When you buy cleaning products for your home, you indirectly introduce some toxic chemicals. These toxic substances can pose serious health issues to you and your loved ones. Fortunately, several natural alternatives to these cleaning products are available that are much safer and more effective.
Drain cleaner
Drain cleaners are used to clean clogged drains. Most drain cleaners that you buy from markets contain sulfuric acid and caustic soda, which, when it touches your skin or inhale it, causes serious health issues, such as respiratory issues and irritation to your eyes and skin.
Natural Alternative – Drain snakes
A reusable drain snake is a perfect natural alternative to unclogging drains. Insert the snake into the drain, turn the handle to break up the clog, and pull out the debris. This tool effectively removes hair and other particles, making it a must-have for maintaining a cleaner drain without using harmful chemicals.
Toilet bowl cleaner
The toilet bowl cleaner you’re using may contain corrosive ingredients such as sodium hypochlorite and sulfates, which can cause burns to your skin and irritation to your eyes and lungs. These products also go down the drain and contaminate soil, groundwater, and plants.
Natural Alternative – Baking soda
Instead of using these chemically toxic products, you can make your own DIY drain cleaner, which is easy to make and also affordable. Mix baking soda and Vinegar and pour it into the bowl. Close the lid and leave it for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, scrub the stain with a brush and wash it away.
Oven cleaner
Oven cleaner contains sodium hydroxide, also known as lye. Lye is one of the most harmful chemicals when it comes in contact with the skin and eyes or is inhaled or ingested. It may cause respiratory problems, skin or eye burns, and irritation to your skin.
Natural Alternative – DIY Cleaner
Mix baking soda and dish soap to make a paste. Apply this paste inside your oven and let it sit overnight. Scrub the oven with a pad, rinse well, and then buff dry. You can also cover the bottom of the oven rack with aluminum foil to prevent future cleaning.
Laundry whitener
The most common product used in homes for laundry whitening is bleach. However, most people don’t realize how harmful bleach can be to their health. Direct contact with bleach can cause redness and burns on the skin, respiratory issues, gastrointestinal distress, and allergic reactions. Additionally, it is harmful to the environment.
Natural Alternative – 3 percent hydrogen peroxide
It is a powerful natural disinfectant and bleach. You can apply it directly or mix it with lemon juice to clean your clothes. Let your clothes soak overnight in that mixture, and rinse them the next morning. You can also use this mixture to clean your carpet.
Degreasers
Degreasers are used in commercial kitchen appliances to clean greasy areas. However, they are often unnecessarily used in homes as well. Degreasers contain toxic chemicals such as sodium hydroxide and ammonium hydroxide, which are harmful to your health and the environment.
Natural Alternative – Vinegar
To clean a grease spot, sprinkle some baking soda directly on the greasy area and drizzle Vinegar over it. Let it fizz and break down the grease, leave it for about 5-10 minutes or more, depending on how greasy it is. Scrub it with a sponge or brush and wipe it off. This natural formula can help you cut through tough grease without using harmful chemicals.
Cleaning wipes
Cleaning wipes are the most convenient cleaning product and are used for various cleaning tasks. However, they contain quaternary ammonium compounds that harm your respiratory tract and skin. They can also cause asthma, reproductive issues, birth defects, and antimicrobial resistance.
Natural Alternative – Cotton T-shirt or Soft Fabric
Take any old cotton t-shirt or soft fabric, cut it into small squares, and set them aside. Prepare a mixture with one cup of water, half a cup of Vinegar, and a few drops of essential oil. Place the square fabric in a container, pour the solution over them, and close it with a tight-fitting lid. Store these chemical-free wipes and use them for cleaning. You can wash and reuse the cloth to reduce waste.
Air Freshener
Air fresheners contain formaldehyde, petrochemicals, p-dichlorobenzene, and aerosol pollutants. These chemicals not only impact the air quality inside your house but also harm your health. The fragrance in the air freshener can trigger allergies and act as a hormone disruptor.
Natural Alternative – Essential Oil Diffuser
An essential oil diffuser is a chemical-free and harmless alternative to air fresheners. Fill the diffuser with water and add drops of your favorite essential oil. You can choose from multiple options, such as lavender, eucalyptus, or lemon. Turn on the diffuser and enjoy the natural soothing aroma.
Surface Cleaner
Many surface cleaners contain chemicals like Ammonia, ethylene glycol monobutyl acetate, sodium hypochlorite, or trisodium phosphate. Overexposure to these chemicals can irritate your skin, eyes, nose, and throat. Additionally, mixing an ammonia-based cleaner with a liquid containing bleach can lead to the formation of a toxic gas or explosive compound.
Natural Alternative – DIY Vinegar Cleaner
Take one cup of white Vinegar, one cup of water, and a few drops of your favorite essential oil. Mix all the ingredients well and store them in a spray bottle. Use the solution to clean the surface and remove dirt without harmful impacts. It is also safe to use around children.
Furniture Polish
According to the American Lung Association, furniture polish contains VOCs and other chemicals that can irritate the eyes or throat and cause headaches and other health problems. VOCs vaporize at room temperature and produce dangerous indoor pollutants that can contribute to chronic respiratory problems and allergic reactions.
Natural Alternative – Olive Oil and Vinegar
Make a natural furniture polish with olive oil and Vinegar. Mix half a cup of olive oil with one-fourth cup of Vinegar; add a few drops of essential oil for a pleasant fragrance. Store this solution in a jar and rub it on your wooden furniture with a dry cloth. This natural polish will bring out the wood’s natural shine and luster.