Clean Without Chemicals: Natural Remedies for Your Toughest Cleaning Challenges
Oh no, disaster strikes!
Your toddler has just spilled grape juice all over your pristine new carpet! Don’t panic, we’ve got you covered. But before you reach for that super-strong cleaning product, take a moment to consider what’s in it. Many household cleaning products contain harsh chemicals that can be harmful to your health and the environment. It’s a common misconception that the strongest-smelling products are the most effective, but that’s simply not the case. In fact, natural cleaning solutions can be just as effective, if not more so!
So, to help you make the switch to safer cleaning options, we’ve compiled a handy guide to the most common harmful chemicals found in cleaning products and their natural alternatives.
Harsh Chemicals:
Ammonia: This chemical is commonly found in glass and window cleaners, as well as some all-purpose cleaners. Ammonia can cause respiratory problems, skin irritation, and even burns if not used properly. It’s especially dangerous when mixed with bleach, which can create a toxic gas.
Bleach: Bleach is often used to clean and sanitize surfaces and can be found in disinfectant cleaners. However, bleach can cause respiratory problems, skin irritation, and even burns if not used properly. Inhaling bleach fumes can also lead to coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath.
Triclosan: This harmful chemical can be found in some antibacterial soaps (always read the label folks!). It has been linked to hormone disruption, bacterial resistance, and can harm the environment. Triclosan has been banned by the FDA in certain products due to concerns about its potential harmful effects.
All Natural Solutions:
White Vinegar: White vinegar is a natural alternative to ammonia and can be used to clean windows, mirrors, and other surfaces. Mix equal parts water and vinegar and use it to clean your surfaces.
Hydrogen Peroxide: Hydrogen peroxide is a natural whitener and stain remover. Mix equal parts water and hydrogen peroxide, and apply it to the stain before washing.
Soap and Water: Plain old soap and water does an excellent job of keeping your hands clean. Antibacterial soap is almost never necessary, and can even contribute to bacterial resistance!
Ditch The Harsh Stuff
While there may be some extreme circumstances where these harsh chemicals are necessary, those cases are few and far between. For regular household cleaning, green cleaning solutions can effectively replace them in 99% of cases.
However, if you do encounter a stubborn stain that doesn’t respond to natural remedies, it’s best to resist the temptation to use harsh chemicals and instead call in professional specialty cleaners who know how to handle it safely and effectively without resorting to harmful chemicals.
At Clean and Pristine, we believe that using cleaning products that are safe for our clients, employees, and the environment is our utmost priority. That’s why we only use natural cleaning solutions that are effective and safe. We take pride in ensuring that your home is clean, safe, and healthy for you and your family. So the next time you need to clean up a spill, remember to reach for the natural cleaning solutions first!