Top 10 Cleaning Toxins & Natural Alternatives

What is the price of a clean home? You may think it’s simply the time and effort spent making every room and every area squeaky clean. However, there may be a hidden cost as well. Using certain household cleansers that you buy from the store can often come with health risks. That’s because these toxic cleaning products often contain harmful chemicals. Extended exposure to these can cause a wide variety of ailments, from eye irritation to cancer. For example, many bleach-based cleansers contain chlorine, which can irritate skin and mucous membranes. Some air fresheners are made with formaldehyde, which has been linked to brain damage as well as having carcinogenic effects.

Fortunately, there are alternatives to help you avoid the hazards that may be lurking around in your closet. Many green cleaning products are made with all-natural ingredients that don’t pose the same risks to your health. Using these eco-friendly cleaning items helps prevent the release of dangerous chemicals into the ecosystem. In many instances, you may be able to substitute simpler, safer cleansers made from items or substances you already have on hand. Using a baking soda paste to clean your oven means you won’t be exposed to the caustic lye found in most oven cleaners, for example. For more tips on avoiding the health risks associated with cleaning products, see the accompanying checklist:

Top 10 Cleaning Toxins & Natural Alternatives created by Spotless Cleaning Chicago.