Want an easy tip for healthier cleaning?
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30 January 2019
Open a window or turn on a fan. Cleaning can kick up dust that isn't good for you to inhale and cleaning products can lower indoor air quality.
you'll look at your kitchen basics in a whole new way
We're familiar with the fact that many green and non-toxic cleaners might be out of your budget or that you'd rather spend that extra money on something fun or delicious. Plus if you have kids, getting them to help in the cleaning routine is a lot easier when you know the products you're using won't be damaging their sensitive skin or lungs. Well, the good news is that you can make some really awesome DIY cleaners that are non-toxic, healthy, and good at doing what they are supposed to do for a fraction of what even traditional cleaners cost. If you need some supplies like spray bottles and scrub brushes, we've put together a great list of DIY cleaning supplies.
We have 2 recipes for DIY all purpose cleaners that we love. Honestly, we love the white vinegar and water one cause it's so easy to remember and no measuring spoons are needed. Sometimes people don't like the smell of vinegar, but we swear it disappears as soon as you wipe and it's dry. Also, maybe it's a vinegary smell isn't that bad when compared to potentially harmful chemicals and weird synthetic fragrances. You can also add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to mask the smell. Some favorites are peppermint or eucalyptus. Also, if you have some citrus peels around, you can toss those in instead of essential oils and let them hang out in the cleaner for a while, and they have the same effect.
One of our 6 tips for healthier cleaning is that you don't have to disinfect everything all the time, but for when you do need to disinfect (like when someone is sick or you are cooking with raw chicken), we suggest using something that is effective and safe for your lungs too.
Cleaning the toilet is probably everyone's least favorite household task, but somebody's gotta do it. And, actually, doing it on a more regular basis makes it easier and not as gross. For the seat and tank, use our DIY all purpose vinegar and water cleaner. For the toilet bowl here are 3 DIY bathroom cleaner suggestions.
If you're trying to get stains out, we suggest using baking soda. If things are really gross, do the hydrogen peroxide. For just basic cleaning, you can stick with the straight up vinegar.
If your windows aren't really that dirty, just use water and a microfiber cloth to wipe clean. Honestly, microfiber cloths are amazing, and you'll be surprised at how much they can do without any products. For when you really need a DIY glass cleaner that isn't some funky shade of blue, we like this recipe.
When the floors are really dirty (I'm talking muddy dog, food throwing toddler) use the Sals Suds or liquid soap solution to really mop up that grease and dirt. If things have been more mellow around the house, use the vinegar solution. We've heard that using the vinegar on hardwood floors is not problem, but you should check what type of finish your floors have, and do a test sample somewhere out of sight just to be sure.
This is a great DIY mold and milder cleaner or a grout cleaner. It's great to use when you're doing a deep clean.
Want to clean your home in a "green" and non-toxic way, but don't know where to start?
Sometimes when you look around your dirty messy house, it can be so hard to know where to start. Well, we've thought of everything, so you don't have to! And even if you've got a cleaning routine down, sometimes you just need a checklist so that you can feel good about checking off some boxes! So, throw on your favorite playlist and use this list for a safe, healthy, and clean home.
Don't forget to pick up our recommended all purpose cleaners, kitchen, bathroom, and floor cleaners, or use our favorite DIY recipes. We also have an in-depth kitchen cleaning guide and an in-depth bathroom cleaning guide if you want to dig deeper. Also, if you are lucky enough to have someone who cleans your home for you- be that your roommate, your SO, or a professional- pass along this checklist to make sure all your bases are covered. We even have a version in Spanish if it's helpful for you.
While it's staying in higher levels of the sky in places like New York, if the small particles of dust get into the air you breathe, which is more likely for those of us in California, it can cause respiratory issues and symptoms like a sinus infection.
Look for weather warnings, stay inside when you can (maybe no morning runs outside this week), and be sure to dust your windowsills - with a damp microfiber cloth is best! Even with your windows closed, dust can sneak in and settle on small ledges.
We also want to take a second to say thank you to all of the first responders who are working to contain and put out all the wildfires burning across the country. We appreciate everything they are doing to protect us and our natural resources.
@gettyimages
We all want our homes to be a safe, healthy, and clean place for ourselves and the ones we love. Fortunately, there are some simple changes you can make that will make a big difference.
This lowers allergens and removes dust, which is a common place for toxins to accumulate. Don't forget about the window sills because this is a common place for dust from air pollution to settle - and it often gets overlooked.
The microfibers are so powerful that they act like a magnet for even the smallest, most microscopic dirt particles. They work so well that often you don't even need to use a cleaning product with them- just use them dry or with a little water. Bonus - they don't leave streaks on window or glass. If you are looking for something with a little more reach than just your arm span, you can find a variety of microfiber dusters (with a handle) at hardware stores or online.
A HEPA filter basically catches and removes dust and small particles, instead of blowing them back out into the room. It's also much better for people living with allergies or asthma. Pro tip: Make sure the vacuum bag or container is not completely full to make sure you don't lose suction power.
See our guide to making your own safe and effective cleaners or roundups of safe products you can buy.
Cleaning can kick up dust that isn't good for you to inhale and cleaning products can lower indoor air quality.
You don't need to disinfect everything all the time. It's usually unnecessary and is actually bad for your health (think superbugs!). This doesn't mean you shouldn't disinfect sometimes. The best rule of thumb is to disinfect if there is a particularly yucky mess, especially in the kitchen from things like meat or eggs, or if someone is sick. If someone is sick, be sure to disinfect surfaces that get touched a lot, like doorknobs, light switches, remote controls, and faucets, to prevent others from getting sick. Our favorite disinfectant is just hydrogen peroxide from the store.
We're not trying to get all Martha Stewart on you for no reason. When it comes to cleaning, we want to make sure that we're getting rid of dirt, grease, dust, hair, as well as toxics that we track into our home or that get released from products in our home. But, many household cleaners have chemicals and other ingredients that aren't needed and can make us sick. Scientists know that many chemicals in cleaning products cause cancers, asthma, allergies, birth defects, developmental problems, and fertility problems. In particular, harsh chemicals, including bleach, have well documented negative impacts on air quality in the home. For women who use cleaning products regularly, scientists have shown that it is as damaging as smoking 20 cigarettes a day.(1) That's right, 20, or about a pack a day! A little bit of damage to the airways day after day, year after year really adds up.
Here's a shopping list of basic supplies to get you started!
Taking the plunge and buying a house? You obviously weren't taken down by the avocado toast trend stealing all your hard earned moola. As you walk through potential homes we have 10 environmental health suggestions for things to look, smell, listen, and maybe even taste for.
Remembering to look at all of these things can be tough, and there are some you probably can't do alone. We recommend you get a home inspection. A lot about these things can be revealed by a home inspection when it is done well. If you have specific concerns, talk to the inspector and ask if they can pay special attention to those as well. They are trained professionals who know exactly what to look for in the home, and might find something you weren't aware of. This doesn't have to be a deal breaker, but it might mean you do some negotiating before you sign the final paperwork.
Lead is bad. I think it's safe to say everyone is comfortable with that fact. Although it's bad and we all know it, it's still all over the world. And even if as a society we are using it in fewer products than ever, it still has ways of getting into things we eat, drink, and breathe. This is because the lead that we used in paint 45 years ago is still there. And, the lead that was added to gasoline has spread throughout the country and settled into the dirt. All of these tiny amounts of lead still can add up to some bigger consequences for both kids and adults, like cardiovascular disease, miscarriages, delayed growth in children, impaired kidney function, anemia, cataracts, and nervous system problems like reduced brain function, just to name a few. (1)
So, with lead still out and about in the places we spend our time, it's good to know a few handy tips for limiting how often we come into contact with it and accidentally let it into our homes and bodies.
Use a doormat and take your shoes off as you walk in the door. This is the easiest tip on the list, and one that makes a pretty big difference. Not completely convinced, read this article for more information about why taking your shoes off at the door makes such a big difference.
Wet mop your floors more often. Wet mopping is good for removing lead dust because it actually picks up the dust and traps it, instead of just spreading it to different places like dusting or vacuuming can do. The lead that we come into contact with today is often in the form of dust, so finding effective ways to remove dust is one of the best ways to limit how much lead we come into contact with. (2)
Wipe tables, windowsills, and all other flat surfaces with a wet microfiber cloth. (3) Similar to mopping, wet microfiber cloths are like dust magnets. They are great at collecting even tiny specks of dust, and then you can toss them into the washing machine before you use them again. Also, bonus, you can get a big pack of them on Amazon for less than $12. Dust away to your heart's content.
Only use cold water from your tap when you are cooking, drinking, and making baby formula. (3) Hot water is more likely to have higher levels of lead from the pipes in your home and is better at pulling the lead from the pipes. Also, consider getting your water tested and buying a water filter that can filter out lead (Pur, Brita, and ZeroWater all have filters that can remove lead).
Wash your hands, and your kids hands, before you eat and after you do anything outside in the dirt. (2) There are many places throughout the country where lead has collected in the soil. So, if you, or more likely your kids, are playing in the dirt, make sure to wash hands as soon as you are done. (3) Also, try to find sand boxes or other play areas for your kiddos that aren't just bare soil. This will help reduce the risk of there being lead in the dirt.
Throw your kids teddy bear or other soft toys through a cycle in the washing machine. (2) Just like other soft surfaces, teddy bears and soft toys collect dust, and some kids like to put them in their mouth. Washing them every once in a while will help limit the amount of dust they hold on to, and is probably just good for the toys anyway. While you're at it, it might be a good idea to wipe down some of the other toys too. Can't hurt.
1) https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/csem/csem.asp?csem=34&po=10
Everyone wants clean and shiny windows a mirrors. Sometimes, just a damp microfiber cloth is enough, but sometimes you need a little true cleaning power. In those cases, grab one of these glass cleaners, and you can feel safe knowing they won't spray chemicals all over your home.
a) Citrasolv Window and Glass Cleaner b) ECOS Window Cleaner c) GreenShield Organic Glass Cleaner d) Honest Company Glass and Window Cleaner e) Method Glass and Surface Cleaner f) Simple Green Naturals Glass and Surface Cleaner g) Stoner Premium Invisible Glass Cleaner h) Whole Foods Market Glass Cleaner
We rely on EWG's consumer databases, the Think Dirty App, and GoodGuide in addition to consumer reviews and widespread availability of products to generate these recommendations. Learn more on our methodology page.
*Because Health is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program so that when you click through our Amazon links, a percentage of the proceeds from your purchases will go to Because Health. We encourage you to shop locally, but if you do buy online buying through our links will help us continue the critical environmental health education work we do. Our participation does not influence our product recommendations. To read more about how we recommend products, go to our methodology page.