Anytime is a good time to choose greener cleaning products. But especially so in the wintertime when your home is air tight to keep out the cold winds. Whatever you scrub and spray with can linger in the air for hours to days. Unfortunately, there is very little testing or oversight of cleaning products so its buyer (and breather) beware. Irritants are common in such cleansers, particularly those that are meant to disinfect (bleach and ammonia) and those from spray cans (e.g. furniture polish). Fortunately there are an increasing number of greener options. Here’s a quick What’s Toxic and What’s Not primer on the most common ingredients in cleaners. To find out whats in your cleaning product, go to the National Inst of Health Website:
What’s Toxic in Common Cleaners
Petroleum distillates or naphtha (spray cans, waxes, polishes)
Ammonia
Chlorine (Sodium hypochlorite)
Glycol ethers (butyl cellusolve)
Acids or bases (e.g. Drain cleaner, heavy duty cleaners)
What’s Not
Sodium bicarbonate
Enzymes
Hydrogen Peroxide
Citrus/Vegetable Oils
Vinegar
Surfactant, Detergent
What Should Concern You About Warning Labels
Focus on the warning label. The following types of warnings are usually an indication of toxic ingredients:
Do not use spray cans - pump bottles are better; cloth application the best
Go for low or no fragrance - fragrance often masks other ingredients that may be toxic; many people are allergic to common fragrance.
Make Your Own Green Cleaner: Recipe for an All-Purpose Cleaner
Pour the following into a spray bottle:
3 tablespoons of vinegar,
1 teaspoon borax,
2 cups of water,
Shake to dissolve.
Add 1 teaspoon liquid soap (or dishwashing liquid).
Shake again.
Spray on surface and then wipe clean. For tough dirt, leave cleaner on for a few minutes and then wipe off.
Do not get on skin
Only use with adequate ventilation
Avoid vapors
Don’t use near a flame
Corrosive or burns
May damage porcelain
Keep children and pets out of the area
Other Watch Out Tips
Avoid air fresheners - especially the misting or spray can types
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