Most of the housework you do needs cleaning products – from oven cleaner or window spray to household bleach. But there is some concern that harmful or toxic chemicals can lurk in these cleaning products and possibly harm your family’s health.
“We need to let go of our dependence on chemical cleansers and artificial products, “ says Tracey Bailey, founder of the Biome eco-friendly stores. “I think it’s better to go back to products our grandparents would recognise, like glass storage containers and natural cleaning products,” she says.
“Choosing organic, environmentally-friendly products is ideal, but even small changes can make a difference – like buying a sturdy, reusable, BPA-free water bottle rather than throwing away single-use plastic bottles,” says Tracey.
If you want to reduce your use of man-made chemicals at home, here are ways to do it:
Look for items that are certified organic. From food and drinks to cosmetics and household goods, an organic label means they are guaranteed to have been grown, raised or manufactured without synthetic pesticides, herbicides, hormones and antibiotics.
Jodie Sharp, aromatherapist and creator of the Ocean Spirit organic skin and bodycare range, also advises checking beauty product ingredients and looking for “toxin-free” benefits.
“Some businesses are too small to get an official organic accreditation, so it is worth knowing your ingredients,” says Jodie. She advises avoiding anything derived from petrochemicals, which can sometimes be called mineral oil or paraffin on the label.
The scientific links are not proven, but some people say chemical cleaners have made their asthma, eczema and headaches worse. Even if they do not cause you any health problems, the chemicals can end up in our waterways.
“There is a lot of different opinions and scientific findings about household chemicals and their effects. But I think it is in our best interest to stick with products that are as natural as possible,” says Tracey.
“There is no reason why we cannot use of time-tested natural cleaning products. Eucalyptus oil smells amazing and is high in antibacterial properties, which means it is suitable for cleaning bathrooms.”
If your home is especially prone to mould, Jodie suggests replacing bleach-based cleansers – which can make asthma symptoms worse – for clove oil or tea tree oil.
“They are gentle for humans but very effective at getting rid of mould and preventing mould,” she says.
A regular clean using a vacuum fitted with a HEPA (high-efficiency particular air) filter will also help to remove dust mites, chemical residue and mould spores that can trigger allergies and illness. Just be sure to change the filter regularly.
According to NASA, a 20cm indoor plant can help purify the air of toxins such as benzene (found in glues), formaldehyde and trichloroethylene (found in paint stripper).
Try a spider plant, palm. Mother-in-law’s tongue or bromeliad for their remarkable air-cleansing abilities – and cheeriness.
Some hard and soft furnishing materials leak chemicals into the air, a process known as “off-gassing”. Some common offenders are engineered wood such as medium-density fibreboard (MDF), particle board and plywood, which are often used in kitchen benchtops, cupboards and shelving.
“If possible, buy solid wood or natural fibre furnishings rather than manufactured plastic-coated items, to avoid off-gassing,” says Tracey.
New carpets or laminate surfaces (plus underlay and glue) can also cause off-gassing. Before laying carpet or laminate, unroll it in a well-ventilated area and leave it for a few days.
Other off-gassing culprits include artificial air fresheners, clothes dryer sheets, acrylic paints, laser printers and nail polish remover.
“Avoid anything with a strong odour – it is a clue that it is releasing potentially irritating chemical vapour into the home,” says Tracey.
As usual, common sense prevails, so open your windows daily to get plenty of fresh air. Tracey adds, “Ensuring your home has good ventilation helps minimise off-gassing.”
You can easily – and cheaply – make your own cleaning supplies. Here’s how:
Stovetop cleaner
Sprinkle stovetop with bicarbonate of soda. Pour white vinegar into a spray bottle and spray over stovetops. Leave to fizz for a few minutes, then wipe away spills with a rag.
Window spray
Combine ¼ cup white vinegar and 4 cups warm water in a spray bottle. Shake to combine. Use to clean windows and glass surfaces – it works especially well if you wipe it on and off using balls of crumpled newspaper.
Multipurpose cleaner
Add 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda, ½ tsp of liquid soap and 2 tbsps white vinegar to a spray bottle. Shake to combine. Fill with warm water and add a few drops of eucalyptus, clove or tea tree oil. Use to clean kitchen and bathroom surfaces with a soft cloth.
Text: Melissa Field/Bauersyndication.com.au
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