The Dirt On Cleaning.

The average home contains about 62,000 chemicals.

How many of us grew up with a bottle of Clorox, Windex, 409, The Works, Drano etc. etc. under the sink? I know I did. The house wasn’t clean until your nostrils burned of bleach and window cleaner. I never even gave it a second thought until a few years ago. What the hell is in this shit, that it makes my nose burn..?

Here’s some of the worst toxic chemicals commonly found in household cleaning products:

• Phthalates: Most commonly used to add fragrance to air fresheners, dish soaps, etc. If absorbed, the chemicals go straight to your organs. Oh, and they can trigger asthma and migraines.
• Perchloroethylene: Found in dry cleaning solutions, spot removers, carpet cleaners. This chemical is a neurotoxin aka a poison that acts on the nervous system, and a known carcinogen which is capable of causing cancer in living tissue.
• Triclosan: A chemical commonly found in dish washing & anti-bacterial soap. I think of this as the “RoundUp of the soap world” because it can promote the growth of drug resistant bacteria. In other words, this shit could end up creating “super germs” that are resistant to the chemical itself.
• Quarternary Ammonium Compounds: You’ll find this lurking in fabric softener (both sheets & liquid) and also household cleaners labeled “antibacterial”. The risks are the same about the same as Triclosan just add skin irritant to the list as well.
• 2-Butoxyethanol: Don’t even ask me how to pronounce that.. This guy is a key ingredient in window cleaners & multi-purpose cleaners. It belongs in the category of “Glycol Ethers” a set of powerful solvents that don’t mess around. Here’s the real kicker though: U.S. law does not require it to be listed on product labels. Some of it’s health risks include sore throats, kidney damage and liver damage.
• Ammonia: You can find this in polishing agents and glass cleaners. It’s been known to be linked to asthma & chronic bronchitis.

Now that we know some of the nasty shit in our cleaning products and probably want to dump them down the drain… Best check the label first. Most can safely be poured down the drain and chased with water, however, those containing Triclosan should not be dumped down the drain..

What are some cleaning products that you can use that won’t give you asthma, migraines or bronchitis? No worries! I’ve got a couple recipes that your health and your wallet will thank you for later!

1. Super Easy All Purpose Cleaner:

Mix 1 part Heinz vinegar with 1 part water. (I use the Heinz brand because it’s glass AND old windex spray nozzles fit on them, so you don’t have to waste money on new spray bottles!)

If you really want to get crazy, throw some citrus rinds or pine needles in there to give it a better smell.

2. Toilet Cleaner:

• Baking soda & vinegar

3. Shower Cleaner:

• Baking soda & water paste

4. Wood Cleaner:

• 1 C water
• 1 C vinegar
• 1 TBSP olive oil

5. Metal Polish:

• Vodka (I know… but seriously.. it gives metals a mirror like shine!)

6. Silver Polish:

• Toothpaste

7. Antibacterial/Disinfectant Spray:

• A few drops of Tea Tree oil
• 1 TBSP Vinegar
• 1/2 C water

Yes. You’re house will smell like vinegar for about a half hour. So, burn some incense or candles to cut the smell if you want to. A couple easy recipes and you’ll be breathing easy in no time! Not to mention cutting your plastic consumption easily in half AND saving yourself up to $600 every year (yes.. on average, the American family spends about $600 per year on chemical cleaning supplies!) Happy cleaning!