Instead of having a cabinet full of products that contain chemicals whose names you cannot even pronounce why not switch to a healthier and simpler cleaning regimen? Store bought cleaners contain VOC's, Volatile Organic Compounds, that when used regularly can build up in the air you breathe. Concentrations of VOC's can be 2 to 5 times higher indoors than outdoors increasing your risk of respiratory and allergic reactions. Although you may not be able to minimize your risk in the work place you definitely can within your own home. By purchasing 7 simple items found in most any grocery or big box store you can improve your environment and promote healthier living.
What are these 7 items? Odds are you have 50% of them already in your home.
1. Baking Soda, normally used in the kitchen for cooking and eliminating refrigerator odors, baking soda is also an effective mild abrasive, water softener, and small cooking fire extinguisher. It is safe for cleaning food surfaces and baby equipment. The most economical way I have found for purchasing baking soda is at Sam's Club. You can purchase a resealable 11lb. bag for roughly $6. You can fill an old spice container or salt and pepper shaker with baking soda and leave in a handy place for small cleaning jobs.
2. Borax, around since 1891 it is used for disinfecting, deodorizing and water softening. It is used in general purpose and bathroom cleaning as well as trash can deodorizing. Of the Super 7, Borax is one that should be handled with care. It has been shown to cause skin irritation and should not be ingested or inhaled. I am overly paranoid and I typically put the contents of the box in a re-usable plastic container so that I can scoop instead of pour, thus eliminating dust. I have been know to stand outside and wear a mask when doing this. BUT!, 20 Mule Team Borax has recently gone through a packaging re-design and now offers a flip top box which I did see at Target (Hampton at Chippewa).
3. Hydrogen Peroxide (3%), not just for gargling and wound disinfecting, hydrogen peroxide can be used around the house as a bleach alternative, stain remover and disinfectant. It can be used in all purpose cleaners and when doing laundry.
4. Lemon Juice, when life hands you lemons... Lemon juice is a clean smelling alternative to bleach that is good for cutting grease and removing stains. Another great thing about lemons, everything is usable! Once you squeeze the juice you can either save the rinds for other projects or put them in your garbage disposal to help degrease and remove odors. Look Mom, No waste!
5. White Vinegar has a over 1001 uses. Many of them because it is a cost effective anti-fungal that kills germs and bacteria. White vinegar is also a water softener, grease cutter and deodorizer. It makes for an effective fabric softener which is great for people who tend to be allergic to the ingredients in commercial laundry detergents and fabric softeners. Some people do not like the smell of vinegar. Although the smell does quickly dissipate once dry, essential oils and or lemon juice can be combined with vinegar to make the cleaning experience more enjoyable.
6. Washing Soda is an all natural laundry booster and general purpose cleaner. It does have a high PH which makes it caustic so you should wear gloves when cleaning with it. It can be used in your laundry and it is contained in several recipes for heavy duty cleaners dealing with heavily soiled and greasy items. It can be used to strip paint and wax and should not be used on aluminum, fiberglass or waxed flooring. Arm and Hammer Washing Soda can be found in most laundry aisles.
7. Liquid Castile Soap is a vegetable based soap used in all purpose, kitchen, bathroom and floor cleaner recipes. The most common castile soap on the market is Dr. Bronner's. I have heard that Trader Joe's has a store branded castile soap too. Dr. Bronner's makes a product called Sal's Suds that is specifically designed to be an all purpose cleaner. Dr. Bronner's may seem pricey, but since you are only adding a teaspoon to a tablespoon to the recipes one bottle will go a long way.
8. Essential Oils. Yes, I know I said only 7 items, but essential oils can be used to make your cleaners made from the original 7 items more fragrant and many essential oils have inherent properties that boost cleaning and disinfecting power. For example, Tea Tree oil is commonly used because of its anti-fungal properties. Unfortunately, they are not easily found in your average market and may require a trip to the health food store. They may seem pricey, a bottle of Tea Tree oil will run you approx. $8. I have been using my current bottle for about three months now and it's barely half empty. Essential Oils also need to be handled with caution. They are highly concentrated and most of them should not come in direct contact with skin. For this reason it is a good idea to wear gloves when measuring into your recipes. I also suggest that your research your essential oils so that you can make a more informed decision. The ones I have used the most are Tea Tree, Eucalyptus, Lavender, Sweet Orange and Lemon.
