EEEEKK!!!!
I would like to say that it is an embarrassment of riches, but what it is is just an embarrassment.
I hate all of the toxic cleaners that I have been using, and I am on a quest to replace them with natural green cleaners.
I have a lot of allergies and I am concerned about how the chemicals in everyday cleaning products are making them worse.
According to the American Lung Association ".... chemicals released when using cleaning supplies contribute to chronic respiratory problems, allergic reactions, and headaches." You can read more about that here.
We all want our homes to be clean, to smell good, and to be germ free, but at what risk are we using all of those disinfectants and bleaches. I think I became a bit of a germaphobe because I have a daughter with a primary immune deficiency. She doesn't have the ability to fight off germs the way the majority of us do, but she also doesn't want to be exposed to all of those toxic chemicals. So even though she is now grown and living on her own, I still want to use products that will keep my home relatively germ free without feeling like I am living in a toxic wasteland.
I have been doing some research on using products that I already have on hand. That is a good thing because it will save me money.
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There are also some great natural and eco friendly products that you can buy. Two that I personally like are:
Seventh Generation
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and Method.
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So now I am on a mission. Hmmmmm!!!!! Now how do I dispose of those old toxic products. Guess I will have to research that next.
Full disclosure: I am not being compensated in any way for the mention of these products. I just like them, but free products are always welcome in my life.
Laura, I use white vinager and water mixture for about everything. Some times, I'll use bleach and water for germ killing. Half of those overly hyped cleaners out there do not work. I like the simple stuff. xoxo,Susie
ReplyDeleteI have sensitive skin and I've used 'green' products for a long time. One of my old stand bys is Bon Ami....it's wonderful for so many things. Paul Harvey used to advertise it on the radio....hasn't scratched yet. And he said you could brush your teeth with it. I haven't done that though! hahaha! Good luck in your cleaning....I've been on a cleaning spree in my condo today. Sweet hugs!
ReplyDeleteExcellent post Laura!
ReplyDeleteYeah, I too use White vinegar for almost everything and amonia for cleaning floors and not much else. Yes,as for me, I do have way too many stuff I don't even use!!! You just reminded me to get into those bathroom drawers and closets, asap!
ReplyDeleteFABBY
I use a lot of natural products, too, Laura. There are so many that are so toxic and I used to use them without thinking twice. I guess-what's the old saying- the older I get the smarter I get? lol xo Diana
ReplyDeleteLaura- Just because you have decided not to use those products doesn't mean that someone won't. I took a bunch of stuff to the women's shelter and they were tickled to get it. Cleaning products come at a premium there- just a thought-
ReplyDeleteI have seen those natural products in stores before. But I'm a creature of habit, I guess, and haven't given those brands a try. You'll have to let us know how they work!
ReplyDeleteMy daughter has been researching the same thing, Laura. I know you won’t mind that I sent her the link to this post. Good job!
ReplyDeleteMy daughter and I have been looking into natural cleaners also. We both have allergies and with a child in both our homes we want it to be clean but not toxic! I look forward to reading more about all of it!
ReplyDeleteLaura- Just to let you know- you are coming through as a No Reply blogger when you leave a comment again- xo Diana
ReplyDeleteIt's great to see more and more people turning away from toxic chemicals...they are so harmful to us, the environment, and our pets, and homes. Way to go Laura.
ReplyDeleteJen
I've got a post lined up to use in the near future along these same lines. I've been gathering tips for a while now on homemade cleaners and most call for things I already have on hand. It will not only be healthier and cheaper, but will eliminate so much stuff that I don't really have space for anyway. Great post, Laura.
ReplyDeleteI need to do some research too. I often feel about about all of our garbage and the containers we toss. I think about the landfills...all of those cans and more..
ReplyDeleteI clean only with vinegar (it's desinfectant as well), lemon, sodium bicarbonate, Marseilles soap, black soap, plus an old all natural produc we call "White Stone" in France. I sometimes add essential oils for a nice smell.
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ReplyDeleteLaure
ReplyDeleteI need to do this too. It's just so easy to just grab cleaners off of the store self.
And then sometimes I try something and it doesn't do the jb it should....
i can understand why you'd be a 'germaphobe' because of protecting your daughter. i live with 4 big sloppy dogs so my life and home is very different - foot prints, hair, dirt, slobber... and that's just from me. the dogs, now... :)
ReplyDeleteMy friend uses tea tree oil. I like Simple Green a lot....especially in our kitchen!
ReplyDeleteI have terrible allergies and asthma. I have to be very careful!
Please share any new products you run across.