Keep clean with non-toxic, eco-friendly cleaning products
Cleanliness is currently at the forefront of everyone’s mind, with the country doing their best to stay sanitised and avoid illnesses. However, many people don’t realise just how toxic the common household products are to us - not to mention babies and pets.
As a result, cleaning experts at PriceYourJob.co.uk have provided information about the dangers of our favourite toxic household products and the eco-friendly, non-toxic replacements we can use to avoid them.
There are many common household products that can be toxic to us and our family, particularly children and pets as they can unknowingly digest cleaning products that are lying around the home.
Cleaning products can be especially dangerous, and it’s important to understand which products can put your health at risk. Now that we’ve become more environmentally conscious as a society; there are a vast number of chemical-free and eco-friendly alternatives to choose from. Choosing non-toxic products can create a safer home for you and your loved ones.
Common Toxic Household Products
Here is a list of toxic items which are commonplace in any home and need to be aware of:
- Antifreeze
- Bleach
- Toilet cleaner
- Drain cleaner
- Air fresheners
- All-purpose cleaner spray
Chemical Free and Eco-friendly Products
Now we’ve listed some common toxic products that are likely to in your home; it wouldn’t be fair not to give you some non-toxic alternatives, right?
1. Non-Toxic Antifreeze
There is such thing as non-toxic antifreeze, and one example is Starbrite antifreeze. It can be used in all engines and even drinking water systems (for example, caravan water systems) and contains non-toxic ingredients.
2. Non-Toxic Air Freshener
There is a range of non-toxic air fresheners on the market, including Nu-Eco air freshener. It’s hypoallergenic, contains no aerosols and is made from 100% natural ingredients. You can also invest in oil burner or candles as an alternative.
3. Non-Toxic All-purpose Cleaner Alternatives
Non-toxic, all-purpose cleaners are actually very common, and you can find them on most supermarket shelves. Method multi-purpose cleaners are just as good as toxic, standard cleaners, but they’re made from non-toxic, natural ingredients, including coconut and corn. Method have a large variety of cleaners, including polish and hand soap.
Lemons and vinegar are a great, natural cleaner and can be diluted with water and put in a spray bottle as an all-purpose cleaner alternative.
4. Non-toxic Toilet Cleaner
Ecover has a large range of cleaning and laundry products, including plant-based toilet cleaner made entirely from minerals and plants; which are biodegradable and better for our water-systems.
5. Non-Toxic Drain Cleaner Alternative
Instead of using drain cleaner, you can use home remedies such as lemons and baking soda (1 cup of baking soda to 1 cup of lemon juice), which work just as well at keeping drains clean, but also as a natural and non-toxic alternative.
6. Non-Toxic Bleach Alternatives
Yes, there’s even a non-toxic version of bleach on the market, and it’s called Oxygen Bleach! It’s hypoallergenic, biodegradable and septic tank friendly and a very effective, safer alternative to standard bleach.
Vinegar and baking soda can be used as a bleach alternative and is fantastic at getting rid of unwanted, tough stains.
But what are the risks of these toxic household products?
Antifreeze
Antifreeze is made from a harmful substance called ethylene glycol. If ingested unintentionally, it could cause major damage to the body’s organs, including the kidneys, brain, and heart. If someone inhales antifreeze by mistake, it’s not as hazardous, but it can still make you feel dizzy.
Bleach
Bleach is a corrosive substance that can cause havoc with the respiratory system if it’s even inhaled. If it gets spilt on the skin by mistake, it can irritate and even burn the skin in some instances. If bleach is ingested, it can cause vomiting and in more severe cases, coma and pulmonary oedema. Bleach is extremely hazardous, yet most household will have it in their cupboards.
Toilet Cleaner
Standard toilet cleaner can be extremely acidic and corrosive and can irritate and burn the skin and eyes.
Drain Cleaner
Drain cleaners are one of the most dangerous substances to have in your home and ingesting the smallest amount can cause severe issues with the stomach and throat and can even lead to death.
Air Fresheners
A lot of air fresheners contain formaldehyde, which is a strong, carcinogenic ingredient that can irritate the eyes, skin, and throat. Air freshers contain other unsafe chemicals which can lead to pulmonary oedema or nervous system damage in some individuals who are susceptible to chemicals.
All-purpose Cleaner Spray
The all-purpose cleaners, including kitchen cleaner and bathroom cleaner, are the main offenders on this list as they’re the most regularly used and most contain hazardous toxins that can affect your household’s health.
There is a growing market for non-toxic alternatives and next time you’re doing a weekly shop, check the labels of cleaning products to make sure they’re safe and non-toxic.
