I was going through an open house once and the smell of chemicals was overwhelming. You could tell there was a baby in the home and we told the selling salesperson to pass on to her client how unhealthy it was for the baby using these strong cleaners. I know the homeowner wanted a clean smelling home for the showing, but not great for the health of her child.
Most household cleaning products contain a wide array of chemicals, i.e. bleach, ammonia, formaldehyde, acetone, etc.
To have a healthier home, you want to eliminate strong harmful chemicals. These chemicals don’t only pollute the home, but also damage the outdoor environment. When rinsed down the drain, they go into the streams, rivers, underground water sources and lakes.
There are many healthy alternatives.
- Tubs and sinks - sprinkle with baking soda and rub with a soft cloth. Adding Castile soap will increase the cleaning power.
- Toilets –pour a cup of borax into the toilet bowl. Allow to sit overnight then scrub with a toilet brush .
- Windows and mirrors – spray equal parts water and white vinegar on surface then wipe with a soft cloth. Alternatively, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a litre of water and apply with a cloth. Wipe dry with a clean lint-free cloth.
- Clogged Drains – Pour ½ cup baking soda down the drain. Follow with ½ c vinegar. After a few minutes follow with boiling water.
- Wood furniture – olive oil and white vinegar mixed in equal parts and applied with a soft rag.
- Pots and pans – scrub with equal parts vinegar and salt. Scrub then rinse. For burned on food, sprinkle baking soda in pot. Add about an inch of water and bring to a boil then remove from heat. Let sit for ½ hour. Food will lift off easily.
- Ovens – make a paste from 1 cup baking soda and water . Apply to oven surfaces and allow to sit overnight. Scrub and rinse.
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