Natural Cleaner vs. Chemical Cleaner
Cleaning products with harsh chemicals line the shelves of retailers throughout the country. The toxic nature of these cleaners can cause problems such as groundwater contamination, in addition to damaging your health. Toxic cleaners have become widespread due to the convenience they offer, but natural, nontoxic alternatives, which exist for most cleaning purposes, deserve serious consideration. Does this Spark an idea?
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Caustics and Solvents
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Many commercial cleaners contain chemicals classified as "caustics" or "solvents." Caustics, which include substances such as lye or sodium, can cause damage to human skin and eyes, according to the University of Florida. Long-term exposure to solvents can also cause severe health problems, such as damage to the liver and kidneys, as well as birth defects. Products that might contain these chemicals include oven cleaners, furniture cleaners and drain cleaners.
Homemade Cleaners
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A wide variety of natural alternatives exists for almost any household cleaning task. For example, a mixture of white vinegar and water makes an excellent nontoxic cleaner for removing carpet stains, while a solution of one part baking soda, one part vinegar and one part water provides a natural way to clean and unclog drains. You can also use baking soda to clean your oven and lemon oil and beeswax to polish your furniture. For mold or mildew, scrub the affected area with lemon juice or white vinegar.
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"Green" Cleaners
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In the past, most natural cleaners have been homemade formulations, but manufacturers now distribute nontoxic or "green" cleaners for household use. No uniform standards for defining a "green" cleaner exist, but in general, the nontoxic commercial cleaners are biodegradable and contain no harsh chemicals, such as phosphates or choline, according to GoodHousekeeping.com. They also typically use ingredients obtained from renewable sources, such as plants. Even with these types of cleaners, however, always read the label to check the ingredients before purchasing.
Tips
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If you mix your own natural cleaners, label them carefully and keep them out of the reach of children and pets. Before using any cleaner, test it on a small area first. Avoid using aerosol spray cleaners. Stick to cleaners in paste, liquid or powder form. Select the least-toxic product or mixture that is capable of cleaning the object or surface. Always mix any natural cleaning solution in an area with good air circulation.
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References
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