Did you know that most households contain at least 20 toxic chemicals, most which are accessile to children?
Whenever we spray an ammonia, use bleach based cleaners and disinfectants, use furniture polish or oven cleaner, we are releasing countless toxins into the air our families breathe. Chemicals that have been sitting on the shelf unused for long periods are also a danger because chemicals react to heat, movement and age. These chemicals get more concentrated and less safe the longer they sit there.
Here are some safer alternatives to a clean and green home that are inexpensive, non-toxic and effective:
Vinegar. The acids in vinegar can cut grease and remove the most stubborn dirt and grime. Vinegar makes an excellent floor, oven and window cleaner. It can replace the toxic fumes and propellants of floor polish, ammonia and oven cleaners. It is also safe for your skin. Use vinegar straight for heavy grease or dilute it for window cleaning and lighter work.
Baking soda neutralizes and removes odors, purifies, absorbs moisture, scours and scrubs, polishes, disinfects, and cleans. When mixed with vinegar, it will create a foaming action that will clean drains. Say good-bye to poisonous drain cleaners!
Lemons. The acid in a fresh lemon cut will remove stains from metal pans, flatware, stoves, bakeware, and appliances. Sprinkle some salt on the lemon for added abrasive cleaning for baked on foods in the oven, on the stovetop and on cookware.
Oven cleaners are among the most toxic of household chemicals. Using lemon and salt may take a bit more elbow grease, but at least they are non-toxic!
Hydrogen Peroxide is an extremely potent stain remover and whitener. Peroxide is an excellent substitute for bleach cleaners and additives in the laundry and bath. It also cleans carpet and upholstery stains. Peroxide does not remove color from fabrics like bleach does.
Maid Brigade House Cleaning Services cares about you and your family. Share your natural green cleaning recipes with us! For more information on healthy green cleaning and green living, please log on to greencleancertified.com or maidbrigade.com.
