Why natural cleaning products are a must for our homes & health
Generally speaking, we, health-concious folk, care about the food we eat. By we, I mean you and I. I am speaking from a place of personal experience. I've watched the kind of food I buy in the grocery store to make sure my son & husband are getting whole, natural foods for their healthy growth, development and well-being.
But why then do so many people not care about all of the chemicals they're cleaning their homes with? Hey! I'm just as guilty as anyone. I'm such a clean freak that there are times I've preferred the shine, and just wasn't aware of the effects these kinds of products can have on us.
The reality is these chemicals in these products are having negative effects on our health and the health of our families and friends that visit our home:
-It's in the air we breath.
-It's on our hands & feet (& being absorbed into our skin!). Unlike our digestive system, our skin has no safeguard against chemicals. These toxins go directly to our organs.
-It's being ingested by our children.
-It's on our pets' feet.
-It's being drained into our water supply.
The same way we check the ingredient list of the food we buy, we also need to do with our household cleaning products.
Beware of toxic ingredients like:
1. Phthalates (can reduce sperm count in men) - in frangranced houshold products, e.g. air fresheners.
2. Perchloroethylene (a possible carcinogen) - in dry-cleaning solutions, spot removers & carpet & upholstery cleaners.
3. Triclosan (can disrupt hormonal function) - in dishwashing detergents & hand soaps labelled 'antibacterial'.
4. Quarternary Ammonium Compounds (skin irritant) - in fabric softeners & household cleaners labeled 'antibacterial'.
5. 2-Butoxyethanol (can cause sore throats, liver & kidney damage) - in window, kitchen & multi-purpose cleaners.
6. Ammonia (powerful irritant, can affect people with asthma & elderly people with lung issues or breathing problems) - in polishing agents & glass cleaner.
7. Chlorine (respiratory irritant & can be a thyroid disrupter) - in scouring powders, toilet bowl cleaners, mildew removers, laundry whiteners, household tap water.
8. Sodium Hydroxide (can cause severe burns & inhalation can cause sore throat) - in oven cleaners & drain openers.
What I've come to realize is that there are beautifully natural alternatives available that will still give you the same great smell & shine to your home, without all the toxins.
That's why I choose products like:
- Young Living Thieves Household Cleaner (derived from natural ingredients & essential oils)
- Good ol' fashion Baking Soda & Vinegar
- Homemade products with Young Living Essential Oils (e.g. combining baking soda with essential oils for a clean shine with a wonderfully smelling finish).
And also why I purify the air in my home using essential oils. Keeping our air clean will keep our families healthier. We all know that with kids in daycare and school, and parents at work, we can use all the help we can get in fighting off the bugs of winter!
