Originally published October 19 2010
Avoid Toxic Household Cleaners by Making Your Own for Pennies
by Heidi Fagley
(NaturalNews) One of the greatest exposures to toxic substances can be found in our homes. Many cleaners and solvents used on surfaces such as countertops, tubs and floors are filled with ingredients whose labels read CAUTION, POISON, WARNING, or DANGER. Thank goodness there are alternative cleaning possibilities - safe, simple products that can be used in most cleaning situations that will lessen our exposure to toxins and chemicals in our living spaces. For instance, castile soap, baking soda, and lemon juice can work wonders with even the toughest grime that may be lurking in bathrooms and kitchens. Plus, there is the added benefit of money to be saved by making your own quick and simple recipes, as well as knowing your creative efforts are toxic free for you, your family, and the environment.
Behind the shine of the bleaches, foams and sprays are often artificial fragrances and toxic chemicals that can contribute to indoor air pollution, can be harmful if inhaled or touched, or are poisonous if ingested.
About 90 percent of all accidental poisonings occur in the home. In fact, some cleaners are among the most toxic products we can buy. Sitting in a majority of our homes are cleaners that pollute the ground water or contain flammable ingredients and corrosives that can irritate eyes just by opening the containers. Many of them could send us to the hospital or even cause death if swallowed.
The potential dangers of toxic home cleaning products have many people on a "go-green" path. In 2009, sales of natural cleaning products in the United States totaled $150 Million. Some of these cleaners are labeled with big promises and a hefty price tag. However, just because the ingredients in green cleaners are plant-based or "natural" does not necessarily mean they are safe.
It may be surprising to learn that everyday products found in your home can be used to make non-toxic cleaners for many of your cleaning needs. Some of the ingredients we cook with can also be the ingredients we clean with. It is simple to mix them up: they are safe to keep around the house and children, and they are easier on your bank account.
Below you will find a few sample recipes to mix up in seconds when your home needs a little sparkle. Be creative: mix up different recipes adding essential oils and scents that fit your lifestyle.
- Basic Household Cleaner: Mix together one teaspoon liquid castile soap, a squeeze of lemon juice, and one quart of warm water. If a surface needs extra power, try saturating area with moist salt or baking soda, allow to sit for ten minutes, and scour.
- To Cut Grease: Dissolve one teaspoon castile soap in one quart of hot water and add 1/4 cup lemon juice. Let item/surface soak for ten minutes before scrubbing.
- Toilet Bowl Cleaner: Sprinkle 1/4 cup baking soda into bowl and add 1 cup lemon juice. Let sit for 1/2 hour, scrub, and flush.
- Basin, Tub and Tile Cleaner: Mix together 1/2 cup baking soda with three tablespoons liquid castile soap. Scrub as usual.
- Drain Cleaner/Deodorizer: Pour 1/2 cup baking soda down drain followed by one cup hot lemon juice. Let sit for 10 minutes and then run water for 30 seconds.
- Glass/Window Cleaner: Mix four tablespoons of lemon juice with 1/2 gallon warm water.
- For Dishes and Tough Stains: Mix lemon juice and baking soda to make a scrubbing paste.
- Use baking soda as you would any abrasive cleanser.
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http://www.ecocycle.org/hazwaste/recipes.cfm
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http://www.authenticparenting.info/2010/03/g...
http://www.worldwatch.org/node/1484
http://www.googobits.com/articles/p3-707-mak...
About the author
Heidi Fagley is a Holistic Nutritionist and has two culinary arts degrees - one in Raw, Living Foods and another in Natural Foods. Educating others about nutrition and the benefits of using whole foods to heal and prevent disease is her passion.
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