Green Alternatives to Household Cleaning Products

There has been a rising concern over the past few years, regarding the high costs and the chemicals contained in household cleaning agents. Some of these chemicals can be quite harmful to human health and the environment. Although these regular household cleaning agents are very effective, some of their ingredients may cause skin rashes, headaches, and respiratory problems and so on. In fact, a recent study of these products showed that un-born and newly born babies exposed to products such as air fresheners and bleaching products, on a daily basis, have a very high likelihood of developing asthma, wheezing and other lung related illnesses.

With this in mind, it is advisable for one to use alternative household cleaning agents. Such agents have little or no chemicals, yet they do the same job. As a matter of fact, all these agents are easy to get and they are also economical. They include:

Surface cleaner

Germs have a certain pH level. If this pH level is changed using an alkaline or acidic solution, one can eradicate these germs because they cannot survive in the new Ph level. One can make a multi-purpose cleaning mixture to eradicate germs using hot water, lemon juice, vinegar and baking powder.

Dishwasher powder

Almost all dishwashing detergents contain phosphates, which are very harmful chemicals when released into the environment. In addition, these phosphates encourage the growth of algae in lakes and ponds and consequently they endanger the life of pond species. One can make a natural dishwashing agent by using borax, baking soda and maybe a little citric acid.

Silver polish

When polishing heirlooms, one does not have to use expensive products, as a clean piece of cloth and toothpaste will do.

Air fresheners

A majority of air fresheners are known to cause respiratory problems and headaches. Therefore, one is advised to avoid using them, if possible. One of the most popular remedies for air fresheners is bicarbonate soda, as it is a powerful absorbent. Some people uses spray bottles filled with water and a few drop of natural essential oils such as vanilla, lavender and tea tree. In addition, one can bring a plant into the home or chop some fruit and put them in a saucepan covered with water.

Washing powder

One of the best alternatives to washing powders is eco-laundry balls. These balls not only soften the water, but they also reduce allergic reactions.