Cleaning is either a therapeutic hobby or an unpleasant chore—one that’s necessary but not necessarily enjoyable (until the job is done). The toxins found in many commercial cleaning products are linked to health problems like asthma, allergies and long-term effects like reproductive harm and cancer.

Non-toxic cleaners are kinder to your health, the environment and your wallet. And they can be just as effective. Many common ingredients—white vinegar, baking soda and liquid soap, for example—are effective, inexpensive and safe to use around children and pets. And you can make many of them yourself. More info https://www.facebook.com/KarensGreenCleaning/

The EPA recommends reading warning labels carefully before buying any product. Look for the words “DANGER,” “POISON” and “WARNING.” Avoid products that list ingredients you can’t pronounce, as these are more likely to be toxic. Also, look for the EPA Safer Choice label. And avoid any product that contains a fragrance, as these may trigger allergic reactions.

Non-Toxic Cleaning Inspiration for a Greener Lifestyle

Using green cleaning products can help reduce indoor air pollutants. Traditional chemical cleaners release harmful volatile organic compounds into the air, which can cause respiratory problems and headaches. But non-toxic cleansers are free of chemicals that contribute to the problem, and you can purchase products such as Skoy Eco-Cleaning Cloths, which are nontoxic, extremely absorbent (15x paper towels), reusable, biodegradable and washable.

Some chemicals in commercial cleaning products have been identified as endocrine disrupting chemicals, which can cause hormonal problems in humans. For example, bleach fumes can release chlorine and chloroform, which are linked to respiratory problems and neurological effects, and it is believed that repeated exposure to triclosan, an ingredient in some laundry detergents, can cause hormonal imbalances in women, according to a recent study.