With spring in the air, now is the perfect time to give your home a refresh. However, the last thing we want to do is to load our homes and bodies with the toxic chemicals found in so many conventional cleaning products!
If you are motivated to clean and declutter this spring while steering clear of chemicals, keep reading. This article covers the do’s and don’ts of deep cleaning your home naturally.
Toxins & Your Health
Recent studies show just how many toxins the average North American is exposed to daily, and how harmful this can be to the body over time.
Our bodies contain a network of glands called the endocrine system that produces hormones. The production of hormones impacts many biological processes like sleep, growth, fertility, and reproduction. According to the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, endocrine-disrupting chemicals are present in dozens of household items. Exposure to these chemicals, even in low amounts, can alter the body’s sensitive hormonal systems and lead to several health problems.
The chemicals found in cleaning products can also negatively impact your respiratory system. Several studies have found that people working in the domestic cleaning industry have much higher rates of asthma and respiratory illness than those who have never worked in professional cleaning.
Studies have also found that professional cleaners experience higher rates of dermatitis, due to frequent exposure to skin irritants and allergens found in cleaning products.
The importance of switching to less harsh chemicals is clear, not just for professional cleaners but also for those undertaking cleaning tasks at home.
Health and wellness is about more than just your diet and exercise – your environment and exposure to toxins also play a large role. While we can’t avoid them altogether, we can take action to become aware of them and to replace them with gentler alternatives whenever possible.
Common Household Items with Harmful Chemicals
Cleaning Products
Typical household cleaning and laundry products are full of toxic chemicals that we inhale and that our skin absorbs. Most of them are likely to contain phthalates, a class of chemicals used to make plastics more flexible and fragrances last longer. Phthalates are associated with endocrine disruption and immune system dysfunction.
Another chemical to avoid is ammonia – found in most polishing agents for bathrooms and also in glass cleaners. Ammonia is a powerful irritant according to doctors, and can exacerbate symptoms of asthma.
Air Fresheners & Scented Candles
To protect your health, resist the urge to mask stubborn household odors with chemically-laden scented products. Studies have found that scented air fresheners and candles can release more than 100 volatile organic compounds (VOCs) including some that are considered toxic or hazardous by federal laws. VOCs lead to indoor air pollution and can lead to a range of issues, such as headaches, nausea, and worsened asthma symptoms.
Plastics and Food Storage
Plastic food containers are great for keeping fridges tidy and organized. However, they are not so great for our health. Most plastic containers contain chemicals that can seep into our food and cause health issues. Bisphenol A (BPA) is an endocrine-disrupting chemical found in many plastic food containers. Even aluminum or metal water bottles may be lined with BPA to improve the water’s taste! Any container with plastic that isn’t marked “BPA free” is best thrown away.
Natural Alternatives and Spring Cleaning Tips
We’ve given you the run-down on what to avoid when tidying up this spring. Now, let’s dive into the natural alternatives that are sure to leave your home sparkling, minus all the chemicals!
DIY All-purpose Cleaner
With just a few easy steps, you can whip up a batch of all-purpose surface cleaners that contain zero phthalates or artificial fragrances. All you need is distilled white vinegar, which contains acetic acid that dissolves mineral deposits and greasy smudges. Mix this in a spray container with equal parts distilled water, and you’re all set! Essential oils or lemon juice can be added for a clean, fresh scent. Lightly mist surfaces with your all-purpose cleaner and wipe clean with a microfiber cloth. Say goodbye to toxic cleaning pads and sprays! This DIY all-purpose cleaner won’t harm your budget or your health.
Natural Home Fragrances
Who doesn’t love a pleasant-smelling home? Look for candles made of natural waxes, such as beeswax, and scented with essential oils. If you’re not a fan of flames, an essential oil diffuser is also a great investment.
A simmer pot with spices and fruits is another great way to add a relaxing aroma to your home naturally. Add your choice of aromatics – we enjoy a combination of cinnamon, cloves, and orange slices – to a small saucepan with water. Bring the pot to a boil then simmer for the next couple hours and enjoy!
Plastic Swaps
When shopping for food or food storage containers, always opt for glass over plastic. You likely already have old jars sitting around that can be repurposed to store lunches, prepared sauces, etc. We recommend storing food inglass containers, which won’t leach chemicals into your food.
Ceramic is another safe option for storing food. It is reusable, can be easily cleaned, and won’t leach chemicals into your food.
Improving Air Quality
It is important to regularly ventilate your home by opening the windows for at least ten minutes each day. The fresh air and light will not only boost your mood but will help improve the air quality of your space. Research has even found a correlation between open windows and a more diversified gut microbiome! Investing in an air purifier can also be effective for keeping indoor air clean.
Not only do plants look great, but many varieties have air-filtering qualities that can help freshen up your home. Snake plants are low maintenance and great air purifiers. If certain rooms are prone to odor, placing subtly scented flowers inside can help.
We hope you are feeling inspired to refresh your space this spring using our non-toxic cleaning tips! Bid farewell to harsh chemicals that harm your health, and welcome a healthier home environment by opting for eco-friendly alternatives like vinegar, essential oils, and herbs.
If you have questions about toxins, or healthy alternatives for cleaning products, or would like more tips on keeping your home fresh naturally, feel free to reach out to us!
Sources:
Lee I, Ji K. Identification of combinations of endocrine disrupting chemicals in household chemical products that require mixture toxicity testing. Ecotoxicol Environ Saf. 2022 Jul 15;240:113677. doi: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2022.113677. Epub 2022 May 26. PMID: 35642859.
National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, “Endocrine Disruptors,” https://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/agents/endocrine
Medina-Ramón M, Zock JP, Kogevinas M, Sunyer J, Antó JM. Asthma symptoms in women employed in domestic cleaning: a community based study. Thorax. 2003 Nov;58(11):950-4. doi: 10.1136/thorax.58.11.950. PMID: 14586047; PMCID: PMC1746523.
DermNet, “Skin Problems in Professional Cleaners,” https://dermnetnz.org/topics/skin-problems-in-professional-cleaners
Harris CA, Henttu P, Parker MG, Sumpter JP. The estrogenic activity of phthalate esters in vitro. Environ Health Perspect. 1997 Aug;105(8):802-11. doi: 10.1289/ehp.97105802. PMID: 9347895; PMCID: PMC1470189.
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