A clean home is usually identified by lavish fragrant smells and odours. Be it the overpowering furniture polish aroma or the pleasant scent of laundry soap, they can be more toxic than they may seem. Furthermore, a study reveals that the toxins found in household cleaners can cause childhood obesity. In this article, we will have a look at the 5 toxic ingredients that are found in everyday products. Alongside, we will also discuss their safer alternatives.
1. Cleaning Wipes
Disinfectant cleaning wipes are associated with the cause of asthma. They comprise quaternary ammonium compounds that are reasons for skin allergies. Besides, they also irritate the respiratory tracks, cause birth defects, reproductive issues, and antimicrobial resistance. Not to forget that cleaning wipes are non-biodegradable which creates a negative impact on the environment.
Natural Alternative: Clothes diaper inserts are the best alternatives to cleaning wipes. This is because they are biodegradable, effective and can be reused multiple times.
2. Surface Cleaners
Surface cleaners that are very common in every home contain galactoside. This ingredient is an endocrine disruptor as well as a waterway contaminant. A study shows that extended exposure to galactoside causes cellular, genetic and tissue damage to zebra mussels. You can also find other toxic ingredients in cleaners like diethanolamine (DEA) and triethanolamine (TEA).
Natural Alternative: DIY all-purpose cleaners are a combination of household items that are effective yet non-toxic. For example, all you need for homemade cleaners are some distilled water, cuts of fresh herbs, scented essential oils and vinegar.
3. Toilet Bowl Cleaner
There are numerous advertisements that glorify the benefits of toilet bowl cleaners. However, no one talks about the negative impacts of the same. There are many products that contain eye and lung irritants. Besides, since these products directly go down the drain, they are highly toxic for plants and animals. Not to forget, they are extremely corrosive.
Natural Alternative: Baking soda is one of the oldest techniques to whiten and brighten a toilet. It is the most natural way to clean toilets without any toxic elements.
4. Laundry Detergent
If you didn’t know but laundry detergents often contain synthetic scents that are derived from petroleum. This is exactly why they’re considered to be highly toxic. Numerous studies indicate that there are dozens of toxins in some of the leading laundry soap brands. At the same time, these detergents find their way through the drains that reach plants and animals. If consumed, it can cause adverse health effects.
Natural Alternative: There are many DIY Homemade detergent recipes that you can find online today. Switching to homemade and natural products will benefit you in the long run.
5. Air Freshener
Air fresheners top the list for the most toxic products. Air fresheners work on ‘fragrance’ which can practically be anything since companies need not mention them in their labels. This is why fragrance can cause allergies or even trigger them. It also has harsh effects on the skin, waterways, and organic matter. A majority of the air fresheners comprise petrochemicals, aerosol pollutants, and more.
Natural Alternative: A safer alternative to air fresheners are essential oil diffusers. You can also try leaving out dry coffee grounds or baking soda that will absorb any bad odour.
The Bottom Line
Let’s face it: We are surrounded by everyday products with toxic ingredients. But, it is up to us how we choose to override them and switch to cleaner alternatives. This is not only beneficial in the long run but it also keeps our family safe from the toxic elements. Please do consider sharing this article. Also, drop in your comments and feedback.
