Green Talk®

Whole Body, Healthy Home, and Sustainable Garden Inspiration

 Get Inspired.  Sign Up for Our Free Newsletter

  • About
    • Press
    • Terms of Use
    • Privacy Policy
  • New Here?
  • Advertise
  • Contact
  • Hire Me
  • 5 Reasons to Subscribe!
  • Build Green
  • Gardening
  • Green Business
  • Green Living
  • Green Home
  • Recycling
  • Tech

Choose Safer Cleaning Products this Spring! +21 DIY Recipes

March 23, 2016 By: Anna28 Comments

safer cleaning products

safer cleaning products

Why does Spring make you want to clean?  I have this natural instinct to open the window, dump drawers, and scrub like a mad woman.  But here’s the rub.  Are your chemically laden cleaning products making you a mad woman or man?  Stop!  Learn why you need to make the jump to safer cleaning products.  Your health is just too darn important.  But don’t fret–I have you covered with 21 DIY recipes ranging from your own DIY Kombucha cleaning recipe to a healthier homemade goo be gone.

Are you ready to ditch the toxic cleaners?

Why Should You Use Safer Cleaning Products?

Take a peek at your present cleaners. Go ahead and turn over the bottle. I will wait.

Environmental Working Group lists the following red flags:

  • “Chemical known to the state of California to cause cancer.
  • Will burn skin and eyes.
  • Will penetrate skin and attack underlying tissues and bone.
  • Suspected of damaging the unborn child.”

Does your products contain any of those warning?  Do you really want to use them now?

While you are at it, be sure to check EWG’s Hall of Shame.  Some of your favorite cleaners might be on their list.

Some cleaners are just downright nasty and could harm your family and you.

These toxic cleaning products can cause an increased risk in developing the following:

#1 Asthma

Studies have showed that asthma symptoms may worsen or develop from the inhalation of certain chemicals such as:

  • benzlkonium chloride, which are added to products to kill germs, disinfect air freshners, and fabric softners.
  • Ethanolamines which are used to control product acidity or act as detergents in cleaning products
  • Bleach.  Yep.  The old stand-by.   Beware of sodium hychlorite and amonnia hydroxide.
  • Products similar to pine and citrus cleaner which contain VOCs that react with chemicals in the air.  The California Air Resources Board recommends not to use these type of products on warm days because of  the high ozone level in the air.

#2 Cancer:

EWG surveyed many manufacturers to find that certain products contained known carcinogenics, which included formaldehyde, and 1, 4 dioxanine.

Formaldehyde may be generated in cleaners by formaldehyding releasing preservatives such as bronopol (also known as 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol.)  Similar to fragrance, formaldehye formation is worse on smoggy days.  The Report on Carcinogens, Thirteenth Edition from the National Toxicity Program states formaldehyde is a known carcinogen.

The National Toxicity Program regards 1,4 dioxane as a  “reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen based on sufficient evidence of carcinogenicity from studies in experimental animals.”  1,4 dioxane is a by-product from the reaction of chemicals (PEG and polyethylene compounds) during the manufacturing of detergents, shampoos, surfactants, and some food additives.  It is also in paint strippers and varnishes as well. The general public is exposed through contact with these residues as well through ground water contamination.

A recent story in the Record found traces of 1,4 dioxane  in more than 80 NJ drinking water systems. Currently, there are no standards for the regulation of this chemical in drinking water.

#3 Reproductive and Developmental Toxicity:

The EWG’s manufacturing survey revealed that borax, boric acid, Diethylene glycol monomethyl ether (DEGME.) and sodium perborate were in some of the products.  These chemicals are  known or suspected to cause reproductive and developmental toxicity.

These chemicals are found in laundry or dishwashing detergents. ( Sodium perborate, an oxygen bleach, releases sodium borate during the bleach process.)

Studies on both men and women, who are exposed to high doses of boric acid, revealed that both men and women suffered reproductive toxicity.

Men have a higher risk of decreased sperm count and libido.  On the other hand, female exposure could lead to reduced ovulation and fertility.

In addition, in the case of high exposure, borax and boric acid can cross the placenta, which in turn can lead to fetal skeletal development and birth weight issue.

However, EWG notes that the EPA failed to create a risk assessment of boric acid and borax in products which includes cosmetics and cleaners so it is unknown what the risk associated with using these chemicals are.

Diethylene glycol monomethyl ether  is used as a degreaser in cleaning products.  A 1989 California’s Department of Health Fact sheet regarding occupational hazards of  glycol ethers, indicated that certain ethers (including DEGME)  impact reproductive health. Men have suffered from lower sperm counts and children of women exposed had birth defects.

Again, EWG notes that there are few studies evaluating the reproductive risk of cleaning products that contain this chemical.

#4 Allergies and Irritation:

Many cleaner can cause mild to severe irritations to eyes, skin, and lungs. The Washington Toxic Coalition states that drain cleaners, most oven cleaners, some toilet bowl cleaners and rust removers can burn skin or eyes.

Cleaning products are among the products most frequently ingested accidentally by children. Corrosive and solvent-based products can cause serious damage.

Bleach has been linked to wheezing, respiratory damage as well as nose and eye irritation.  In a 2009 study, researchers found that people who cleaned their home with bleach were more likely to have respiratory symptoms.

In addition, fragrances added to products may cause respiratory irritation, headaches, sneezing and watery eyes to those who are sensitive to fragrance or are allergic and/or an asthma sufferer.

Worse yet, the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health found a third of the chemicals used from fragrances are toxic.  Many of the companies don’t list the chemicals used for their fragrances since they are considered trade secrets.  Detergents, fabric softeners and many cleaners contain fragrance.

#5 Accidents:  Burns and Poisonings:

Cleaning products are the most frequently ingested by children, in which corrosive and solvent based products can cause serious damage.  According to the EWG, in 2010, 116,000 poison control calls were for children under the age of 5 involved in household cleaning accidents.

In addition, cleaning products can cause serious burns to the skin and eyes.  They also can cause permanent tissue damage.  Inhaling certain cleaners can cause harm to the lungs.

Okay–Isn’t it time to ditch your cleaners?

I think so.

What Do I Use?

I am a vinegar, soap, and bonami type of girl.  It is easy on the wallet and so much better for you than many of the store bought green cleaners.  In fact if you want to get fancy, you can spice up your vinegar with orange and grapefruit peels or basil flowers.  (Just an FYI, if you do make your vinegar by seeping basil flowers in it, use it rather quickly.  It looses its smell quickly.)

Make Your Own DIY Cleaners:

So if you are ready to ditch the chemicals here are list of DIY recipes for you to make yourself.

  • How to Make Orange Peel Vinegar–Green Talk
  • DIY Non-toxic Goo Gone Gunk Remover–The Soft Landing
  • Multi-purpose Kombucha Cleaner. –Good Girl Gone Green.
  • Homemade Soft Scrub Recipe + 12 More Awesome Uses for Castile Soap–Happy Mothering
  • Homemade Window Cleaner Recipe–Happy Mothering
  • Homemade Furniture Polish to Make Wood Shine Naturally–Happy Mothering
  • Homemade Upholstery Cleaner Using Simple Ingredients–Happy Mothering
  • Homemade Shower Cleaner That’s Great for the Tub & Tile Too!–Happy Mothering
  • How to Remove Pet Urine Odor Naturally–The Soft Landing
  • Truly Effective and Non-toxic Bleach Alternatives–The Soft Landing
  • All Natural Toilet Bowl Cleaner–Homespun Seasonal Living
  • Vodka Disinfectant Spray Recipe–Scratch Mommy
  • 6 DIY Non Toxic Cleaning Recipes–Small Footprint Family
  • DIY Herbal Cleaner –It Takes Time
  • DIY Washing Soda–It Takes Time
  • Pumice for Cleaning–It Takes Time
  • 12 Natural Cleaning Methods Using Vinegar and Baking Soda–Dr. Karen S. Lee
  • How to Clean a Moldy Shower Curtain without Bleach–Dr Karen S. Lee
  • Homemade Anti-Mold Spray & Bathroom Cleaner + 10 Ways to Reduce Moisture in Your Home and Clean Your Indoor Air–Recipes to Nourish
  • Citrus Enzyme Cleaner Recipe–Dr. Karen S. Lee
  • How to Spring Clean Your Bathroom Naturally–O’Boy Organic

Want More?  Be sure to visit HERE where I list another (yes another) 11 more recipes such as Herbal Scouring Powder to How to clean carpet.

PS Be sure to check out Anna Lee Herbs for any of your dried herbal needs.  Homegrown, harvest and dried from my garden.

Join the Conversation:

Do you use safer cleaning products that you love or do you have a homemade recipe to share?

Sources:

National Toxicology Program. (n.d.). Retrieved March 22, 2016, from http://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/pubhealth/roc/roc13/.

Borax: Not the green alternative it’s cracked up to be. (2011, February 17). Retrieved March 22, 2016, from http://www.ewg.org/enviroblog/2011/02/borax-not-green-alternative-its-cracked-be.

Hazard Evaluation System and Information Service. (2008, May 6). Retrieved March 22, 2016, from https://www.cdph.ca.gov/programs/hesis/Documents/glycols.pdf.

How Toxic Are Your Household Cleaning Supplies? (n.d.). Retrieved March 22, 2016, from https://www.organicconsumers.org/news/how-toxic-are-your-household-cleaning-supplies.

Zock, J., Plana, E., Antó, J. M., Benke, G., Blanc, P. D., Carosso, A., . . . Kogevinas, M. (2009). Domestic use of hypochlorite bleach, atopic sensitization, and respiratory symptoms in adults. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 124(4). Retrieved March 22, 2016, from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19665775.

Similar Posts:

  • Safe Cleaning Products Ditch the Toxic Stuff. +DIY Recipes
  • Send a Message to Walt Disney to Green Clean
  • Herbal Bath Soak Recipe for Relaxing & Sore Muscles
  • EWG Guide to Healthy Cleaning. Helpful or Confusing?
  • EWG is the Deep Throat of the Personal Care Industry with its Launch of Skin Deep 3.0

Grow From Seed Mini Course

Grow From Seed Mini Course

About Anna

Anna Hackman is the editor of Green Talk, and owner of The Naked Botanical and a avid (okay obsessed) gardener. She also loves video and podcasting and hosts Green Talk TV and Green Talk Radio. Her most important role is being a mother of four boys.

Chat with her on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest , and Google+.

Comments

  1. 1

    Tina @AMindfulFairytale says

    March 23, 2016 at 2:26 pm

    I got rid of the toxic products in our house a long time ago! I mostly use vinegar and essential oils for everything now.

    Reply
    • 2

      Anna@Green Talk says

      March 23, 2016 at 4:02 pm

      What are your favorite essential oils to use and for what?

      Reply
  2. 3

    Sarah @ Politically Incorrect Health says

    March 24, 2016 at 12:40 pm

    Thanks for sharing this important information! I got rid of toxic cleaning products years ago. I mostly use vinegar and baking soda. I also use Branch Basics!

    Reply
    • 4

      Anna@Green Talk says

      March 25, 2016 at 12:02 pm

      You are welcome, Sarah.

      Reply
  3. 5

    linda spiker says

    March 24, 2016 at 12:52 pm

    So glad we have so many safe options these days!

    Reply
  4. 6

    Emily @ Recipes to Nourish says

    March 24, 2016 at 1:36 pm

    It’s so important to use safe cleaning products. I pretty much only use vinegar, baking soda and essential oils these days.

    Reply
    • 7

      Anna@Green Talk says

      March 25, 2016 at 11:39 am

      Emily, me too.

      Reply
  5. 8

    Michelle says

    March 24, 2016 at 3:11 pm

    I’m a vinegar and soap kind of gal too! I will have to check out all the different recipes you linked to. It’s nice to change things up to keep cleaning interesting.

    Reply
    • 9

      Anna@Green Talk says

      March 25, 2016 at 11:38 am

      Michelle, the recipes looked really interesting. Anna

      Reply
  6. 10

    The Food Hunter says

    March 24, 2016 at 3:59 pm

    This is very informative! sharing

    Reply
    • 11

      Anna@Green Talk says

      March 25, 2016 at 11:39 am

      Thanks!

      Reply
  7. 12

    Dawn @Oh Sweet Mercy says

    March 25, 2016 at 11:24 am

    This is a great post! I made the switch to greener cleaning products several years ago and am so glad I did. I’m going to share this to encourage others to do the same.

    Reply
    • 13

      Anna@Green Talk says

      March 25, 2016 at 12:02 pm

      Please do, Dawn. It is pretty scary what’s in most store bought cleaners.

      Reply
  8. 14

    Krystal says

    March 25, 2016 at 11:41 am

    I’m so happy I ditched toxic cleaners a while ago. I mostly use soapnuts, vinegar and baking soda for cleaning. Great roundup of DIY cleaners!

    Reply
    • 15

      Anna@Green Talk says

      March 25, 2016 at 12:11 pm

      Krystal, love soap nuts! Anna

      Reply
  9. 16

    karen says

    March 25, 2016 at 1:56 pm

    Great list Anna! Thx for including a few of mine!

    Reply
    • 17

      Anna@Green Talk says

      March 25, 2016 at 2:01 pm

      Karen, you have the best DIY recipes! Anna

      Reply
  10. 18

    Trina O'Boyle says

    March 25, 2016 at 6:44 pm

    I love making my own cleaners and other household products using basic ingredients I can find in my pantry and some of my favorite essential oils. Thanks so much for including my bathroom ideas…pinning all the others too!

    Reply
  11. 19

    Megan Stevens says

    March 28, 2016 at 10:08 pm

    Pinned! I love all of these links. Thank you!

    Reply
  12. 20

    Tiffany says

    April 22, 2016 at 3:58 pm

    Thank you so much for this post! I started using essential oils because I was looking for ways to save money on cleaning supplies. You are so right, this is a great money saver!

    Reply
    • 21

      Anna@Green Talk says

      April 22, 2016 at 4:48 pm

      What is our favorite recipe for cleaners? Anna

      Reply
  13. 22

    Ecofriendly Woman says

    May 25, 2016 at 4:42 pm

    Green products, especially with the cleaning materials, are very important especially when there are kids in the family. Parents are guaranteed of their children’s safety.

    Reply
  14. 23

    Earth Lover says

    August 9, 2016 at 10:40 pm

    I agree with all these! If we want to be freed from any disease, serious or not, we should start going and living green. I’ve become one for quite some time now.

    Reply
  15. 24

    john says

    October 25, 2016 at 1:55 am

    Chemically made cleaning products are very harmful for our skin.It causes many skin related diseases.Idea of using baking soda, vinegar for cleaning action is very useful.Thank you very much for posting!

    Reply
  16. 25

    jim says

    November 2, 2016 at 5:22 am

    Wonderful post.After going through your post I realized how chemical made cleaners can cause a serious threat.I immediately replaced all such cleaners with green natural cleaners.Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  17. 26

    Jessica says

    November 17, 2016 at 11:17 pm

    I think it’s because of that, my allergy is worse, it must be because of these cleaning chemicals, I’m going to have to do my cleaning diy, great post!

    Reply
  18. 27

    hygo says

    December 14, 2016 at 3:41 am

    Wow! Very informative article. I never thought that these products that I am using for so many years now are containing toxic. I learned a lot from your article. Thanks

    Reply
  19. 28

    Rodrigo polesso says

    May 2, 2017 at 5:27 pm

    Thanks for sharing this important information! I got rid of toxic cleaning products years ago. I mostly use vinegar and baking soda.

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Shop from Anna’s Farm– The Naked Botanical– Farm Fresh Teas, Salts & Body Products

The Naked Botanical " Click HERE

Save Money By Growing Your Plants Indoors.

Three Must Have Equipment "

Grab My Free Mini Course

Connect with Me

  • Facebook
  • Google+
  • LinkedIn
  • RSS
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Popular Posts

  • Organic Color Systems: Wash those Grays Away with a Safer Hair Color
  • Coffee Grounds in the Garden: Friend or Foe?
  • Celery Leaves: Cook or Discard them?

RSS Green Talk Radio

  • An error has occurred, which probably means the feed is down. Try again later.

Popular Posts

  • Organic Color Systems: Wash those Grays Away with a Safer Hair Color
  • Coffee Grounds in the Garden: Friend or Foe?
  • Celery Leaves: Cook or Discard them?
  • Freeze Cucumbers & Learn How to Use Them.
  • Hydrogen Peroxide + Ears = Bye to Colds. A Remedy that Works

RSS Green Talk TV

  • Turmeric indoor sowing time!
  • Short snippet of creating a rose hydrosol
  • Elderberry, more uses than just for health
  • The Naked Botanical's Gift Boxes
  • The Naked Botanical salts

Copyright Green Talk © 2022 · Website Designed by Clever Kiwi