March 10th, 2010 . by DrHansen
Non-Toxic Solutions
The average household contains anywhere from 3 to 25 gallons of toxic materials. Most of these materials are in our everyday cleaning products. There is no current law that requires cleaning product manufacturers to list ingredients on their labels or to test their products for safety. Beyond that, they are not even required to list their ingredients since they are considered “trade secrets.” As the consumer, you have to take initiative to discover what is and isn’t toxic and then pattern your life around this.
Some products will contain certain labels such as “danger,” “hazardous,” or “poison,” but they do little to identify the serious nature of the substance. According to a study done by a New York poison control center, 85% of product labeling is inadequate, leading to high levels of unnecessary toxic exposure.
General Rule: Avoid Use of:
a. Any product with “danger, hazardous, or poison” on the label. They aren’t just dangerous if you ingest them, but any exposure and inhalation of the vapors of these toxins can cause serious problems.
b. Any product that doesn’t list all their ingredients.
c. Anything with petroleum-based surfactants, formaldehyde, chlorine or phosphates among other things.
d. Look for labels such as “non-toxic,” or “biodegradable”
You can also find a great selection of natural cleaning products at any health food store such Whole Foods market. In addition, many companies such as Shaklee are leading innovators in non-toxic cleaning supplies.
In addition, it is fairly simple and quite inexpensive to make your own natural cleaning supplies. In fact, I recommend this as a primary cost-cutting move for anyone on a budget.
Make Your Own Cleaning Supplies:
Some of the best natural ingredients are substances that are highly acidic. The acidity acts as a natural sterilizing agent and helps attract dirt and bacteria, allowing them to be easily removed. Here are the best natural cleaning agents:
White Distilled Vinegar: Been used for over 10,000 years, vinegar is amazing for all-purpose cleaners for floor, mirrors, glass, carpet, chrome, shower heads, garbage disposals, & bathrooms. It is also a powerful deodorizer and home insect repellant. Even better, it is completely safe, long-lasting (vinegar lasts a lifetime), and very inexpensive.
Lemon Juice: Inside the body, fresh lemon juice digested and metabolized into an alkaline ash due to the high amount of alkaline elements it contains. Outside the body, lemon is a very strong acid, it has a pH of 2. The citric acid sterilizes and cleanses effectively while providing a fresh, lemony scent. Lemon juice can be used with vinegar or in replacement of vinegar for many household cleaners, deodorizers, etc.
Baking Soda: Baking soda is a sodium bicarbonate, a natural alkaline substance. Baking soda has a unique characteristic in that it neutralizes both acids & bases, so it actually eliminates odors rather than just covering them up. Baking soda can also act as a very mild abrasive cleaner perfect for removing stains from sinks, counter tops and even fine china.
There are several great websites where you can find more information like I presented here:
http://life.gaiam.com/gaiam/p/MopClosetMakeoverGetthechemicalsout.html