Healthy Alternatives This Spring Cleaning

I use to be all about power and speed cleaning.

 Hey folks,

Well, I know some of my friends in the north are not quite feeling it yet, but it is spring time. Like most people, you may be getting ready to do some spring cleaning. Getting rid of old junk, making more space, and general more in depth cleaning, of your whole house.

I use to be all about power and speed cleaning. The bigger and badder the cleaners, the fastest working cleaners, the better. In other words, I wanted the nuclear option when it came to cleaning. Spray it, mop it, swipe it, whatever. If I could dump it onto something and make it look pretty, I was all in.

I was also a single guy. Living by myself. If the odors got too bad, which they did from time to time, I simply left and went, did something, and came back later. To a clean house I might add. However, not necessarily the best option. Even just for me.

Now that I have a Wife, two kids, two cats, a Ginnie Pig, and a Frog, I need to be more thoughtful of the health risks of these high powered, industrial cleaners. Dr. Maoshing Ni wrote a pretty good piece for Yahoo Health yesterday.

As the spring buds burst into bloom you may be thinking about dusting off the winter blahs and scrubbing away the house grime that has built up over the past several months. With all that scrubbing, you may actually be doing more harm than good. Commercial cleaning agents can contribute to indoor air pollution, setting off a cascade of health issues. To keep your home toxic free, think about using the following natural alternatives so both you and your home can feel fresh all season long!

It is packed with really good advice. He goes on to say this..

Your gleaming and germ-free bathtub may sparkle, but beware. That seemingly harmless cleaner you purchased at your local supermarket may harbor toxic chemicals. We can blame cleaning products for nearly 10% of all toxic exposures reported to U.S. Poison Control Centers in 2000. Many of these exposures involve children, who are most susceptible to swallowing or spilling cleaners that are left open inside the home. Some of these toxic chemicals may cause respiratory or skin irritation, watery eyes, chemical burns, and possibly cancer. In addition, many of these commercial products are costly. To prevent any mishaps and keep yourself and your family’s health safe, try the following natural alternatives. You might save your health and a buck or two along the way!

Here are the tips that Dr. Maoshing Ni suggest you, and I will be trying, try as alternatives to these possible toxic hazards.

• Soapy Solutions: Your home can look spotless with simple ingredients such as soap, water, baking soda, vinegar, lemon juice, and borax. However, if you still pine for the convenience of commercial cleaning agents, look for these ecology-friendly terms: biodegradable in 3 to 5 days, no solvents, no phosphates, plant-based, or free of VOC’s (volatile organic compounds).

• Essential oils: Using these oils is a natural, effective way to clean your household, while reducing your exposure to hazardous chemicals. Make sure to store them away from heat and direct sunlight. Although essential oils are natural, they may still cause some skin irritation with overexposure, so make sure to wear protective gloves when handling them. Also, keep them away from children, who may mistake them for edible treats. Some of the best oils you can use include: cinnamon, clove, eucalyptus, orange, citronella, tea tree, lemon, peppermint, thyme, spruce, lemon, lemongrass, and grapefruit. How to use? Essential oils are very concentrated, so simply add 5 to 10 drops of the essential oil to natural soapy water or put a few drops directly on a damp cloth to wipe down surfaces.

• Baking Soda: Also known as bicarbonate soda, you can use it for more than just your morning muffins! It can help you scrub clean some of the toughest jobs, like the baked-on grease on your stove or the soap buildup on your tub. Put an open box of baking soda in your refrigerator or anywhere with an odor to neutralize smells. This common ingredient is sold at just about every supermarket.

• Citrus Seed Extract: With powerful antimicrobial properties, this extract is derived from grapefruit seeds. You may find it in health-food stores or order it online.

• Lemon Juice: When life gives you lemons, squeeze some and clean your kitchen! Lemon juice can dissolve soap scum and shine brass or copper. It can sometimes be used to treat stains because of its natural bleaching qualities.• Liquid Castle Soap: Available at health-food stores, this soap is made from olive oil and can also be ordered online. Mix a little with water and start scrubbing!

• Salt: Kosher salt is very effective for scrubbing off grime.

• Vinegar: A very effective cleaning agent, vinegar can be found in any supermarket. It is best to choose vinegar labeled“grain alcohol,” “neutral grain spirits,” or choose one that list the natural ingredients it is derived from. Mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle; it works well as an all-purpose disinfecting cleaner. Just avoid using vinegar on tile grout and marble.

• Washing Soda: Also recognized as “sodium carbonate”or “soda ash,” it can be ordered online as well.

He even gives you a great recipe to try out.

Try this simple recipe using natural ingredients and say goodbye to all of the chemicals!

2 cups hot water10 drops thyme essential oil¼ cup washing soda

Combine all ingredients in a spray bottle and shake well. After spraying surfaces, wipe them clean with a damp cloth or sponge.

I hope that you will use natural ingredients to keep your home clean and chemical-free!

You can find more ways to live a long and healthy life in Secrets of Longevity: Hundreds of Ways to Live to Be 100, which is now available on Kindle. In addition, The Natural Health Dictionary makes a great companion to your quest for longevity. It is a comprehensive guide that answers all your questions about natural remedies, healing herbs, longevity foods, vitamins, and supplements.

Follow me on Twitter to get insider tips and to ask your health questions.May you live long, live strong, and live happy all year long!—Dr. Mao

Read the whole article HERE. So if you are like me, and you are concerned with the possibility of negative effects of these store bought cleaners, try this out. I am going to. Happy spring folks. Happy cleaning.
Peter

Sources:
Yahoo Health - Spring into Cleaning Naturally without Nasty Toxins