Some of the links in this post may be affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you click on them and make a purchase. However, this comes at no additional cost to you, and I only recommend products and services that I truly believe in. Please note that I am not responsible for the quality, accuracy, timeliness, reliability, or any other aspect of the products and services sold on external websites linked to this post.

As we strive to live a healthier lifestyle, it’s important to consider the products we use in our homes. Conventional house cleaners may get the job done, but they often contain harmful chemicals that can have negative effects on our health and the environment. That’s why switching to natural house cleaners is a simple but powerful step you can take toward a healthier home. And a fun perk, no need to wear hazmat-like PPE when cleaning your own home. And you can feel at ease letting your littles help out too!

So, why are natural house cleaners important? Let’s take a look.

Protect Your Health

Many conventional cleaning products contain harsh chemicals that can irritate your skin, eyes, and lungs. These chemicals can also cause more serious health problems, like asthma, allergies, and even cancer. By switching to natural house cleaners, you can protect yourself and your family from these harmful effects.

In addition to being safer for your health, natural house cleaners are often more gentle on your home’s surfaces, meaning you won’t have to worry about damaging your floors or countertops.

Many conventional house cleaners contain a range of harmful chemicals, including:

1. Phthalates: These chemicals are often found in fragranced products, including air fresheners, laundry detergents, and cleaners. They have been linked to hormone disruption and reproductive problems.
2. Chlorine: Chlorine is a common ingredient in bleach and other disinfectants. It can cause respiratory problems and can be especially harmful to people with asthma or other lung conditions.
3. Ammonia: Ammonia is found in many glass and surface cleaners. It can irritate the skin, eyes, and respiratory system and can be especially dangerous when mixed with bleach.
4. Formaldehyde: Formaldehyde is a preservative found in many household cleaners, including some air fresheners and furniture polishes. It has been linked to cancer and can cause respiratory problems and skin irritation.
5. Sodium hydroxide: Sodium hydroxide, also known as lye, is a common ingredient in drain cleaners and oven cleaners. It is highly corrosive and can cause severe burns and respiratory problems.

These are just a few examples of the harmful chemicals found in conventional house cleaners. Exposure to these chemicals can cause a range of health problems, including respiratory irritation, skin irritation, hormone disruption, and even cancer.

Switching to natural house cleaners made with simple ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice can help reduce your exposure to these harmful chemicals and protect your health. It’s also important to read labels carefully and choose products that are free from toxic chemicals if you do opt for store-bought cleaners.

Reduce Your Environmental Impact

Conventional house cleaners are not only harmful to your health but also to the environment. The chemicals they contain can end up in our waterways and contribute to water pollution. They also often come in non-recyclable packaging, which can end up in landfills.

On the other hand, natural house cleaners are often made with environmentally friendly ingredients and come in packaging that is recyclable or biodegradable. By making the switch to natural house cleaners, you can reduce your environmental impact and do your part to protect the planet.

1. Phosphates: Many household cleaners, particularly dish soaps and laundry detergents, contain phosphates. When these chemicals are released into waterways, they can promote the growth of algae, which depletes oxygen levels and harms aquatic life.
2. Chlorine: Chlorine is a potent chemical that can have a lasting impact on the environment. When it’s released into waterways, it can react with organic matter to form harmful compounds that can harm aquatic life and even contaminate drinking water sources.
3. Ammonia: Ammonia can be toxic to fish and other aquatic life. When it’s released into waterways, it can lead to the growth of harmful algae blooms that can harm aquatic ecosystems.
4. Formaldehyde: Formaldehyde is a volatile organic compound (VOC) that can contribute to air pollution. When it’s released into the air, it can react with other chemicals to form ground-level ozone, which can harm human health and damage crops and other vegetation.
5. Sodium hydroxide: Sodium hydroxide is a caustic chemical that can be harmful to the environment if it’s not disposed of properly. When it’s released into waterways, it can cause fish kills and harm other aquatic life.

Switching to natural cleaning products can help reduce your environmental impact by using safer and more sustainable ingredients. Many natural cleaning products are made with biodegradable ingredients that are less harmful to the environment, and they often come in packaging that is more eco-friendly than traditional cleaners. Additionally, making your own natural cleaners at home can reduce your waste and carbon footprint.

Save Money

Many natural house cleaners are often cheaper than conventional cleaners, especially if you make them yourself using simple ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice. By making the switch to natural cleaners, you can save money and reduce your and your family’s exposure to harmful chemicals.

Make the Switch Today

If you’re ready to make the switch to natural house cleaners, there are plenty of options available. You can purchase natural cleaners from your local health food store or online, or you can make your own using simple ingredients.

By using natural house cleaners, you’ll be protecting your health, reducing your environmental impact, and saving money. So why not make the switch today? Your home and your health will thank you!

References

1. Phthalates: A study published in Environmental Health Perspectives found that exposure to phthalates can disrupt hormone levels in humans, particularly in pregnant women and children (Swan et al., 2015). A study published in the Journal of Environmental Quality found that phosphates in household cleaning products can contribute to eutrophication, a process where excessive nutrients in waterways lead to the growth of harmful algae blooms (Sharpley et al., 2003).
2. Chlorine: A study published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine found that exposure to chlorine gas can cause respiratory irritation and damage to lung tissue and can exacerbate asthma symptoms (Kilburn et al., 1997). A study published in the Journal of Hazardous Materials found that chlorine-containing disinfectants can react with organic matter in water to form harmful byproducts, such as trihalomethanes and haloacetic acids, that can be harmful to aquatic life and human health (Richardson et al., 2007).
3. Ammonia: A study published in the International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health found that exposure to ammonia can cause eye, skin, and respiratory irritation and can lead to asthma and other respiratory problems (Hodgson et al., 2002). A study published in the Journal of Environmental Quality found that ammonia can contribute to eutrophication and the growth of harmful algae blooms in waterways, which can harm aquatic ecosystems (Sharpley et al., 2003).
4. Formaldehyde: A study published in the American Journal of Industrial Medicine found that exposure to formaldehyde can increase the risk of cancer, particularly in occupational settings where there is high exposure (Pinkerton et al., 2004). A study published in the Journal of the Air & Waste Management Association found that formaldehyde emissions from household cleaning products can contribute to ground-level ozone formation, which can harm human health and damage crops (Weschler, 2004).
5. Sodium hydroxide: A study published in the Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology found that exposure to sodium hydroxide can cause skin and eye irritation, respiratory problems, and even chemical burns (Kucera et al., 2015). A study published in the Journal of Cleaner Production found that sodium hydroxide can cause damage to aquatic life and aquatic ecosystems when it’s not disposed of properly (Wang et al., 2017).

It’s important to note that while these studies provide evidence of the potential health effects of these chemicals, not all studies are conclusive and more research is needed to fully understand the long-term health effects of exposure to household chemicals. Nonetheless, reducing exposure to harmful chemicals by switching to natural cleaning products can still be a positive step toward improving your health and well-being.