Let’s start with a surprising fact; did you know that only around 7% of cleaning products in America disclose their contents? Allow that fact to sink in for a minute. Only 7% of all of the cleaning products available on the market actually list what they’re made of.
Isn’t that enough to make you worried?
Let’s go a step further and talk about the ingredients they do actually use. Did you know that well-known carcinogens (this essentially means cancer-causing) such as formaldehyde are used in cleaning products? Even suspected carcinogens like chloroform are used and they’ll end up polluting your air more quickly than you might think.
It all sounds like a huge scare (and it should be!) but we’re going to be more practical and realistic by offering up some more convincing reasons why you should make the switch to natural cleaning products.
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It helps the environment
Green cleaning products help the environment because none of the toxic ingredients can affect the planet and they are all biodegradable. For instance, if you wash your car or patio with toxic cleaners, it can seep into your drains and even your soil, causing permanent damage to the environment.
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It keeps indoor air clean
With no toxic chemicals in your cleaning products that you spray around, your indoor air will be clean, fresh and much easier to breathe.
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It makes cleaning easier
Natural cleaning products have multiple purposes so you don’t need to bring out several different bottles when cleaning the house. You can also simply make a batch of homemade cleaner to wash your windows, clean the bath and kitchen stove at the same time!
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It helps you save money
Natural cleaning products are surprisingly affordable now. For example, a large all-purpose cleaner can be had for around the same price as a well-known brand, and you can find it on CleanHappens.com. Even if you don’t buy any natural cleaning products, you could always make your own with readily available ingredients from a store.
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It protects your home
Cleaning products often contain toxins that are flammable and can be dangerous when mixed with chemicals from other cleaners. Even your pets could be harmed if you’re not careful with the cleaners you use.
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It helps your kids
If your kids suffer from respiratory problems like asthma then switching to natural products will help them breathe more easily at home. You’ll also become an environmentally-friendly parent role model to your kids and have an easier time encouraging others to do the same.
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You know what’s going in them
Lastly, knowing exactly what goes into your cleaning products is far better than guessing or even not being able to see what people are putting into your cleaning products.
Making the switch to green cleaning products will be one of the smartest things you can do this year. With more and more natural cleaning products being put on shelves and more homemade solutions being made popular, there’s no excuse not to use natural cleaning products anymore!
The Takeaway on Natural Cleaning Products
As an asthma sufferer, I have enjoyed using natural products in my home (whenever possible) for years! Some of my favorites are:
- white vinegar
- baking soda
- orange essential oil (to leave a lovely fragrance)
- and sturdy microfiber cloths
I’ve found that there’s really not much I can’t clean without these ingredients! Have a happy DIY day.
Despite freelancing to make a living, her love is "all things home."
Deborah grew up in a family that grew a large vegetable garden and a fruit orchard, helping her parents pull weeds and can home-grown foods as part of her childhood. In fact, she had no idea that she could purchase veggies and fruits in pre-packed steel cans until she went to college and made a food run.
Today, she lives in Bertie County, North Carolina, an agricultural rural area with more chickens than people. She lives with her husband and two rescue pets a sweet toy fox terrier and a cat who showed up one day and moved into the house. Together, they enjoy DIY projects, furniture refinishing, gardening, and canning.
This blog celebrates all things home.
