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Green Cleaning Tips and Tricks

Alternatives to Bleach and Antibacterial Soaps

According to a recent World Health Organization report, antibacterial soaps are helping to promote growth of resistant bacteria. 

Chlorine bleach, a common disinfectant frequently found in scouring powders and cleaning solutions, is highly caustic, meaning it can burn skin and eyes.  Plus, it can be fatal if swallowed. When it travels from your drain into the natural world, it can create organochlorines (suspected carcinogens), as well as reproductive, neurological, and immune-system toxins. 

Bleach (also known as sodium hypochlorite and sodium hydroxide), should never be mixed with any product containing ammonia or quaternium compounds. Doing so creates highly toxic chlorine gas. Many conventional scouring powders and cleaning solutions contain chlorine bleach.

Solution…..

Instead of using antibacterial soap, do a thorough hand-washing (about 2 minutes) with plain soap and warm water.

To disinfect bathroom or kitchen surfaces, try white vinegar, which helps kill bacteria, mold, and viruses.  White vinegar can be used on everything from kitchen surfaces to toilet seats. The only foolproof way to kill food-borne pathogens such as salmonella or E coli is to use hot, soapy water to wash all cutting boards, dishes, knives, and surfaces that have touched raw meat or eggs.

Scrubbing sinks, tubs, and countertops with a paste of baking soda (or washing soda) and water effectively removes dirt rings and some stains.  For cleaning windows, fill your own spray bottle with water and either one-quarter cup white vinegar or one tablespoon lemon juice to cut grease.

 

Maid Brigade House Cleaning Services cares about the health of you and your family.  For more information on healthy green living and green cleaning, please log on to http://greencleancertified.com and http://maidbrigade.com.  To learn more about the asthma and allergy triggers in your home, or to learn more about household products and breast cancer, please log on to http://www.greencleancertified.com/greentv.

 

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