Finding genuine, all natural products can be a challenge. You can make better choices when you read labels and understand which ingredients to avoid.
Regulation is not as tight as it should be when it comes to household cleaning products that claim to be all-natural or organic. If a product states that it is 100% all-natural, that may mean only 95%; or if it merely claims to be made with organic materials, that could be between 50% and 70% natural. If you have not yet started to inspect labels, look around your house now. While you probably have a few truly organic products on hand, you may have many more that contain chemicals and synthetics. One or two items may not be harmful, but think about the combined effect from multiple product use and you may be ready to start your own “green” campaign.
Labels can be confusing, even if you know what to look for. The fine print can be ambiguous or simply instruct you to go to a company’s web site for additional details. Once you decipher the danger signals on packages, you can begin to figure out how to buy safely, both for you and for the environment. The USDA does require some labeling when it comes to toxic chemicals, but these are often limited to brief cautionary statements. Look for these words to determine the levels of toxicity.
They are referred to as “signal words.” -Poison and/or Danger – these products are highly toxic and are common listings on oven cleaner, bleach, and toilet bowl cleaners. -Warning – these products are of medium toxicity. -Caution – if possible, try to keep your purchases at this level. The absence of this word on a label does not mean it is safe. Instead, you may see the words “keep out of reach of children.” -Other common signal words include “corrosive” and “strong sensitizer.” The former will damage skin while the latter can cause allergic reactions. “Flammable” is another strong signal word and is self-explanatory.
Even when sealed, some containers might still emit toxicants into the air. Before you pour all these products down the drain, though, think about what you are releasing into the system. Instead, contact a local recycling center if one is available. These centers should schedule regular times for chemical disposal. Products bearing the words caution or danger may have additional warnings. Some labels state that California has banned a particular product, which probably means it contains dichlorobenzene. Just about any product that contains a fragrance indicates petroleum-based synthetics are involved.
Many people are sensitive to fragrances, but are often unaware of the source. Companies that use fragrances can claim the ingredients are trade secrets and thus avoid stating the exact compounds that are used. Some air fresheners may contain formaldehyde. Reducing or eliminating these products from your cleaning supply list will help to remove numerous short-term and long-term health hazards.
Now that you know what to check for, it is time to begin looking for all-natural products. First, it may not be possible to go entirely natural, so be prepared to start slowly and build your cleaning supply list from what is available locally. Begin by visiting health food stores, if any are within driving range. Many online stores also guarantee that their products are all natural and some of them offer free shipping. See what is on the market and begin comparing prices. You may find only slight cost differences among the many offerings.
Another option is to make your own products. This is an inexpensive approach to using natural ingredients for cleaning and you may already have some base items in supply. -Vinegar is perhaps at the top of the list and has thousands of uses. Use it for window cleaning, weed killing, and just about everything in between. -Baking soda. It is non-abrasive on cookware and countertops and doubles its usefulness as a deodorizer in carpets and enclosed places as well as in the laundry. -Salt has many uses. To remove burned-on food from a skillet, place 2 tablespoons salt and enough water to cover in the pan and bring to a boil. Let the mixture sit for an hour or so and scrub clean. -Lemon juice. Citric acid breaks down stubborn stains and is especially good at removing rust or nasty hard-water stains in the dishwasher. -Use mineral oil instead of furniture polish, which can be highly flammable. -Detergents/cleaners. Look for products that are biodegradable and fragrance-free. They will probably be concentrated so you are actually using less than their non-natural counterparts. Soaps and detergents work differently, so be sure to check the recommendations for use of each. You should always be careful when mixing ingredients. Always research or talk with experts first before combining unfamiliar substances. For instance, bleach and ammonia together produce a deadly gas. Many commercial products should never be combined. When making your own cleaning recipes, be sure to label each bottle or container in large letters with permanent ink.
It is generally safe to use the home products listed above, especially if mixing with water. Many natural ingredients clean just as well as commercial products. Make your own and save money or enjoy the convenience of purchasing organic cleaners and you will feel better about your health and about the environment.