Children are messy and cleaning is part of your job as a parent. According to Kids Health, many traditional cleaners contain chemicals that can be harmful to your children. Choosing safe alternatives to traditional cleaners can keep your home clean while also protecting your children from the health risks associated with their use. Safe cleaners also allow your children to pitch in on household chores.
Vinegar
Lynda Fassa and Vanessa Williams, authors of "Green Kids, Sage Families: The Ultimate Guide to Raising Your Organic Kids," write that vinegar is an effective and safe cleaner for many household surfaces, including glass and counter tops. One part vinegar mixed with three parts water can be used on almost any surface in the home. Avoid using vinegar on marble because it will stain, say Fassa and Williams. Vinegar can be put in a spray bottle so that your children can pitch in and help around the house. Vinegar is nontoxic and will not harm your children if they get it on their skin or inhale it while cleaning.
Baking Soda
Baking soda is an effective and safe cleaning agent and can clean a variety of different surfaces. Fassa and Williams recommend mixing a paste of water and baking soda to clean soap scum and grime off of bathtubs and bath surfaces. Baking soda is also effective on cleaning baked-on grease and food off of dishes. Kitchen sinks can also be cleaned with a water and baking soda paste. Children can use baking soda to help out with the cleaning because it is safe and nontoxic and will not emit harmful fumes and chemicals.
Lemon Juice
Lemons can be used to clean and deodorize a variety of items in your home, says Helen Coronato, author of "Eco-Friendly Families." Lemon juice can be used in place of bleach to remove stubborn stains from your clothing. Spray lemon juice on stains to replace the use of harmful and poisonous bleach. Coronato recommends getting your kids in on the action by teaching them how to squeeze lemons into a spray bottle and the allowing them to help you spray stains. Lemon juice can also be combined with baking soda to clean kitchen sinks and bathtubs, say Fassa and Williams.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Jeff Bredenberg, author of "2,001 Amazing Cleaning Secrets," recommends hydrogen peroxide as a safe cleaning product to use around children. Hydrogen peroxide can take the place of bleach because it kills germs and removes stains. Spray 3 percent hydrogen peroxide on most surfaces to kill dangerous germs, such as E. coli and salmonella. Remove mold by spraying 30 percent hydrogen peroxide directly onto the mold. There is no need to rinse. Peroxide can also be added to your whites to brighten them as they wash. Hydrogen peroxide is safe to use around children because it is not poisonous and does not let off dangerous chemicals or fumes.
References
- Kids Health: Raising Earth-Friendly Kids
- "Green Kids, Sage Families: The Ultimate Guide to Raising Your Organic Kids"; Lynda Fassa and Vanessa Williams; 2009
- "Eco-Friendly Families"; Helen Coronato; 2008
- "2,001 Amazing Cleaning Secrets"; Jeff Bredenberg; 2004
Member Comments