Get Rid of Those Chemicals!
By Nicole Potts

There are many natural and organic cleaning products available in

stores now. I have been using some of them for a few months and

have been very pleased. Most natural products contain ingredients

like vinegar, baking soda, plant derived surfactants and essential

oils such as lavender or tea tree oil.

There are many benefits to using these newer non-toxic cleaning

products. Number one, of course, they are NON TOXIC! Great for

households with small children and pets. There are many ingredients

in conventional cleaning products that are extremely hazardous to

ones health. For example, certain toilet bowl cleaners use an

ingredient called Acid Blue 9, which can be carginogenic.

Natural cleaning products are not only better for humans and

animals, but better for the environment as well. Ingredients from

conventional cleaning products can get into the environment in a few

ways. Toilet bowl cleaners and sink cleaners are flushed down toilets

and rinsed down sinks. Many products are thrown in the trash where

they make their way to landfills, soaking into the ground,

contaminating groundwater and the soil.

Switching to natural cleaning products is beneficial to many.

Sometimes, they can even be less expensive if you make your own.

Mineral oil can be used for a polish on wood furniture. Lemon juice is

excellent for removing set in stains, even rush or mildew! Squeeze a

few lemon onto the stain and let it soak. Even better, let it soak in the

sun. A mixture of apple cider vinegar and water is an excellent

bathroom and kitchen cleaner. Use it to clean counters, appliances,

toilets and sinks. For cleaning toilets, use a half cup of baking soda

and then a cup of vinegar and swish around with a toilet brush. Tea

Tree oil has antiseptic qualities and is very concentrated. Purchase

a small bottle (around $6) and just a few drops of the oil in a spray

bottle of water will clean for weeks. It also has a deodorizing effect,

so it is great for cleaning bathrooms.

Even if you do not chose to make your own cleaners, you can use

commercially made natural cleaners. Seventh Generation vegetable

based cleaners are wonderful and are free and clear of added

fragrances. Some of their products are also hypo-allergenic plus they

do not have phosphates, acids, caustics, dyes and are not tested on

animals.

Mrs. Meyers is another brand of cleaners that I use frequently. All of

their cleaning products are made with essential oils, are

biodegradable and phosphate-free, and they are not tested on

animals. My favorite is their lavender scented counter spray. It makes

the entire room you are cleaning smell fabulous. It is hard to believe

a cleaner can smell so nice! This cleaner can be used on just about

every non-porous surface, like finished wood and tile floors,

countertops, walls, porcelain, bathroom fixtures, sealed stone, and

more.

Do your family and the environment a favor and switch to natural

products!

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