Household Cleaners: 5 Worst for the Environment

Most store-bought household cleaners contain chemicals that may be harmful to our bodies. The chemicals in toxic household cleaners can lead to a number of health problems, such as skin irritations, allergies, or recurring abdominal pain. There are several natural products that can be used as a non-toxic cleaner alternative that will reduce your risk of developing these health problems. Natural products are often cheaper to buy, and better for the environment as well.

Bleach: Bleach is a common household cleaner used either in its pure form or found in other cleaners such as, laundry detergents, countertop sprays, toilet cleaners, and mildew removers. Bleach contains chlorine, a chemical that may be fatal if ingested by children or small pets. Chlorine can also become an airborne irritant that is known to cause damage to the respiratory track, worsen allergies, and irritate the skin around your eyes, nose, and mouth.

Non-Toxic Cleaner Alternative: Lemon juice works to lighten stains and acts as an anti-bacterial agent. Lemon works great as a natural replacement to bleach in the kitchen or bathroom.

Air Fresheners: Air fresheners, either as a spray or plug-in warming unit, may contain formaldehyde. Formaldehyde can cause damage to the respiratory track, abdominal pain, and nausea.

Non-Toxic Cleaner Alternative: Baking Soda works to absorb smells. Adding a box to your kitchen and bathroom will help eliminate unpleasant odors. Adding potted flower plants around your home will give rooms a pleasant smell.

Abrasive Powder Cleaners: Abrasive cleaners like Comet may contain Chloroform. Chloroform is known to irritate the tissue around the nose, mouth, and eye areas. In large doses Chloroform may also cause liver damage.

Non-Toxic Cleaner Alternative: Due to its gritty texture, Baking Soda works as an abrasive cleaner on mildew stains, bathtubs, and counter tops.

Drain Cleaners: Drain cleaners, either sold as a liquid or a gel, may contain both lye and hydrochloric acid. Lye is a skin irritant, and is potentially fatal if swallowed. Hydrochloric acid may burn the eyes, nose, skin, and mouth. It may also burn the lungs if inhaled.

Non-Toxic Cleaner Alternative: A combination of Baking Soda and vinegar works to remove clogs naturally. To use, pour one cup of Baking Soda in the clogged drain followed by one cup of vinegar. Wait for thirty minutes and run hot water through the drain.

Ammonia: Ammonia, like bleach, is a common household product used either in its pure form or found in other cleaners, such as window cleaners and bathroom products. Ammonia may cause damage to the respiratory tract. In high doses, Ammonia may also cause pulmonary edema, a potentially fatal condition where the lungs fill with liquid.

Non-Toxic Cleaner Alternative:: Vinegar works similar to Ammonia. Vinegar can clean countertops, remove stains, and shine windows without streaking.

Replacing your toxic household cleaners with the non-toxic cleaners found in nature will greatly reduce your risk of developing potentially life-threatening illnesses. Natural products are also cheaper to buy, are safer around pets and children, and do not contribute to environmental pollution.