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Cleaning - Non Toxic Products

Non toxic cleaning products can be invaluable in the home as they can be used to keep your home in excellent condition with minimal impact.  They are safe for children and pets, and have very little impact on the environment.  Add in the fact that they’re so easy to use, and you may find that there’s no need to go back to chemical cleaning products ever again!

The Dangers of Chemical Products

Many of the ingredients in commercial cleaning products such as paradichlorobenzenes and formaldehyde are possible carcinogens, and some surfactants are not biodegradable, affecting both humans and the environment.

If you have babies or children in your home, they can be affected by chemicals more seriously than adults are.  These children, as well as sensitive adults, can actually become ill as a result of the chemical overload.  Pets as well can also become very ill if they accidentally ingest chemical cleaning products.

The Benefits of Using Non Toxic Chemical Products

There are several benefits of using non toxic chemical products.  Firstly, there is little danger of a member of the family or pets becoming ill from accidentally ingesting a cleaning product, as these products are often edible and generally will not cause physical harm.  They are also great if a member of the family has allergies or sensitivities to chemical products.

These products will also cause no damage to the environment, so it doesn’t matter if they are washed into a pond or stormwater drain.  By simply switching to natural products, a lot less harmful substances will enter the air, water and soil, saving the environment from long term damage.

Using Natural Products in the Home

There are many products that be used to clean the home in safe and natural manner.  Some of the best have been outlined below:

• Bicarbonate Soda – is made from soda ash which is capable of absorbing acidic odours in air and water, and deodorising carpets.  It can also be made in to a paste to clean benchtops, sinks, ovens, baths, and even fibreglass.  You can also add it to the laundry to remove many chemical smells from clothing.
  
• Washing Soda – is related to bicarbonate soda and is more alkaline.  Because it is caustic, always wear gloves when using it.  It can be used to remove grease and it also neutralises odours.
  
• Vinegar – is acidic and it will perform tasks such as removing scale, tarnish, dirt, and gummy build-up.  It also has disinfectant properties and can kill mould and germs.  Vinegar can be also used as a gentle bleach.
  
• Soaps and detergents – pure soap is made from natural ingredients that are based on fat and lye.  It is alkaline, biodegradable and fully renewable.  Detergents are usually synthetic but it is now possible to buy environmentally friendly, biodegradable detergents.
  
• Tea tree oil – is a fungicide and a disinfectant.
  
• Eucalyptus oil – is a deodoriser, disinfectant and solvent.
  
• Cornstarch – can be used for cleaning windows, polishing furniture, cleaning carpets, and to starch clothes.
  
• Isopropyl alcohol – can be used as a disinfectant.
  
• Lemon juice – contains citric acid and can be used as a deodoriser, clean glass, and remove stains from aluminium, clothes and porcelain.  It is also a mild bleach if used in sunlight.
  
• Mineral oil – is used as part of furniture polish and floor wax.
  
• Steel wool – is great for removing rust, stubborn food particles, and cleaning grills.

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