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It only takes a single
whiff of vapors emanating from your standard, grocery store bought bathroom
cleaner to know it's not something you should be breathing in. However, you
would think - and most of us do - that since the U.S. Environmental Protective
Agency (EPA) and Consumer Product Safety Commission would ensure all
store-bought cleaning products would be free of toxins that are or could be
potentially harmful to our health. After all, this is indeed one of the vitally
important tasks these government bodies are assigned.
The scary reality of the situation, however,
is that many of the chemicals found in cleaning products are not routinely
assessed for health and environmental risks. And while the Consumer Product
Safety Commission can and should take action against any manufacturer of a
substance that is known to be dangerous, there is no enforcement of proper
testing of chemicals and ingredients. That said, when it come to cleaning
products, your safest - and surprisingly - just as effective alternative, is
all-natural cleaning products. Whether bought online at stores like
Mother
Nature or
Green Nest, or homemade with natural ingredients, using natural
cleaning products is a wise and responsible choice.
To help you get started, here is a list of
natural common household ingredients that have proven effective in their
cleaning capacity. They can be used on their own or in combination with other
natural cleaning ingredients to clean up the heaviest grime and sterilize the
dirtiest of surfaces. If you want to get started using them on their own, here
are your most effective options:
Baking Soda
- Since it absorbs odors, baking soda is excellent for cleaning the inside of
refrigerators. It's also great for cleaning pots and pans, ovens, stained glass
and tile, and countertop surfaces. Being slightly alkaline, baking soda is great
for removing stains caused by acidic substances, like fruit juices.
Washing Soda
- Washing soda can do everything baking soda can do and more. Being stronger
than baking soda, it is recommended to wear gloves when using washing soda, for
it can act as an irritant. Works great for fighting oil and grease, and is often
used as a water softener in conjunction with laundry detergents.
Cream of Tartar
- Another baking ingredient, cream of tartar is different than baking soda
because it is slightly acidic. It works great as a sink and bathtub cleaner. It
will even remove spots from aluminum cookware.
Borax -
Found in most grocery stores, Borax is a crystalline salt that makes a great
water softener and freshener when used in conjunction with laundry detergent.
Borax is also a good disinfectant and odor remover.
Baking Soda
- Since it absorbs odors, baking soda is excellent for cleaning the inside of
refrigerators. It's also great for cleaning pots and pans, ovens, stained glass
and tile, and countertop surfaces. Being slightly alkaline, baking soda is great
for removing stains caused by acidic substances, like fruit juices.
Cream of Tartar
- Another baking ingredient, cream of tartar is different than baking soda
because it is slightly acidic. It works great as a sink and bathtub cleaner. It
will even remove spots from aluminum cookware.
Borax -
Found in most grocery stores, Borax is a crystalline salt that makes a great
water softener and freshener when used in conjunction with laundry detergent.
Borax is also a good disinfectant and odor remover.
Author:
Ry
ORGANIC LIVING TIPS
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