Thinking about cleaning your home? These days there is a pool of products and services you can choose from. Whether it is your bathroom, carpet, clothes or chimneys, the market has a dedicated product for each of your cleaning needs.
However, have you ever thought about what ingredients are put into these products that deliver such a spotless performance?
We all know there are some ‘chemicals’ in these products that take out the most stubborn of marks but have you ever thought about how these chemicals affect you, your family and the environment?
The American activist group, Environmental Working Group or EWG has carried out remarkable researches over the damaging effects of these common, infamous ingredients found in most cleaning products.
A report published by EWG shared that, high exposure to disinfectants can lead to obesity in children in later stages in life. Most cleaning agents contain chemicals such as:
- glutaraldehydesodium hypochlorite
- quaternary ammonium compounds, also known as Quats. These chemicals are known to cause many respiratory illnesses, like asthma. The chemical, Quats has also been linked to fertility issues and can cause birth defects in rodents.
These chemicals are known to cause many respiratory illnesses, like asthma. The chemical, Quats has also been linked to fertility issues and can cause birth defects in rodents.
The American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine has also published a report stating that cleaning agents can increase the risk of asthma and other respiratory issues in women.
Phthalates
According to EWG, Phthalates are found in many paints and cleaning products like dish soap and can cause asthma. The harmful chemical can also disrupt the hormonal balance of your body and cause birth defects.
Triclosan
This is another ingredient found in most dish cleaning soaps labeled as ‘antibacterial’. The drainage water with fragments of such chemicals ultimately lands up in sewers and then rivers. Huge amounts of this chemical have been found in rivers and other water bodies. Triclosan is known to disrupt algae with its toxicity.
Butoxyethanol
Contained in many sweet-smelling multipurpose cleaners can cause pulmonary edema, and kidney and liver damage.
Ammonia
Donna Kasuska, the chemical engineer and president of ChemConscious, Inc. has stated that ammonia, a common polishing chemical found in cleaners can develop chronic bronchitis in people who are often exposed to the harmful ingredient. It is particularly unhealthy for patients already suffering from asthma.
Chlorine is used to keep swimming pools clean and can be found in most laundry detergents. It is also known to disrupt and cause thyroid problems. Chlorine-based bleach can damage the skin and eyes. The chemical can cause permanent tissue damage if exposed to the skin for a long time.
These chemicals are also dangerous for your pets as they are more likely to lick, touch and smell floors, carpets, and bathrooms, etc.
The good news is that for each of these chemicals, there are many natural alternatives with no harmful effects.
- Vinegar or baking soda can be used to clean bathrooms and kitchen slabs just as effectively. These products are also cheap and can be bought at any convenience store.
- You can try creating your own bleach with hydrogen peroxide, lemon juice and baking soda. All you may require is a spray can and a cool and dry place to store the concoction.
- A mix of hydrogen peroxide and water works wonders for cleaning carpets and getting rid of stubborn fabric marks.
- Vinegar and water used together is a great fabric softener. It’s also a great glass cleaner- cuts through streaks and gives you a professional shine!
- You may also want to try Soap Nuts in your laundry. Soap nuts remove bacteria and can be easily incorporated in your laundry routine. You can wrap 2-3 nuts in a muslin cloth and put them in your laundry.
- Without getting too earthy on you, have you considered Lemon? It’s a great deodorizer and cleaner, simply use a squeezed lemon by rubbing it all over your kitchen and bathroom sinks. Also greats as a food waste deodorant!
Above tips have been provided for us by one of Chicago’s top cleaning company experts that use the above mixtures for their work and projects.
