Cleaning with the power of green
Tiffany Washko, NatureMoms.com
So what is “green” cleaning exactly? Green cleaning means using cleaning products that don’t endanger you, children, or the environment.
Many people use cleaning products throughout their homes without a thought or concern. They figure that if the product is widely available that it must be relatively safe for use. But these products contain all kinds of chemicals that can potentially be toxic, corrosive, flammable, or reactive. They can also cause serious health issues and environmental damage. Here are some examples of common chemicals found in conventional cleaning supplies:
- Formaldehyde
- Sodium Hypochlorite
- Hydrochloric Acid
- Petroleum Solvents
- Sodium Acid Sulfate
Some of the problems associated with these chemicals are skin irritations, nausea, headaches, nose bleeds, shortness of breath, burns, vomiting, kidney and liver damage, and exposure to carcinogens. Do you want to clean your home with chemicals that have the potential for that kind of damage? Certainly not...don’t take that chance.
These same chemicals also have the potential to harm the planet as well. When chemical cleaners go down the drain, most ingredients break down into harmless substances during treatment or soon afterward. Others, however, do not, and they threaten water quality or fish and other wildlife. Purchasing these mainstream cleaners can end up costing us quite a bit in the long run.
The best option for the health and safety of your family and the health of our planet is to use green cleaning items such as:
- Baking Soda
- White Vinegar
- Pure Castile Soap
- Lemons
- Vegetable Oil
- Essential Oils
Using the above ingredients you can make your own cleaners...
Vinegar, for instance, naturally cleans like an all purpose cleaner. Add one part water to one part vinegar and you have a solution that can clean most areas of your home. Vinegar disinfects and deodorizes. The strong smell of vinegar goes away after it dries. Both vinegar and baking soda have the added bonus of being incredibly cheap.
Baking Soda can be used to scrub surfaces similar to commercial abrasive cleansers like Comet or Ajax. Baking soda is also a great deodorizer.
Lemon juice dissolves soap scum and hard water deposits. It also cleans and shines brass and copper. If mixed with vinegar and baking soda it can be made into cleaning pastes. If mixed with vegetable oil it makes furniture polish.
One of my favorite cleaners is one I make in my own home. I mix several cups of baking soda with pure peppermint essential oil to create scented soda cleanser. It smells heavenly.
If you do not have the time or inclination to make your own cleansers then there are hundreds of green cleaning products available to purchase as well. Here are some of the alternative products you may like:
- Dr. Bronner’s castile soaps
- Dr. Bronner’s Sal Suds Liquid Cleanser
- Earth Friendly Cream Cleanser
- Seventh Generation Natural Dishwasher Gel
- Charlie’s Laundry Soap
- Mrs. Meyer’s All Purpose Cleaner
The cleaners mentioned above are viable options if you are not interested in making your own cleaning products. But as always...don’t take anything at face value...do your research and make sure everything you buy is safe and environmentally friendly!
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ENJO offer a micro-fiber based cleaning technology allowing you to clean in the home and outside, WITHOUT CHEMICALS.
Saving you time, money, but most importantly making the home a cleaner and safer place for you and your children, reducing health risks such as asthma and allergies. Using Enjo in the home eliminates up to 90% of the chemicals you use, and promotes Going Green and a safer, healthier environment.
On the main website, click the Canada link, and give them a call, or e-mail the office to find out how you can start using ENJO or start your own ENJO carreer.
www.enjo.net
Tel - 416.629.4888
E-mail - office@ca.enjo.net
Iâm glad you wrote this article. The hazards of cleaning products need to be addressed. I personally use organic cleaning products from Healthy Home Products. BabyGanics and PetGanics, theyâre GREAT! They are made from all natural ingredients and work just as well as the regular chemical cleaners. Visit www.healthyhomeproducts.com to see where you can purchase them.
Amelia- I gave ENJO a call- its 905.629-4888 however (not 416)- but anyways- I booked a demo for next week!
So I will keep everyone posted on how it goes, and what I think!
Thanks guys.
Thank you for the specificity of your tips -- I have been aware that vinegar & baking soda can be used as household cleaners, didn't have all of the info you provided. I have saved the list to my desktop under 'clean green'
If I may add another ingredient- salt.
Versatile enough for removing stains, odors and it absorbs moisture too.
I would like to say that I have been using Enjo for the last 3 months and it is amazing. It was so amazing I started to sell the product.
Your house will be cleaner faster.