It’s where we keep our powerhouse cleaning products: bleach, ammonia, tile scrubbers, etc. They are potent—and dangerous. “They’re effective cleaning agents because they’re reactive substances,” says David O. Carpenter, MD, director of the Institute for Health and the Environment at the University at Albany, State University of New York. “You might want that in your kitchen sink, but you don’t want it in your lungs.”
Many common cleaning products are considered hazardous substances and are regulated by the Federal Hazardous Substance Act. Ammonia and chlorine bleach can cause headaches, burn skin, and irritate the eyes and respiratory tract. (Accidentally mixing the two releases toxic chlorine gas that damages lung tissue and impairs lung function.) And regularly cleaning with bleach—which generally contains chlorine, classified as a hazardous air pollutant in the 1990 Clean Air Act—is particularly harmful to kids because it can trigger and worsen asthma, Landrigan adds.
Thankfully, it’s simple to detox your kitchen. Replace potent products under the sink with milder versions from brands like Seventh Generation, Biokleen, and Ecover; they voluntarily list (less toxic) ingredients and banish most germs just as well. “You don’t need the cleaning products we used in the past,” Carpenter says. “Soap, water, and elbow grease are all you need.” Start by swapping the one household cleaner you use most. (Learn how to make your own safe versions here.) Each little change will improve the air you breathe.
By Alexandra Zissu
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Comments (6)
I live in a basement apartment, where anything I spray, stays, so I’ve had to switch entirely to eco-friendly non-toxic cleaners.
Vinegar rules. A galllon jug of white vinegar goes for a couple bucks at the grocery store, and it is great for so much.
1. Glass (in place of windex)
2. Laundry (add about 1/2 cup to a load, really breaks up the grease and grime, and also eliminates mustiness).
3. general purpose spray-cleaner–it even breaks up the black and pinkish molds that grow in my bathroom (living in a basement is a constant uphill battle against mold, and of course the bathroom and kitchen sink have to be the worst)
4. Use to “swish” toilet, instead of bleach or other cleaners.
I also love the Seventh Generation bathroom cleaners, which come in citrus and lavender/evergreen formulas. They work great and don’t suffocate me with fumes–and the pretty smell makes me happy. :)
For laundry detergent, a big box of the Trader Joe’s natural kind (about $9, about 80 loads) is my favorite.
We have conscientously switched to eco-friendly products from Seventh Generation, Ecover, etc., especially since having our 2-yr. old grandson living in our home.
But, I really appreciate your home-made recipes for
cleaning!! I totally agree with Marguerite that vinegar is GREAT! Its uses are just too numerous to
list and it is safe and inexpensive.
The baking soda scouring powder works great!
There are so many toxic, gimmicky products out there
so I really appreciate your sensible and informative website! I hope more people will use these wonderful alternatives!
I have been using the Melaleuca cleaning products for over 10 years. They were eco friendly before it became so popular. And delivered to my door as well. Saves me money for lots of reason. I switched after I had breast cancer and got everything out of my house…except things that I might have had to remove with a hammer.
Mavis, thanks for the reminder that toxins contribute to illness, and clearing out the toxins gives our bodies a break for healing. I too use the Melaleuca products (as well as vinegar when needed) and hope more people make the shift away from”what our mothers used”. I never hear health practitioners ask about home cleaning products when people show up with skin problems, allergies, asthma, etc. Time for all of us to be more proactive in our personal lives.
Marguerite, if you have a lot of mold in your basement apartment it sounds like you could use a dehumidifier. Get one that has a fantastic filter and change it or clean it regularly. Very good idea to change your cleansers too!
another great and effective one we use is method. great scents, nice packaging and totally baby friendly.