What to Look For When Choosing Safe Cleaning Supplies

Did you know that the chemicals in your cleaning supplies are more harmful then the dirt or dust you are cleaning away? Remember, cleaning supplies and household product industries are not regulated by a third party. As you know now by reading articles on this site, it is up to you to do your own research and make an educated decision. When it comes to cleaning supplies, "All Natural", means just about nothing. Most cleaning supplies are about as all natural as the average major league baseball player in the late 90's.

Instead of looking at the unproven claims on the front of the product, turn it over and look at the back. If you see any of the following ingredients you should look for another product.

Bleach, Detergents, Disinfectants
Chlorine, Hypochlorite, Phenolic Compounds (these chemicals can be very harmful in the air, or in our water supply)

Glass/Window Cleaner
Ammonia (can irritate eyes, cause headaches and irritate lungs)

Dishwasher and Laundy Detergents
EDTA and NTA, Phosphates (phosphates build up in streams, rivers, depleted oxygen and cause havoc for fish and other wildlife)

Toilet Bowl Cleaners
Hydrochloric Acid, Sodium Acid Sulfate (can cause vomiting, diarrhea and stomach burns if swallowed, also can cause blindness if accidentally splashed in the eyes)

Furniture Polish
Nitrobenzene (can cause skin discoloration, shallow breathing, vomiting, and death; associated with cancer and birth defects)

This is no where near a complete list, but we recommend you write these toxic names on the back of a business card and put it into your wallet. When you're at the store, whip it out and have a look.

What else to look for....(good things)

Low VOC or Zero VOC products (Vocs-volitile organic compounds that are released into the air)

Plant Based Ingredients -instead of petrochemical ingredients

Neutral or Mild PH - closer to 7 or 0

"Readily Biodegradeable"

Recycleable Packaging

Here are a few Safe Cleaning Must Haves:

Lemon - you can cut a lemon in half and use it as a disinfectant and a scrubber. You may need to dillute it with water. Great for cleaning windows, sinks, etc.

Baking Soda - Add a couple tables of baking soda and about a quart of warm water for an all purpose cleaner.

Vinegar - (white) can also be used in combination with lemon to remove grease, clean glass or steal.

As with anything test you cleaner on a small area first to see how it reacts with the surface.

For a quick and effective Furniture Polish...

Mix two parts cooking oil with one part lemon juice. Apply to furniture with a soft cloth and wipe it away.

We have used Seventh Generation cleaning products in the past, and we are happy with the results. Go check your cabinets...