The mirrors need to be shined. The sink needs to be unclogged. The oven needs to be cleaned. These are just a few items on your to-do list to clean the house. But have you ever stopped to read the labels on some of your favorite household cleaners? Have you ever noticed the harmful chemicals in the products we use to keep our homes looking and smelling good? Well, this article will explore some of the top cleaning staples in our cabinets and the hazardous toxins that we inhale and are exposed to as we use them. Don’t worry. We will also suggest cleaner and environmentally friendly alternatives to add to your cleaning supplies as you subtract the bad products and toss them in the garbage.
1. Convention Drain Cleaners
So, the bathroom pipe is clogged. After removing the gunk and hair trapped in the pipes, you noticed the water was still not draining through the pipes. You reach for your tried-and-true chemical drain cleaner that always gets the job done. While conventional drain cleaners successfully unclog the pipes, the chemicals in this product expose you to toxins that are dangerous to your health. These products contain sodium hydroxide which can burn your eyes and skin. Breathing in the toxins from the drain cleaners can be damaging to your lungs and can irritate your respiratory system. Using these products is not worth the long-term health risks! In addition, the ingredients in the drain cleaners can damage your pipes and cause erosion, which is another financial burden not worth the risk! Instead, try using a solution using a mixture of vinegar and baking soda to unblock the drain with the assistance of a plumbing snake!
2. Ammonia-Based Glass Cleaners
We love to see a polished mirror that reflects cleanliness and shine! The ammonia used in these glass cleaners is used to create this effect! However, ammonia is another cleaning agent that should be avoided solely based on the potential damage it can have on the respiratory system. Remember how your eyes, nose, and throat burned when spraying the glass cleaner? These toxins are linked to severe illnesses like asthma and chronic bronchitis! Stay away from the powerful irritants in ammonia and try cleaning products that use vinegar. Ammonia-free cleaners are the way to go. And guess what? You will still get the polished, shined look that you love on your windows and mirrors!
3. Air Fresheners
Air fresheners have been around for years. I bet you have a can right now in your bathroom! I mean, who doesn’t like the option of a clean fragrance in the bathroom and around the house with just a push of a finger? No need to burn candles or boil cinnamon on the stove when you can quickly reach for the can of air freshener. Oh, yes. The can of air freshener that contains synthetic fragrances, phthalates, and volatile organic compounds (VOC). These chemicals not only contribute to indoor pollution, but have been associated with various health issues for consumers, including headaches, nausea, and even hormone disruption. Yikes! Save yourself a trip to the doctor’s office and opt for using natural ingredients like baking soda or essential oils and water to deodorize the air in your home.
4. Chlorine Bleach
Chlorine Bleach is a household staple because of its many uses. You can add bleach to freshen the whites in your laundry. You can use bleach to clean the grout in your home. Bleach can be used to disinfect many appliances and containers, like cleaning garbage cans. However, using bleach is dangerous. Bleach can cause serious irritation to your respiratory system and can burn if it comes in contact with your eyes and skin. If mixed with other cleaning agents like ammonia or acid, bleach can produce highly toxic chlorine gas. Over time, continued use of bleach can increase your risk of cancer. Avoid using the corrosive agents in bleach and choose other alternatives like hydrogen peroxide, vinegar, or oxygen-based bleach for your cleaning needs.
5. Antibacterial Soaps and Cleaners
Antibacterial Soaps and Cleaners are no more effective than regular soaps to combat germs. The ingredients in antibacterial soaps and cleaners contain triclosan, an ingredient that affects your hormones and may interfere with muscle function. The use of antibacterial soaps and cleaners removes the good bacteria on our skin and contributes to the rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, also known as “superbugs”. So, put down the antibacterial products and pick up natural disinfectants like essential oils and vinegar.
6. Oven Cleaners
The kitchen stove is due for a deep clean. So, grabbing the can of oven cleaner is a no-brainer. Using these cleaners is easy. Apply the surface. Wait. And then wipe. All done. Not so much. While the oven may be squeaky clean, the consequences of using oven cleaners could have a long-term impact on your respiratory system. Breathing in the fumes from these products that contain lye and other corrosive alkalies can cause severe burning and respiratory distress. The fumes emitted from heavy-duty oven cleaners linger even after cleaning is complete. The oven can still be cleaned and your family in good health just by choosing to use safer alternatives. Use a paste made from baking soda and water, or try steam cleaning.
7. Furniture Polish Sprays
Furniture polish may seem appropriate to use dust furniture, but let’s examine the health risks of using such products. The chemicals in these products often contain petroleum distillates. They also contain volatile organic compounds that pollute the air. The ingredients in these products can lead to skin irritation and respiratory issues when inhaled. Long-term exposure to furniture polish sprays can lead to serious health concerns, including damage to the nervous system. You can keep the furniture in your home clean and your lungs clean by using a mixture of olive oil and lemon juice to wipe down your furniture instead of traditional furniture polish. Use a microfiber cloth with olive oil and lemon juice mixture to freshen your furniture while also freshening the air in your home with the lemony scent!
Throw Out Harmful Products Today
If you write down the pros and cons of using these products based on the information presented in this article, you will realize it is not worth subjecting you and your family to the harmful chemicals in these dangerous cleaning supplies. The good news is many of the alternatives outlined in this article are found in your pantry: vinegar, baking soda, olive oil, etc. Now, all you have to do is mix the ingredients and give your home a good cleaning that will freshen the space and improve the air quality in your home. The risks are continuing to use these cleaning supplies is not worth having health issues. So, go ahead. Get your trash bags. Time to toss out the hazardous products in your cabinet!