Do you know what dangerous chemicals are lurking in your household cleaners? If, not, keep reading to see why you should switch to natural cleaning products.
The standard cleaning solutions readily available in your local grocery store may get the job done, but at what cost? These products contain hazardous chemicals that may be dangerous to you, your family, your home, and the environment. Fortunately, these severe risks have led to increased natural, safe alternatives, such as natural kitchen cleaners that don't contaminate the room where you eat your food. A thorough explanation of their ingredients and dangers is needed to understand why switching to natural cleaning products is necessary.
Why You Should Ditch Regular Household Cleaning Products
The common ingredients in regular cleaning products may pose substantial health and environmental dangers. Many are linked to health problems such as asthma, cancer, reproductive, disorders, and neurotoxicity. Although some don't cause severe immediate reactions, chronic exposure to various chemicals can lead to serious health problems. With their prevalence in everyday life, we are often unknowingly vulnerable to chronic exposure.
Standard household cleaners have a wide range of harsh chemicals that serve as intense solutions for tough messes, but there are natural alternatives that are just as if not more effective. Commonly used terms for the dangers of these chemicals include:
- Endocrine disruptors: Toxins that interfere with the normal functioning of the endocrine system in releasing hormones causing reproductive disorders.
- Neurotoxins: Toxins that are destructive to the nervous system.
- Carcinogens: Substances that can cause cancer.
- Antimicrobials: Substances that can have adverse effects, like bacteria becoming resistant to treatment.
- Caustic: Substances that have chemicals that burn tissue (skin, eyes, mouth, throat, lungs) Most, if not all, common household cleaning products contain caustic substances.
Common Dangerous Chemicals
Some of the chemicals most commonly found household cleaning products that will make you want to switch to a natural cleaner are ammonia, chlorine, and lye (sodium hydroxide). Ammonia is used in glass cleaners, bathroom cleaners, polishers, and laundry products. It is a powerful irritant and when inhaled, even with short exposure, causes immediate reactions. Chronic exposure leads to developing chronic bronchitis and asthma.
Chlorine is riskier because you can be exposed to it in multiple ways, from inhalation to skin absorption. It is primarily a respiratory irritant that, with increased exposure, can lead to severe health conditions. Oven cleaners and drain openers contain lye or sodium hydroxide, which is highly corrosive and will cause severe burns to the skin, eyes, and throat. Using a natural oven cleaner prevents these painful reactions.
Other common chemicals include phthalates, PERC, triclosan, QUATS, and 2-butoxyethanol. Most fragrance products have phthalates which are considered endocrine disruptors and triggers for asthma and migraines. Dry cleaning products, spot removers, and carpet cleaners contain perchloroethylene (PERC), a neurotoxin and possible carcinogen. Liquid dish detergents and antibacterial soaps commonly contain triclosan which can cause the adverse effects of antimicrobials and are considered carcinogens, endocrine disruptors, and a critical danger to the environment.
QUATS, or Quarternary Ammonium Compounds, are typical of fabric softeners and products labeled "antibacterial." QUATS also cause the harmful effects of antimicrobials, skin irritation, and respiratory disorders. Most window, kitchen, and multi-purpose cleaners have 2-butoxyethanol, which is dangerous when inhaled and, in high concentrations, may cause drowsiness, pulmonary edema (fluid build-up in the lungs), and damage to the liver and kidneys.
The Benefits of Switching to Natural Cleaning Products
Genuine natural household cleaning products eliminate all the toxic chemicals using only natural and plant-based ingredients, from essential oils to baking soda and vinegar. Switching to natural cleaners is exceptionally beneficial for your health and the environment.
Health Benefits
The main benefit of switching is that you and your family's health and safety are not put at risk by the cleaning products being used. Plant-based product ingredients are not caustic or carcinogenic, so you don't have to worry about harming anyone by cleaning. For example, using a natural kitchen cleaner prevents contaminating the food you eat with the chemicals left behind on the counter. The risk of mixing chemicals and causing a dangerous chemical reaction with toxic fumes is significantly decreased with natural ingredients.
Regular oven cleaners with lye can be switched for a natural oven cleaner that won't cause severe burns to your skin if you accidentally spill it or hurt your throat and lungs from inhaling it as you clean.
Natural cleaners usually contain essential oils. By using these powerful wonders of nature, you can stop using the products containing "fragrances", which contain phthalates that pollute the air in your home. The scents of tea tree oil and eucalyptus make natural cleaners effective in eliminating nasty odors instead of covering them up.
Ditching regular household cleaning products and laundry detergents will also benefit your skin. Without caustic, skin-irritating ingredients like bleach, dyes, and synthetic fragrances, your skin will be healthier, and anyone with sensitive skin will notice a significant improvement.
Household Benefits
Regular cleaning ingredients are irritating not only to people but also to furniture and other household surfaces like wood floors. Repeated use of harsh chemicals on polished wood surfaces deteriorates them, which means your furniture and decor will not last as long. Switching to natural cleaners ensures your home is spotless without reducing any item's lifespan . A small investment for big-time savings!
Environmental Benefits
Avoiding the use of regular cleaners prevents harmful chemicals from harming the environment as well. With natural ingredients, anything that gets washed down the drain does not impact the environment. And in most cases, the materials used to package the natural cleaners are reusable and recyclable.
Many natural cleaning products are all-purpose cleaning sprays and solutions that eliminate the need to spend excessive amounts on multiple regular cleaners with their own specific uses. So, you will be spending less money and contributing less to waste. Each of these environmental benefits helps you reduce your carbon footprint, increasing your positive impact on the earth.
Discover the Simple Magic of Natural Household Cleaning Products
If you're ready to ditch your regular household cleaners for natural ones, check out Momo's Secrets and discover the benefits of our Simply Magic cleaning products. Whether you're looking for a plant-based kitchen cleaner or an all-purpose cleaning spray, our cleaner and deodorizing products are your one-stop-shop solution for all your cleaning needs, eliminating the need for multiple cleaners.
Our products contain just four ingredients -- 100% plant-based, germ-removing herbs, tough on dirt and grime, but gentle on surfaces, including the skin. Our cleaners are formulated with eucalyptus, tea tree, and peppermint oils, naturally eliminating any nasty odors and leaving behind a refreshing and invigorating scent. All products are packaged in reusable / recyclable bottles, transforming your home and the environment so you can feel happier and healthier knowing you are making a difference in the world.
