. It is also an effective disinfectant for the toilet and the bathroom. Try using white vinegar and baking soda to polish any copper or brass items in your home. As well as using natural cleaning products, try cleaning tools that are made with natural or recycled materials. These include linen cleaning cloths, wooden bristle brushes and cellulose sponges. You can even recycle old clothes or household textiles and cut them into cleaning rags.
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