Household Chemicals To Avoid

I enjoy looking at a blog called Green Living, and came across an article about what household chemicals to avoid. If you're just starting out to make your home a healthier place to live, this is a good place to start:

1. Antibacterial soaps - they only kill 0.2% more germs than using regular soap, but the contain some harmful chemicals like trisoclan that is linked with weakened immune systems, decreased fertility,hormone disruption and birth defects. Using regular soap and practicing good handwashing skills is a safer alternative.

2. Air fresheners - contain chemicals like formaldehyde and and phenol, both of which are dangerous. Consider alternatives like using an exhaust fan or make your own fresheners (In the winter, I like to put cinnamon sticks in a little water on the stove and let it simmer for a while; in the spring, nothing beats opening the window for a little fresh air!)

3. Dishwasher detergent - contain highly concentrated amount of chlorine that could lead to accidental poisoning. An alternative is to use a brand that is phosphate and chlorine free. Norwex sells a detergent for dishwashers (but not for use in dishwashers with a stainless steel interior) I can't use the Norwex detergent, so I have been buying Method dishwasher detergent, available at Canadian Tire and other stores.

4.Oven cleaner - one of the most dangerous household chemical because of its corrosive nature. If you're fortunate to have a self-cleaning oven, use this feature and then clean up the debris with an Enviro Cloth. If you don't have a self-cleaning oven, you can make your own using baking soda, salt and water. You can use a Spirisponge to scrub the oven window clean.

5.Carpet and upholstery shampoo- many contain carcinogens. The Norwex carpet stain buster is very effective at removing stains, neutralizing and eliminating odours. For fresh stains, soak up liquid with an EnviroCloth...you may not need to use any other cleaner. I've done this for beverage spills, and haven't need to use any other products!

6. Toilet, tub and tile cleaners - these products are very toxic, especially since you tend to use them in confined spaces. The Sanira toilet bowl system is an amazing toilet brush system...from the biodegradable materials used to produce the brush, to the vegetable-based disinfectant, this cleaner is a safe alternative to mainstream products. If you have really tough stains, try using vinegar to remove.


So I encourage you to start making your home a healthier place to live. You don't have to do everything at once..pick one thing and work toward making your home toxic free!



You can check it out the full article at: http://greenlivingonline.com/article/six-household-chemicals-avoid