The whole purpose of eating healthier and working out is to keep your body in good shape and reduce the risk of serious conditions and disease. There are many hazards we can’t avoid, such as air pollution, unless you take drastic steps, like never leaving the house. But even inside your home there are dangers lurking and some of those can come from chemical laden cleaning products. You can keep your home a healthier place without toxic chemicals by using more natural cleaning methods. Some of these will also save you money in the process.
Don’t waste money when you clean the bathroom or the kitchen sink and keep your environment chemical free with this handy kitchen aid.
White vinegar may not have the same health benefits or cooking uses as its cousin apple cider vinegar, but it makes an exceptional cleaner for all sorts of jobs. It’s non-toxic, can be used around children, pets and even when family members have allergies to other cleaning products. It has a natural deodorizing, anti-fungal, antibacteria and degreasing ability because it’s mildly acidic. Put it in a spray bottle and spray the tub and sink, then let it set for a short time and wipe it clean. Pour some in the toilet, let it set and swirl with the toilet brush and it will be clean and deodorized. You name the job, it will do it. If you need more power, spray the area with vinegar, sprinkle some baking soda on, watch it bubble and scrub. Best of all, white vinegar is super cheap. A 64 oz bottle only costs about two dollars.
Throw away those drier sheets and keep your family healthier.
You won’t find a list of ingredients on your drier sheets because companies aren’t required to list all the chemicals used. There are carcinogens, endocrine diruptors and many other hazardous chemicals that can affect your family’s health. Acetaldehyde is commonly found in dryer sheets since its used in low cost fragrances they use. It can damage the kidneys, lungs and nervous system. What’s funny is that its regulated for outdoor use, but not for products used inside your home. A non-toxic alternative for dryer sheets is a dryer ball. You can make your own felted wool yarn, but they’re relatively inexpensive when you buy them at large discount chains. I just bought a set of six for ten dollars. You use three to four per load and they last for 1,000 loads.
Get rid of dust mites and freshen your mattress with baking soda and essential oils.
This one takes a little patience and time, but not hard work. If you want to reduce the number of dust mites and freshen your mattress, mix a cup or two of baking soda with a few drops of your favorite essential oil (lavender helps you sleep sounder). Put this mixture into a mason jar with holes punched in the lid with a nail, a cheese shaker or even the leg of old panty hose. Shake it on the mattress and let it set for 8 hours or more. Vacuum it off thoroughly. Wash your bedding in hot water with a few drops of eucalyptus oil and dry it in high heat to kill off any mites in your bedding.
- Microwave the juice of one lemon in ½ C of water for three minutes. Keep the door closed for another two minutes and then wipe it clean with a dry cloth. It will sparkle.
- A paste made from hydrogen peroxide and baking soda can be just what you need to remove rust stains from sinks. Apply it to the area and give it time to work before you use a scrubbing sponge to finish the job of removing the stain.
- Cleaning mineral deposits from a tea kettle or pan is easy. Boil vinegar in the kettle and it comes off easily.
- Are fleas a problem? FOOD GRADE diatomaceous earth works well. Vacuum, sprinkle it onto the floor and let it go for about hours, then vacuum the area again. You will have to repeat daily for 3 to 4 weeks to ensure you kill all fleas, since that’s the length of their lifecycle and all the eggs have hatched.