Alpine Cleaning Company recently sent us this list of household cleaning products to avoid and safer alternatives.
Is your house toxic because of the cleaning products you’re using? Here’s a list of six household cleaners to avoid and alternatives to help detoxify your home.
1. Antibacterial cleaners
These cleaners contain triclosan, a form of dioxin, linked with weakened immune systems, decreased fertility, hormone disruption and birth defects. Alternative: Regular soap, which kills 99.4 percent of germs. Antibacterial soap kills 99.6 percent.
2. Air Fresheners
One main ingredient, formaldehyde, is a carcinogen, causing allergic reactions, dermatitis, headaches, mucous membrane irritations, joint and chest pain, depression, fatigue, dizziness and immune dysfunction.
Alternative: Open the window or use an exhaust fan.
3. Dishwasher detergent
They contain a dry form of highly concentrated chlorine that is poisonous and have been known to produce skin irritations or burns, and cause eye injuries and damage to other mucous membranes. Alternatives: Detergents that are phosphate and chlorine free.
4. Oven cleaners
Among the most dangerous chemicals in households, these cleaners contain sodium hydroxide (a derivative of lye) so corrosive it can eat through the top layer of skin and cause severe tissue damage. Alternative: Make a scrub of baking soda, salt and water paste.
5. Home use carpet and upholstery shampoo
The main ingredient, perchlorethylene (the same one used in dry cleaning), is a known carcinogen, damaging to the liver, kidney and the nervous system. Alternative: Use a mix of baking soda and water. Salt will take out wine or fruit stains. Club soda will remove lighter stains. Baking soda and cornstarch will deodorize. When having your carpet professionally cleaned, make sure to check the cleaning solutions are Green Seal Certified.
6. Toilet, tub and tile bowl cleaners
Are a source of many poisonings, particularly since they are used in small, often windowless spaces. Highly toxic, bathroom cleaners
Alternative: Remove toilet bowl stains with pure vinegar. Dilute with water to remove soap residue. Washing soda or borax is also effective on tiles.
Thought you might be interested in additional DIY cleaning recipes:
http://www.turi.org/laboratory/do_it_yourself_home_made_household_cleaner_recipes
We have tested some of these products in out cleaning lab as well. These products are listed as Home Formulations 1-27:
http://www.cleanersolutions.org/index.php?action=vendor_info&vendor_id=193
Hopefully this information helps your group to spread the word about greener cleaning alternatives.
Dr. Jason Marshall
Laboratory Director
Toxics Use Reduction Institute – UMass Lowell
Thanks for the other great tips. Gary