When it comes to detoxing, there’s more to it than just raiding the pantry for those salt and vinegar chips and processed crackers. We often think about detoxing our bodies, but detoxing your home from harmful chemicals is equally important. Our intentions may be pure when we think about buying a brand that kills “99.9% of germs,” but have you ever thought about the effects of that “clean smell?”
“Home and office cleaners, ironically, can be some of the most toxic items around, filled with harsh, carcinogenic and hormone-disrupting chemicals,” writes Amie Valpone of TheHealthyApple.com in her book, Eating Clean. “Antibacterial cleaners? Even worse. It’s almost as though they are working to undermine our immune systems.”
According to a Wall Street Journal article, the most commonly used chemical found in antibacterial cleansers, triclosan, has been under separate review for years. Research has shown that it can “interfere with hormones and cause changes in thyroid, reproductive growth, and developmental antibacterials.” There’s also additional research suggesting that antibacterials are contributing to the creation of “superbugs.”
It’s a scary thought that we’re spending our hard-earned money on products that we believe are keeping our families safe, but could actually be harmful to them. “The best thing to do is ask: What works for you?” said Valpone. “Is it better to have a toxic surface cleaner or not? We want our houses to be clean, but it’s also important to make sure that we’re getting what we need for our bodies.”
Non-Toxic Cleaners
If making your own cleaner sounds exhausting, try and look for products that are free of perfumes, phosphates, acids, etc. For example, Dr. Brommer’s Castille Soap is a vegetable-based soap, instead of a harsh blend of detergents and possibly no soap at all, and is a great alternative. According to their website, it can be used for everything from bathing to shaving, plus washing dishes, doing laundry, all-purpose cleaning, and even controlling dust mites. Not only will it save you money (those $2.99 bottles can quickly add up when you’re purchasing five of them for different uses around the house), but it can also help get you one step closer to a healthier home.
For those looking to play around with their own homemade concoctions, below is an easy swap for an all purpose cleaner that Valpone suggests in her book, as well as one of my favorite ways to make the house smell amazing. Many of the ingredients you may find at home and honestly, once I started switching (gradually) to homemade cleaners (with the help of Dr. Brommer’s), I realized that my home was actually cleaner than before. It even smelled better thanks to fresh lemon and invigorating citrus.
All Purpose Cleaner Ideas from Eating Clean
Peel 3 large oranges and place the orange peels in a quart-size mason jar. Fill the jar three-quarters full with distilled white vinegar; put the lid on and let sit for two weeks. Then pour the mixture into a spray bottle or dip your towel into the liquid and use it to clean. Your house will smell amazing.
Classic Homemade Air Freshener
Peel some of your favorite citrus (for the summer) or cinnamon and warming spices (for the winter and fall), add to a pot of simmering water on the stove-top. Let simmer for a few hours, keeping an eye on it in case additional water needs to be added. It’s the perfect all natural, family friendly, and super easy air freshener!
Hero (Top) Feature Image: © Syda Productions / Adobe Stock
Additional Images Courtesy: Melissa Beveridge / Best of NJ
Melissa Beveridge is a 200 hour registered yoga teacher, certified integrative health coach, aspiring gardener, and writer in Monmouth County. She’s passionate about sharing her lifestyle and combining her love of food, health, and wellness into her writing. Follow her adventures through New Jersey at MBeeWell.com.You can also find her on Twitter @MBeeWell, and on Instagram @mbeewell.
