We spend a lot of time in our homes!
According to the EPA, 93% of our time is spent indoors and our indoor air quality can be five times more polluted than the outdoor air. And now with fall here and winter coming we’re inside even more! That means we should be taking charge of creating a healthier home along with a healthier environment.
The Climate Action Handbook tells us that 90% or more of children around the world breathe air with particulate matters that exceed World Health Organizations guidelines. In addition, these particulates are associated with a wide variety of health issues which include things like asthma, COPD, respiratory and heart issues.
This month I’d like to talk about artificial ingredients in cleaning products that are unhealthy for not only us, but the environment too, and effective alternatives that we can make simply by using ingredients we likely already have, or can pick up at the grocery store.
Here are some ideas that can make a big difference for the health of you, your family and your home.
Natural Cleaning Solutions
Everyone wants a fresh, clean home. However, many commonly used cleaning products have artificially derived ingredients that are unsafe or unhealthy for people and the environment. If you want to keep your house clean with fewer artificial ingredients, it’s possible to do so with just a few simple ingredients: vinegar, baking soda, castile soap, lemon juice, optional essential oils, and reusable microfiber cloths. The recipes here are for the mildest and most non-toxic DIY cleaners that are safe to use around children and pets.
All-Purpose Cleaner
To make a natural all-purpose cleaner, mix ¼ cup vinegar with 1 tsp of castile soap. In a new, clean spray bottle, fill it with 2 cups of distilled water, or water that has been boiled and cooled. Shake together. Optional: add 12-20 drops of your favorite essential oil. This cleaner is suitable for cleaning up spills and wiping kitchen counters.
Toilet Bowl Cleaner
For a mild cleaner, pour ¼ cup baking soda and 1 cup vinegar into the bowl and allow it to sit for up to 30 minutes. Remember, this mixture will bubble and fizz for a few minutes. After allowing the mixture to sit, scrub with a toilet brush and flush to rinse.
Window and Glass Cleaner
For a quick and easy cleaner for your windows and mirrors, mix 2 cups of water, ¼ cup vinegar, and ½ tsp dish soap or castile soap. For best results use a microfiber cloth to wipe the solution.
Floor Cleaner
For wood floors, mix 1 cup vinegar into a pail of water for mopping. Make sure to test this solution in a hidden-away spot first because vinegar can harm some wood floors. For laminate floors, mix ½ cup vinegar in 1 gallon of warm water. Apply with a spray bottle and mop.
Dusting Spray
Boil three cups of water and add two tea bags and 1 tsp of lemon juice. Let stand for 5 minutes. Spray the mixture on a microfiber cloth and dust. Note: This is not recommended for wood furniture.
Stainless Steel Cleaner
To keep stainless shiny without the fumes from chemical cleaners, dissolve 2 tablespoons of baking soda in a quart of water. Wipe on, then rinse and buff dry.
Tips on using DIY Natural Products
Vinegar is not suitable for use on some surfaces such as granite and marble. Check to make sure vinegar can be used on surfaces you’d like to clean.
Make sure to mix the ingredients in the exact amounts for the safest cleaning.
Use new, clean containers to store your natural cleaners and label them to avoid mixing chemicals. Tiny Beans is a good resource for uses, ingredients, and tips.
Don’t want to make your own? There are many product companies these days who offer a wide variety of non-toxic natural cleaning products. For extra assurance that the product is responsibly and naturally made, look at the ingredients and determine whether the company is EWG certified. Here are some links to get you started:
Additionally, when you buy products with the Green Seal, you can be confident you’re making a safer, more sustainable choice for your home.
Here are some other ideas to consider:
Indoor Air Quality Counts, too!
Part of a healthy lifestyle includes increasing the indoor air quality of your home! While some complex fixes can be pricey, other steps help create a healthier home and won’t break the bank, including these small, easy-to-do steps.
Bottom line?
All of these natural cleaning product recipes, and ideas for working on your indoor air quality, can help you live a healthier life, especially when you need to be indoors. My website has a presentation I’ve put together titled Greening Your Home – take a look when you have a few minutes. Additionally, there are lots of great resources online for other ideas, including articles by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Shenandoah Myrick
Sterling Real Estate Group
Managing Broker
2011 Young Street Suite 101
Bellingham, WA 98225
360-303-9083
Shenandoah4homes@gmail.com
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