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Surround yourself with fewer chemicals by making your own products 

These days we are so concerned about what we put on our body and what we put in our body, however, we neglect to think about the effects of cleaning products in our home.  We inhale these products especially in the winter months when we are closed up inside with little fresh air circulating. We are so concerned about keeping our house clean and germ free but we forget to realize what we are using to keep our house clean. Our environment can also be filled with harsh chemicals that can affect our health.

With the rising rate of allergies in children and adults there is becoming an increasing need for everyone to look at all the harsh chemicals around and their side effects. For example, ammonia vapours can irritate the skin, eyes, throat, and lungs. Individuals with asthma can be sensitive to ammonia and it may also cause kidney and liver damage. Many cleaning products contain high levels of ammonia and when this is mixed with chlorine bleach (sodium hypochlorite), highly poisonous chloramine gas is formed.

To eliminate some of the harsh chemicals from your home try making some of your own cleaners.

DIY projects can be fun to make by yourself or with your family. You are creating something new and at the same time something useful that will clean your home.  On the plus side these creations can save you money as store bought cleaners can be quite expensive, especially some of the environmentally friendly products.

1. Mopping solution

1 part water

1 part vinegar

2-3 drops dish soap

 

You can mix this directly into the mop bucket before using.

2. Glass Cleaner

1 cup rubbing (isopropyl) alcohol

1 cup water

1 tablespoon white vinegar

Mix all the ingredients in a bowl and then gently pour into a spray bottle.

3. Fabric Starch

1 cup water

2 teaspoons of cornstarch

Mix this in a measuring cup and then pour directly into a spray bottle.

4. Drano

1 cup of baking soda

1 cup of salt

1/4 cup of cream of tartar

Mix all the above ingredients together. Then measure about a quarter cup of the above and pour into your clogged drain. Pour two cups of boiling water into the drain, and let it stand for about an hour, then pour fresh water from the tap.

5. Wood Polish

2 parts oil (preferably olive oil)

1 part lemon juice

Mix together and apply on wood with a soft cloth. Buff with a microfiber cloth for added shine.

6. All-purpose cleaner

Vinegar and baking soda. It’s a great idea to have 2 separate bottles; one labelled vinegar and one labelled baking soda. These 2 bottles can be used for almost anything. You can clean the bathroom sinks and bathtub with them; spray the sinks with vinegar and then sprinkle with baking soda. If you have time let it stand for 10 to 15 minutes before scrubbing them with a sponge, then rinse with water.

Start slowly by replacing all your cleaners with DIY products. When you are getting rid of your chemical cleaners save the bottles and rinse them well. When you make your homemade cleaner you can simply pour your solution in the already labelled bottle. This way you know which solution is which.

 

Sources: 

http://www.davidsuzuki.org/

https://www.buzzfeed.com/