Many commercial cleaning products contain chemicals that you may not wish to use in your home. Using chemical-free and natural cleaners is becoming more popular as the trend toward “going green” becomes more prevalent. Many schools and other public institutions, such as the University of Connecticut, have instituted policies to promote the use of chemical-free products.
Types
Some commercial cleaning companies have begun marketing products that contain few or no harmful chemicals. Some household cleaners carry a label called the “Green Seal” which means the product has gone through a strict evaluation process to make sure it does not have severe negative effects on the environment or human health.
You can use many common household items as cleaners and make your own chemical-free cleaning supplies. Vinegar, baking soda and castile soap can be used to clean almost everything in your home.
Usage
Minimizing your use of harsh chemical cleaners can help keep your home and family safe, explains the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture. You can clean most household surfaces with natural products. Use white vinegar as a general disinfectant to clean windows, mirrors and linoleum floors. Baking soda can act as a natural scrubber to clean tubs, showers, toilets, ovens and countertops. Liquid castile soap makes an excellent all-purpose cleaner, according to the Department of Public Health for Seattle and King County.
Human Benefits
Using chemical-free cleaners in your home reduces your risk of health problems related to exposure to toxic chemicals. People with asthma or allergies are often particularly sensitive to chemicals, and their use can trigger breathing problems, headaches and other health problems. Indoor air pollution from cleaners, upholstery and carpeting can be up to 100 percent greater than outdoor air, explains the University of Connecticut. Exposure to chemical cleaners can lead to eye and skin irritation, vomiting, diarrhea, cramps and even liver, kidney and brain problems over extended periods of exposure.
Environmental Benefits
Dumping chemical cleaners down the drain or throwing them away can contaminate the water and soil, while chemical-free cleaners have much less environmental impact. Commercial green cleaning supplies are usually packaged in recycled, biodegradable containers and bottles that you can recycle again after you use them to reduce the amount of trash that ends up in landfills.
Warnings
Mixing your own cleaning supplies can be a great way to reduce or eliminate chemicals in your home, but you should make sure to follow basic safety precautions. Never mix household products or cleaners together unless you know it is safe. Referring to reputable sources of information on green cleaning, such as government agencies and respected educational institutions, can reduce the risk of receiving inaccurate or potentially dangerous information. Always test cleaners on small areas of fabric or upholstery when you use them for the first time to make sure they will not stain.
References
- New York's Green Cleaning Program: Potential Benefits of Green Cleaning Products and Programs
- Public Health - Seattle & King County: Green Cleaning Methods
- The University of Connecticut’s Green Cleaning Agenda
- University of Kentucky: Selection and Use of Green Home Cleaning Products
- Green Seal: Look for the Green Seal
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