Benefits of Natural Cleaning Products

Now that people are more concerned than ever before about cleanliness when it comes to their home and office exposure, many are reaching for potent chemical cleaning formulas. These are the choices that contain ingredients like bleaches and ammonias found in most conventional cleaning products. However, several studies have shown the dangers of cleaning with these products, particularly when it comes to an accumulated risk. This means that over time, people around the residue these products leave (both through the air and surface touch) could develop various health disorders.

An alternative choice is now a viable option that, in many cases, can significantly reduce accumulated health risks. Learn of these benefits of natural cleaning products so your environments can remain clean and sparkling without all the dirt.

Conventional Cleaning Product Risks

Before choosing natural cleaning products it is essential to realize why it is important to switch from conventional cleaning product choices. 

According to the EWG (Environmental Working Group):

• A large and growing body of evidence links frequent use of many ordinary cleaning supplies at home or on the job with development of asthma and other respiratory problems. 
• Common cleaning ingredients can be laced with the carcinogenic impurity 1,4-dioxane. Other products contain preservatives that release low levels of cancer-causing formaldehyde.
• Children born to women who held cleaning jobs while pregnant have an elevated risk of birth defects, according to a 2010 study by the New York State Department of Health.
• Despite these health concerns, cleaning product labels often do not give consumers enough information about their ingredients to allow people to make informed decisions 

What to Look for in Natural Cleaning Products

Most people will shy away from natural cleaning products for several reasons. These might include: cost, lack of knowledge regarding product capability, or wanting to stay loyal to conventional choices used within the family for decades. 

These are warranted concerns, however, nowadays green disinfectants, deodorizers, de-greasers and more are sold at competitive prices. What remains is the challenge to understand what to look for in natural cleaning products for optimal performance. 

Here are some things to consider as recommended by Medical News Today:

• Biodegradable or not
• Nontoxic
• Bulk packaging
• Recyclable packaging (compostable, etc)
• Packaging from recycled materials
• Phosphate-free
• Label with full disclosure of all active and inactive ingredients
• Natural fragrances
• Free of dyes, hypochlorite, and chlorine

Once you find products that adhere to most or all considerations on this list, just like conventional choices, trial and error should be applied. This will enable you to find the right match when it comes to fragrance, usability, texture, and capability.

Reliable Brands 

When shopping for a natural cleaning product there are time-tested and battleground-tested brands that are excellent green choices. Look for products from these companies for your first attempt at crossing over from toxic to non-toxic options:

• Seventh Generation
• Dr. Bronner’s
• Whole Foods 365
• ECOS
• PUR
• Thrive
• Nature’s Promise
• Blueland
• 9 Elements

Green Friendly Ingredients 

After determining considerations and the best brand to use, there are green friendly components to be aware of. These are specific ingredients and how they may work for your specific needs (i.e. residential use or commercial applications such as industrial kitchens, spas, or even hospital settings).

Some natural compounds which can get the job done include:

• Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) – Cuts through grease. 
• Sodium per-carbonate (usually referred to as “oxy”) – A combination of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide that helps whiten and brighten. 
• Hydrogen peroxide – Disinfectant with oxidizing properties.
• Citric acid – Plant-based degreaser, stain remover, and disinfectant. 
• White Vinegar – Works well on grease, dirt, odors, mold, and mildew (some people add a few drops of essential of lemon or peppermint to offset the vinegar smell).
• Lemon juice – Removes mildew, mold, grease, and shines hard surfaces.
• Lemongrass or Limonene – Great in dish soap, laundry detergent, as well as a good degreaser.

Switching to natural cleaning products is to break the cycle from years of purchases of toxic, chemically-laden products which could, over time, be detrimental to your and your family’s health. It also means embracing planet-friendly choices which is becoming more essential as the planet becomes compromised by excessive waste and pollution. 

You will see the benefits in less VOC’s (volatile organic compounds) circulating your space as well as fresh, often citrus scents that immediately increase mood. Don’t let family history or lack of effort stop you from crossing over, but instead embrace these benefits of natural cleaning products for optimal health and ultra-cleanliness.  

Sources:

https://www.ewg.org/guides/cleaners/content/cleaners_and_health/

https://www.lung.org/clean-air/at-home/indoor-air-pollutants/cleaning-supplies-household-chem

https://www.epa.gov/greenerproducts/identifying-greener-cleaning-products

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4976595/

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/green-cleaning-products#best-products

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/09/210901090100.htm

https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/home/choosing-green-cleaning-products/2021/08/23/e7a20ba4-fea2-11eb-ba7e-2cf966e88e93_story.html

https://www.ecofriendlyhabits.com/green-cleaning/