Household Chemicals
A Call for Safer Homes—Especially with Children
If you have young children, it is especially important to remove toxic products from your home immediately. No amount of dietary care or health maintenance can offset the potential harm from everyday poisonous substances. Fortunately, there are natural and effective alternatives for nearly every household product.
Replacing standard cleaning products with natural options not only improves your home environment but also protects your children’s health.
A Major Source of Pollution
Surprisingly, households contribute to 65% of national pollution. Don’t let the enormity of the issue discourage you—change starts at home. Teaching our children to use safer, more natural options is one of the most important lessons we can pass on.
Hazardous Chemicals and Natural Alternatives
The modern market is saturated with cleaning products that negatively impact health and the environment. Safer, simpler methods—like those used by our grandparents—can be just as effective without the risks. Baking soda and water make an excellent all-purpose cleaner, and borax is a powerful natural degreaser and whitener.
Simple Natural Cleaning Recipes (by Sandy Shields)
- Window Cleaner: Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 quart of warm water.
- Floor Cleaner: Mix 1 cup of vinegar with 2 gallons of water.
- Glass Coffee Pot Cleaner: Add crushed ice, salt, and sliced lemons to the pot and swirl until clean.
- Furniture Polish: Mix 1/4 cup vinegar with 3/4 cup oil (olive, vegetable, or lemon).
- Brass, Copper, and Pewter Cleaner: Mix equal parts salt and vinegar; thicken with flour.
- General Cleaner: Mix 4 tablespoons of baking soda in 1 quart of warm water, or apply dry baking soda with a damp sponge.
- Oven Cleaner: Use a paste of baking soda and vinegar.
- Drain Cleaner: Pour 1/2 cup baking soda followed by 1 cup vinegar down the drain. Let it sit 20 minutes, then flush with hot water.
- Woodwork Cleaner: Use cooled, brewed tea for a natural wood polish.
- Dusting Cloth: Re-use dryer sheets to dust surfaces.
- Toilet Bowl Cleaner: Drop a denture-cleaning tablet into the bowl and let it sit.
- Carpet Deodorizer: Sprinkle baking soda or cornstarch on the carpet and vacuum after 30 minutes.
- Aluminum Cleaner: Mix 2 tablespoons cream of tartar with 1 quart hot water.
- Tub and Tile Cleaner: Combine 1/4 cup baking soda with 1/2 cup white vinegar.
Choosing non-toxic cleaning alternatives is a small change that makes a lasting impact for your health, your family, and the planet.
Mark Colafranceschi, D.C. • Licensed Chiropractic Physician – Arizona License #009154 • Scottsdale, Arizona