Household Cleaners
o Many household products contain acids, phosphates, ammonia, oxalic accid, VOC's, and much more. These toxins can cause dizziness, nausea, allergic reatctions, and eye, skin, and respiratory tract irritation; some can cause cancer.
o Look for signal words: POISON/DANGER, WARNING, CAUTION, SENSITIZER (may cause allergies)
o Try to use product cleaners that have gotten the designation GRAS: Generally Regarded as Safe. Companies such as "Seventh Generation" make a product line of non-toxic household cleaning products.
***Avoid scented detergents and softeners; fragrances are often toxic. Most major brands offer products that are free of dyes and fragrances. This is a great way to reduce your overall exposure, from the sheets you sleep in, to the clothes you wear. Throw a small muslin bag filled with dried lavender in your dryer for added non-toxic scent. ***
Mold Removal: Mold is a common source of allergies, and can contribute to chronic respiratory and sinus infections. Here are some natural solutions for home mold removal recommended by the greenguide.com (www.thegreenguide.com/doc/ask/mold)
o Tea tree oil is a natural fungicide. Use 1 tsp tea tree oil in a spray bottle with 2 cups water. Shake well, and spray on moldy areas. Do not rinse. Clean off dead mold with soapy water in a few days
o 5% white distilled vinegar can be used in a spray bottle to kill mold. Do not rinse. Clean off dead mold with soapy water in a few days.
o 1 cup borax, dissolved in 1 quart of water. Scrub walls, then let dry without rinsing. Vacuum the dust off walls a few days later
o Shower Mold: Spray on a mixture of water and bleach. Let it sit then scrub off.
Homemade Remedies
o Use "Woolite" as an alternative to dry-cleaning. If you must air dry, let the clothes air out in the garage or another remote location for a couple of weeks before moving them into your bedroom closet.
o As an alternative to bleaching clothes, consider adding 8 oz of 3% hydrogen peroxide to your laundry load.
o A spray bottle of 3% hydrogen peroxide can be used to wipe off counter tops, appliances, cutting boards, etc.
o Grapefruit Seed Extract all purpose cleaner: 30-60 drops grapefruit seed extract in a 32 oz spray bottle mixed with water (use on sinks, toilets, countertops, floors, et.)
o When cleaning dusty areas: Spray with a water/detergent mixture and wipe clean with a cotton rag
Alkaline All Purpose Cleaner
2 tsps Borax
½ tsp liquid soap or detergent
Enough hot water to fill spray bottle
1 tsp antiseptic essential oilCombined, add water, shake till completely dissolved
Acid Cleaner (hard water buildup)
¼ c. white distilled vinegar
½ tsp liquid detergent
Enough warm water to fill spray bottle
Few drops of essential oil for fragrance
Mix all together in spray bottle