It is well known how damaging exposure to toxic chemicals can be to human health and even the environment. With this in mind many environmentally conscious individuals are beginning to wonder how safe these cleaning agents we use in our homes are, if they contain such harmful chemicals.
Ammonia burns the skin, eyes and lungs; bleach and chlorine are also highly irritant, so why is it that these products are so common in modern society? Although, many cleaning product manufacturers offer “Green” cleaning agents that are biodegradable, these are usually priced at prohibitive costs.
Nevertheless, it is important to remember that keeping clean is not so complicated that it requires laboratories and chemical plants to perform. Most of the things that a home requires to keep clean and hygienic are probably already in the kitchen. Homemade cleaning agents are becoming all the rave, as more people discover how cost effective and just plain effective they can be.
Homemade Organic Home Products
It is quite possible to make potent cleaning solutions that will not leave residual toxins behind that can affect the environment or even the health of the home’s inhabitants. Following is a list of some of the most basic cleaning agents that can be found in just about every home and can be combined to create quality cleaning solutions.
Vinegar
White vinegar is the most powerful cleaning agent that can be found in the home. Because it is extra tough on grease it makes the perfect surface cleaner for the kitchen. It also is highly acidic and due to its antibacterial qualities also makes an effective bathroom cleaner as well, it leaves porcelain, tile, metal and glass surfaces sparkling clean.
Note: Research has proved that the antibacterial properties of many of these organic cleaning products increases as they are raised to higher temperatures. This emphasizes the need to use hot water when cleaning the home.
Baking Soda
Baking soda is antibacterial, antimicrobial and is an effective deodorizing agent. Baking soda also has an abrasive quality that can scrub at the tougher spots leaving surfaces shiny and clean. For the ponderous task of addressing the greasiest stove, combine baking soda with white vinegar for a little effervescent power.
Lemon Juice and Citric Acids
Many commercial cleaning products feature lemons, lemon juice or other citric additions. This is because lemon juice and the citic family is one of the best cleansing agents in all nature. Nothing stands up to the power of lemon juice. It can effectively cut through grease, kill molds and mildews, and dislodge the toughest grime from grout. Some cuisines even use lemon juice to cook a beef steak — it’s that powerful.
Olive Oil
The woodwork in a home can be addressed with the tiniest amount of lemon juice added to a carrier like olive oil. This can be put into an atomizer and sprayed onto the surface before wiping away with a dry rag.
Considering personal health as well as the environment is more important in this modern age than ever before. So much of human life today is dictated by unnatural demands and it is hard to know how far the implications go. By keeping homes free of harmful chemicals an using organic home products, at least homelife can be clean and natural.
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