Sadly, most modern household cleaning products rely on petrochemicals.
Floor cleaners and polishes emit aromatic vapors from petroleum distillates.
And chemicals like butyl cellosolve, the main ingredient in Windex, are directly
linked to global warming petrochemicals.
Why are natural cleaning products better?
Natural cleaning products are better because of their positive effect on the environment and our own health.
Petrochemicals are chemicals derived from fossil fuels, most often from
petroleum, and sometimes from coal or natural gas. If all of us make simple
choices like choosing products without petrochemicals, then our shopping
choices can help to reduce our impact on global warming.
In addition to their effects on the environment, some household cleaning
products are downright dangerous to your health. Paint strippers contain the
petrochemical methylene chloride, which is toxic to the cardiovascular system
and has been known to cause fatal heart attacks. Dishwashing soap detergents
are made with prime petroleum distillates like ethylene oxide, which is known to
cause cancer.
What cleaning products are eco friendly?
The greenest carbon-neutral products sold today are made by companies such
as Aubrey Organics, Begley’s Best, Dr. Bronner’s, Earth Friendly, Ecover, and
Seventh Generation. You’ll find these brands at natural product supermarkets
like Whole Foods Market and Wild Oats, as well as at thousands of health food
retailers.
How to make sustainable cleaning product?
You can make your own effective cleaning products, too. One of the safest
cleaning and disinfectant formulas are easily made by mixing 2 teaspoons of
borax, 4 tablespoons of distilled white vinegar, and 3 to 4 cups of hot water.
Pour the mixture into a refillable spray bottle. For stronger cleaning power, add
1/4 teaspoon of liquid soap.
A good homemade formula for removing bathtub and shower mildew is to
make a paste from baking soda and water. Pour a cup of baking soda into a
large bowl, add water and stir until the mixture reaches the consistency of a
paste. Use a hard-bristled brush for general mildew removal and a hard-bristled
toothbrush for removing mildew in between tiles.
A stronger multi-purpose household cleaner can be made with liquid soap and
trisodium phosphate (TSP). Once again, you will need a refillable spray bottle.
Mix 1 teaspoon of liquid soap, 1 teaspoon of TSP, 1 teaspoon of borax, 1
a teaspoon of distilled white vinegar, and 1 quart of warm water. This formula is
effective against both grease and mildew. Be sure to use TSP only when it is
diluted and wear latex gloves when mixing the formula.
Erzsebet Frey (Eli Frey) is an ecologist and online entrepreneur with a Master of Science in Ecology from the University of Belgrade. Originally from Serbia, she has lived in Sri Lanka since 2017. Eli has worked internationally in countries like Oman, Brazil, Germany, and Sri Lanka. In 2018, she expanded into SEO and blogging, completing courses from UC Davis and Edinburgh. Eli has founded multiple websites focused on biology, ecology, environmental science, sustainable and simple living, and outdoor activities. She enjoys creating nature and simple living videos on YouTube and participates in speleology, diving, and hiking.