Did you know that a lot of nasty chemicals accumulate in ordinary dust? Yes, even if you try to reduce your plastic use and shop consciously, most homes still have computers, TVs, phones, and cables that can release flame retardants and other chemicals. When examining dust more closely, researchers have found not only hair, skin flakes, and dust mites but also flame retardants, phthalates, and bisphenol A. Cozy, right? The best way to protect ourselves from these chemicals is to clean and keep our homes tidy. Vacuum (with a HEPA filter as close to 100 as you can find), wet wipe, and air out your home! If you want to keep your home free from these horrors, you can also choose to switch to eco-cleaning instead of buying conventional cleaning products. Eco-cleaning is both cheaper and more fun. But above all, you avoid a lot of harmful chemicals hiding in cleaning products. Choosing eco-cleaning is not only good for your health, it's also a very good deed for the environment!
10 cleaning products you should avoid
If you have conventional cleaning products at home, be sure to carefully read the information on the packaging, look for hazard symbols, and follow the instructions! Always use gloves and other protective equipment recommended when working with the product, such as safety goggles or natural rubber cleaning gloves. Always tighten the cap on the bottle when you're done and store the products in their original packaging – preferably locked in a cabinet out of reach of children! Call 112 and ask for Poison Information if someone has ingested or been exposed to something that could be corrosive.
1. Common laundry detergents
Laundry detergents for clothes often come in powder or liquid form. These can be irritating to the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract. Be extra careful if the products are concentrated. Above all, avoid perfumed laundry detergents. Synthetic fragrances can contain hundreds of chemicals derived from the petroleum industry as well as phthalates that can disrupt reproductive function. Phthalates are primarily used as softeners in plastics and rubber but also as solvents in fragrances and pesticides. Choose saponin-based detergents instead of surfactant-based ones. Saponin can be found in washing nuts, for example. You can also switch to an ecological laundry detergent that is just as effective as conventional ones.
2. Fabric Softener
Fabric softener is the last chemical your clothes are exposed to before the wash is complete, and it often remains in the textiles. Since these textiles lie against our skin and can be absorbed, the chemicals eventually enter our bloodstream. All products containing water, such as fabric softeners, need to contain preservatives to prevent mold growth and deterioration. Many of these preservatives are toxic to aquatic organisms and can disrupt the biological treatment of our wastewater. Instead, use a little vinegar as a fabric softener and add a few drops of essential oil if you want fragrance.
3. Cleaning Products
This category includes all-purpose cleaners and liquid cleaning products that contain synthetic surfactants, fragrances, and unnecessary colorants. These become especially irritating to our lungs because there's a high risk of inhaling the small droplets when you spray the product. They can also irritate skin and eyes. They often contain surfactants that dissolve grease and dirt by reducing the surface tension of water, as well as petroleum products that are both difficult to break down and toxic to all aquatic life. The synthetic surfactants can also smell a bit unpleasant. That's why fragrance is often added to cleaning products. Instead, choose soap or environmentally certified dish soap or cleaning products.
4. Window Cleaner
Window cleaner contains synthetic surfactants, fragrances, and unnecessary colorants just like all-purpose cleaners. These become easy to inhale when you spray the product, which irritates lungs, eyes, and skin. Instead, you can mix your own window cleaner with this recipe consisting of vinegar, water, and dish soap.
5. Dishwasher Detergent
Dishwasher detergents are especially risky because they are highly concentrated. Additionally, many are packaged in a microfilm that releases microplastics into our oceans when it dissolves. These microplastics are eaten by fish, and then we eat the fish. Choose environmentally certified dishwasher detergent without plastic film instead.
6. Descaling Agents
Descaling agents are also highly concentrated and therefore especially risky. Choose vinegar instead, which is a natural water softener.
7. Oven Cleaners
Potassium and sodium hydroxide are examples of alkaline substances that can be found in oven cleaning products. They are also called caustic soda and are highly corrosive. Since oven cleaners are highly concentrated, extra caution is required. Instead, choose soap and follow the instructions on Morotsliv.
8. Chlorine Bleach
Chlorine bleach contains sodium hypochlorite, which is an alkaline substance that is highly corrosive and has a very high pH. It is highly irritating and can cause chemical burns if it comes in contact with skin or eyes. Instead, choose sodium percarbonate which naturally bleaches thanks to hydrogen peroxide and oxygen.
9. Drain Cleaners
Drain cleaners are extremely corrosive and can quickly cause serious and permanent chemical burns to the mouth, esophagus, eyes, and skin. Every year, children and adults receive hospital treatment due to injuries caused by drain cleaners containing sodium or potassium hydroxide, also known as caustic soda or lye.
At Morotsliv, you can find a recipe for a milder but effective version of drain cleaner using vinegar and bicarbonate or sodium carbonate.
10. Air Fresheners
Air fresheners are products you inhale. Synthetic fragrances contain many substances that disrupt our reproductive health, harm the environment, and more. Instead, choose natural fragrances and scent sprays. If you want to save money and learn more about eco-cleaning, there's a highly appreciated web course on how to get started with eco-cleaning!
