There are so many reasons why you should start switching to healthier cleaning products. I really don't believe that anyone can live a life completely free of toxins, that doesn't seem realistic. However, there are so many ways to switch little things that make a big difference over time. Cleaning products are a great start.
Here are some reasons that you might want to make this swap.
- Reduced Exposure to Harsh Chemicals
- Many conventional cleaning products contain harsh chemicals like ammonia, bleach, and synthetic fragrances, which can be harmful to human health. Natural cleaning products, on the other hand, often use plant-based ingredients and essential oils, reducing exposure to potentially toxic substances.
- Improved Indoor Air Quality
- Harsh chemicals in conventional cleaning products can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air, contributing to indoor air pollution. Switching to natural cleaning products can help improve indoor air quality and reduce the risk of respiratory irritation and other health issues. Think about how much time you spend inside your home. It should be one of the healthiest places to hangout. Please make sure you are at least opening your windows whenever you can and getting some fresh air indoors.
- Safer for Children and Pets
- Natural cleaning products are typically formulated with ingredients that are gentler and safer for children and pets. This is especially important because children and pets may come into contact with surfaces that have been cleaned with traditional products, increasing their exposure to harmful chemicals. I started the switch to natural products when I was pregnant with my first child because I was worried about him being around unnecessary toxins.
- Environmental Benefits
- Many natural cleaning products are biodegradable and have minimal impact on the environment compared to their conventional counterparts. Using natural ingredients and avoiding harsh chemicals can help reduce water and air pollution, as well as minimize the use of non-renewable resources.
- Reduced Risk of Allergies and Sensitivities
- Harsh chemicals in conventional cleaning products can exacerbate allergies and sensitivities in some individuals. Natural cleaning products are often free from common allergens and irritants, making them a better choice for those with sensitive skin or respiratory conditions.
- Versatility and Effectiveness
- Contrary to common belief, natural cleaning products can be just as effective as their conventional counterparts. Many natural ingredients such as vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice have powerful cleaning properties and can tackle a wide range of cleaning tasks effectively.
Overall, making the switch to natural cleaning products offers a range of benefits for yourself and everyone else in your home.
Force of Nature
It's affordable, easy, and the smell doesn't last long. You can buy it here.
Force of Nature is a cleaning product that utilizes electrolyzed water technology to create a powerful, non-toxic cleaner and disinfectant.
- Multi-Surface Cleaner
- Force of Nature can be used to clean a wide range of surfaces including countertops, stainless steel appliances, glass, mirrors, floors, toilets, and more. It effectively cuts through grease, grime, and dirt without leaving behind harmful residues. The smell is not as strong as plain white vinegar, and it dissipates much faster.
- Disinfectant
- It is capable of killing 99.9% of viruses and bacteria, including influenza, norovirus, E. coli, salmonella, and more. This makes it suitable for disinfecting even the grossest surfaces like bathrooms and kitchen sinks. I have used it as a glass cleaner also and it is great at not leaving any film or streaks.
- Non-Toxic Formula
- Force of Nature is made using only water, salt, and vinegar. These ingredients are electrolyzed using a small appliance called an electrolyzer, which converts them into a powerful cleaning solution. It does not contain harsh chemicals, fragrances, or dyes, making it safe for use around children and pets.
- Eco-Friendly
- Because Force of Nature uses just water, salt, and vinegar to create its cleaning solution, it is environmentally friendly and reduces the need for single-use plastic bottles typically associated with traditional cleaning products. This can help minimize waste and reduce the environmental impact of cleaning. I like that it just has refill capsules that don't take up much space.
- Easy to Use
- Force of Nature comes in the form of a small appliance called an electrolyzer, along with capsules the solution. All you have to do is fill the electrolyzer with water, add a capsule, and press a button to start the electrolysis process. The resulting cleaning solution is then transferred to a reusable spray bottle for use. It's so easy and convenient.
- Certifications and Testing
- Force of Nature has undergone testing and certification by third-party organizations to verify its effectiveness as a cleaner and disinfectant. It has been tested against industry standards for efficacy and safety. Some will try to say that natural products don't work but they have been tested.
Overall, Force of Nature offers a convenient and effective alternative to traditional cleaning products, making it a popular choice for households looking to reduce their exposure to harsh chemicals while maintaining a clean and healthy living environment.
Vinegar
- All-purpose cleaner
- Dilute vinegar with equal parts water to create a versatile all-purpose cleaner. Pour the mixture into a spray bottle and use it to clean countertops, glass surfaces, mirrors, and appliances. Vinegar is effective at cutting through grease, grime, and soap scum. However, it does have a strong smell that my husband can not stand. I have tried adding essential oils but it didn't seem to help.
- When you mix with baking soda it creates a nice scrub. I have used it to clean my stainless pots and pans and it does a great job with that. I have heard of people using vinegar and fresh lemons to grind up in their garbage disposal to help with the smell.
- Glass and Mirror Cleaner
- Vinegar can leave glass surfaces streak-free and shiny. Simply spray or wipe undiluted vinegar onto the surface, then wipe it off with a clean cloth or paper towel. For best results, use a lint-free cloth to prevent streaking. I have used this as my main window cleaner on and off for several years. I use microfiber cloths.
- Deodorizer
- Vinegar's acidic nature helps neutralize odors. You can use it to remove unpleasant smells from surfaces like cutting boards, refrigerators, and trash cans. Just wipe or spray vinegar onto the surface and allow it to air dry. It's great at helping with the mildew smell that you can get from forgetting to switch over your laundry in a decent amount of time. Rewash with vinegar.
- Descaler
- Vinegar is effective at removing mineral deposits and limescale buildup from faucets, showerheads, and other fixtures. Soak a cloth or paper towel in vinegar and wrap it around the affected area, letting it sit for several hours or overnight. Then, scrub the area with a brush or sponge and rinse thoroughly. I'm sure you have seen people putting a baggy filled with vinegar over their shower heads. It was all over the internet for a while.
- Floor Cleaner
- Add a cup of vinegar to a bucket of warm water to create a natural floor cleaner. Use this solution to mop tile, linoleum, and hardwood floors. Vinegar helps break down dirt and grime while leaving floors clean and shiny. They feel super clean on your feet afterward.
- Fabric Softener
- Add vinegar to the rinse cycle when doing laundry to help soften fabrics and remove detergent residue. It can also help eliminate static cling and reduce lint buildup.
- Stain Remover
- Vinegar can help lift stains from carpets, upholstery, and clothing. Blot the stained area with a cloth soaked in vinegar, then rinse with water. For tough stains, you may need to repeat the process or use a vinegar and baking soda paste.
- Inexpensive, gallon jugs of vinegar are super inexpensive and vinegar can serve so many purposes.
Hydrogen Peroxide
I use this for so many things. This has been used as a disinfectant since 1858. Make sure you don't use this with other cleaning products because it can create harmful chemical reactions.
- Disinfection
- Hydrogen peroxide can be used to disinfect surfaces in households and hospitals. If it's good enough to disinfect all of the nasty germs that a hospital contains than it's good enough for my house. You can apply it directly to surfaces using a spray bottle or by soaking a cloth in it and wiping the surface. Allow it to sit for a few minutes before wiping it off a clean cloth and some water. Be sure to spot test so that no fading occurs.
- First Aid
- Hydrogen peroxide is commonly used to clean and disinfect minor cuts, scrapes, and wounds. Pour a small amount of hydrogen peroxide directly onto the wound to help clean it and kill bacteria. However, it's important not to use hydrogen peroxide for deep wounds or serious injuries as it can impede healing. Growing up, and still to this day, we used it to clean out our ears, too.
- Mouthwash
- Some people use diluted hydrogen peroxide as a mouthwash to help kill bacteria and whiten teeth. However, it's important to use caution with this method as hydrogen peroxide can cause irritation and should not be swallowed. It might not be the best choice for you if you have sensitive teeth. Peroxide is often used as a teeth whitener, although I'm not sure how great it is for your teeth if they are sensitive.
- Vegetable and Fruit Wash
- Hydrogen peroxide can be used to wash fruits and vegetables to help remove dirt, bacteria, and pesticides. Mix a small amount of peroxide with water and soak the produce for a few minutes before rinsing thoroughly with water.
- Humidifiers and Air Purifiers
- Adding hydrogen peroxide to the water in a humidifier or air purifier can help disinfect the air by killing airborne bacteria and viruses. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions and use caution to prevent damage to the device.
- Laundry
- Hydrogen peroxide can be added to laundry to help disinfect and remove stains. Add it to the washing machine along with your detergent to help kill bacteria and brighten whites. It's great at removing tough stains like oil and blood.
There are other ways to reduce your indoor toxins like opening your windows to get fresh air circulating and, of course, air purifiers. Certain houseplants are great at improving air quality, too. Check out my houseplant information here.