Springs in the air & so is fresh cleaning home
After long winter months of having are home close up building dust, dirt and other debris its calls for some spring cleaning . For this I think Spring cleaning shouldn’t mean choking on cleaning fumes or burning your eyes and skin. But sadly, we can be exposed to a number of chemicals during are spring cleaning through common cleaning products or home materials that contain dangerous or questionable chemicals, such as:
- Ammonium chloride found in toilet bowl cleaners or deodorizers are permanently corrosive to the eyes.
- Aliphatic petroleum solvent found in carpet cleaners is a neurotoxin, damaging the nervous system.
- Crystalline sillica in many popular cleaners is a carcinogen, eye, skin and lung irritant.
- Tripropylene glycol monomethyl ether found in floor cleaners, waxes and polishes has been linked to narcosis and kidney failure.
- Asbestos is a toxic found in area of home including pipes, roof, insulation, floor tiles, siding that can release airborne toxic that can be harmful and cause Mesothelioma a type of lung cancer.
Many healthy organizations has been bring high awareness about some of the toxic chemicals that we can be expose too in recent publish articles & research about chemicals found in are home including ones mention above that can be found in are home & commercial cleaning products that can be a danger to area healthy both short & long term . The mesothelioma Asbestos Awareness Center have been bringing the attention about these chemicals to the public and science research special on ” Asbestos”. Got a chance to discuss this topic in connections with spring cleaning with MAACenter communications Specialist . Mentioning that many people are not aware of hiding toxins in their home & for this the MAACenter states that “bringing awareness & education to the public is key for prevention”. Specially on hiding chemical know as Asbestos, know to cause mesothelimoa, a rare & aggressive cancer. It is common found in piping, insulation, floor tiles, siding and roofs of homes . The asbestos is only harmful when disrupted & airborne, so it important to keep a eye on areas that it could be special when cleaning these area’s . Thanks to MAACenter for brings public awareness about this hiding toxic and taking the steps to guide the public about chemical safety . Read more information about this hiding toxic and how to prevent been exposed at Mesothelioma Asbestos Awareness Center .
Spring cleaning should refresh us, not make us sick!
That’s why the following spring cleaning tips will help you accomplish your goal in a safe, non-toxic way. In this post I will share with you some safe home tips and Eco DIY cleaning recipes.
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Spring Cleaning Basic Safety Tips
Work From The Top Down
This spring cleaning tip is a must. The last thing you want to do is dust the table, then dust the wall or window only to find you need to dust the table again. By working from the top down, you’ll save time, energy and resources by not repeating tasks.
Make it Fun
Spring cleaning is about renew and enjoying the warm weather ! Create a playlist of must that you love to put you in great spring mood. To keep you up beat while cleaning away your home . So go have a clean dance party .
Do your research
Do your research on safety & use of any cleaning product . Its important to use any giving product correctly for this its important to read the direction on using any product and the safety of using it in combinations other products that can create a chemical dangers to you & your home .
Natural or non-natural can still be toxic
Treat natural cleaning products with the same caution as you would with any commercial products. Use gloves and other precaution when using any cleaners. For safe always open a window when mixing homemade cleaners or using other cleaning products .
Use mild cleaning products when possible
Most hard surface cleaning can be achieve with mild products, such as vinegar, baking soda or commercial products.
Use your Sense
Use your sense of touch, smell and taste to guide you away from chemicals that may be leaking from a old product bottle or from a area on your home like gas , mold and other toxic’s like Asbestos found in roof , pipes. Bottom line is to keep your sense alerts to keep you from potential toxic exposures.
Read Labels
Reading labels to make sure you are using cleaning products for their intended purpose. Pay close attention to labels that contain the word ” CAUTION, “DANGEROUS” or ” WARNING”. These are more series in terms to let you know the care that should be used in using this giving product.
Take Special Care with food-Prep areas
Products designed to clean food surfaces must undergo safety and effectiveness testing for their intended uses. Its important to use products on your food preparation surfaces that are nontoxic.
Some mixtures can be deadly
NEVER mix products that contain beach or ammonia together. The mixture releases toxic gasses. Shop cleaning products that have a neutral pH, nonirritating, nonhazardous, biodegradable and low in volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Relax a bit about bacteria
Don’t over use antibacterial soaps instead consider using them to wash hands before and after handling raw food. Using plain soap and water is enough for clean hands . Over using antibacterial can cause skin dryness or irritation but also in the long term it may increases the risk of creating tougher, resistant bacteria.
Don’t clean with the kids or pets in the room
When you’re a parent, it’s tempting to multitask — to spray cleaner on the table while your baby is having snack. It’s much better to use household cleaners without your child or pet in the room. Make sure to ventilate it before your kid comes back in. Let your pet outdoor or in another room while doing household cleaning .
Recycle anything
What can we recycle? These days we can recycle almost anything. Check your local community recycle list to know which items can be recycle. Many items that are glass, plastic, paper, cardboard and electronics can be recycle and made into new items .
Donate Items
Nothing makes clutter-cleaning easy than knowing your household items , cloths, shoes are going to a great cause. That’s why donating is such a wonderful as it helps other people while freeing you of stuff you don’t need any more . Check your local church, or shelters or local family organizations for information in taking donations of use or new goods.
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Eco-Home Made Safe Cleaners Tips & Recipes
Best part of making your own cleaning products is that your using safe ingredients all in which are found right under your kitchen cabinet . It is also a money saving when looking at it in long term . Most important you control what ingredients you put into and expose your family.There are many inexpensive, easy alternatives which are safe and can be used in place of commercial cleaning products.
Some of the benefits of DIY home made Cleaning product
1.Many of the ingredients are found right in your kitchen cabinet . Must important you know their is no toxic chemicals. Here is a list of some common, environmental safe ingredients which can be used alone or in combination.
Baking soda – clean, deodorizes
Lemon juice – effective against most household bacteria.
White Vinegar– cuts grease, removes mildew, odors, some stains & wax build-up.
Cornstarch– can be used to clean windows, polish furniture, rugs.
2. You control the chemicals that you expose your self too while using them & cleaning with them .
3. Its inexpensive and cheap long term . Compare to buying a new bottle of commercial cleaning products every month can add up to big a big cost in the long run.
4. Most important the DIY cleaning products are safe for the whole family including your pets .
Tools & Ingredients your need :
Eco DIY cleaning is fun and helps to make cleaning safe for the whole family include your self . Now DIY home made cleaner can be made easy with no mess or guess how much to put of ingredients thanks to the founder of Cleaning Essentials Martha & Mike who created products made in mind that is effective and safe for their whole family .The cleaning essential spray bottle (photo above) has ready print recipes & measurement lines to tell you how much ingredient to add of each . Its one of my favorite tools for cleaning that is safe and Eco-friendly all around .
Many of the tools & ingredients can be found in your kitchen cabinet or at your local food store .
- Empty bottle : Cleaning Essentials has a great spray bottle with print recipes on the bottle making DIY cleaning easy & simple . Get it here : cleaningessentials.com
- Soft cloth
- Scrubber
- Measuring cups or teaspoons
- white vinegar
- baking soda
- Essential oils : Lavender great disinfecting for bathroom, Sweet Orange or lemon great for cutting grease in kitchen area.
- Water
- Alcohol
Easy Eco DIY Safe Cleaning Recipes
Clean Indoor air with Plants
Plants have been found to reduce indoor air pollution ! As plants helps to clean the air and provide more oxygen too. Many can be found at a local plant or garden shop and are easy to take care .
Plants to put indoors : Spider Plants , Snake plant , Peace lily, English ivy , Golden pathos, Bamboo or small palm trees .
Herbal antibacterial spray
Many essential oils have antibacterial benefits such as lavender and thyme . Making them great & safe ingredient to use as a natural disinfectants . Great for cleaning cutting boards after or for quick clean up .
Ingredients :
1 cup of water
20 drops of lavender essential oil
Direction: pour the water into a spray bottle. Add the lavender essential oil and shake to blend . Spray on surfaces and let it set for at least 15 minutes or don’t rise at all.
Glass Cleaner
Works great to clean windows & mirrors
Ingredients :
2 cups of water,
1/2 cup white or cider vinegar
1/2 cup rubbing alcohol
1 to 2 drops of essential oil , personally love sweet orange.
Directions : Combine ingredients in a spray bottle . Spray on paper towel or soft cloth, then wipe on to the glass.
Brass Cleaner
Great for bathroom , kitchen and much more .
Ingredients: white vinegar or lemon juice, Table salt
Directions : Dampen a sponge with vinegar or lemon juice, then sprinkle on salt. A lightly rub over surface. Rise thoroughly with water, then dry with a clean soft cloth.
Cleaning or Removing Mold & Mildew
When cleaning any mold or mildew make use to wear safe gear as gloves & face mask as this can be a dangers to healthy.
Ingredients : Vinegar or lemon juice
Directions : Apply vinegar or lemon juice into sponge or scrubby and scrub area.
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I hope you enjoy this informative post and the great tips for a Eco-safe spring cleaning home !
Thank You,
Yeiza aka Boho Chic Meets Organics
Betsy’s Brainfood
Boho Chic Meets Organic's 
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