When you pull out your cleaning products to tackle your cleaning chores, you might not notice the ominous warnings on the bottles. However, those little “cautions” are there for a reason: they warn you that the chemicals in the cleaning products are hazardous when not used properly.
If the idea of toxic chemicals in your home makes you nervous, you should consider the following nine reasons that it’s time to use eco-friendly cleaning products.
1. Keep your family healthier
Eco-friendly cleaning products are not just designed to protect the environment; they also protect your family and pets. Children and pets are more vulnerable to toxins in the air, which means you should always opt for products with low emissions and limit the amount of toxins you introduce into your home.
You can feel confident that your pets and little ones (not to mention yourself) will be healthier by avoiding the potential dangers of cleaning product toxins. Common symptoms caused by cleaning chemicals include:
- Coughing
- Sneezing
- Skin rashes
- Headaches
- Itchy, watery eyes
- Respiratory issues
Choosing natural cleaning products helps reduce exposure to toxins and severe reactions. Some of the main culprits include:
- Phthalates: Phthalates used in products, like dish soaps, can damage the liver, kidneys, lungs, and reproductive system.
- Tetrachloroethylene: Also known as perchloroethylene, tetrachloroethylene is a carcinogen known to irritate the eyes, skin, nose, throat, and respiratory system, as well as potentially cause liver damage.
- Triclosan: Triclosan can affect thyroid hormone metabolism and also contribute to the development of asthma, allergies, and eczema in children exposed to antibacterial compounds early in life.
2. A fresher-smelling home
If you’ve ever felt a little repulsed by the “clean smell” of fresh toxin-laden cleaning products, you’re not alone. Many people experience respiratory issues or burning eyes when they breathe in the smell of strong cleaning agents.
This isn’t limited to bleach, but can include other products, such as Pine-Sol, that can really affect you smell-wise. Eco-friendly cleaning products are made with natural ingredients, so they are either fragrance-free or use lovely, light essential oils such as citrus, mint, and lavender.
3. Recognizable ingredients
When you read the label on eco-friendly products, you are likely to find recognizable ingredients that don’t include the scary chemicals we mentioned, like phthalates, perchloroethylene, or triclosan. To help find eco-friendly cleaners, look for plant-based items and pass on products that are petroleum-based.
Additionally, many products use vague claims that they are “green” or contain “natural ingredients” yet still contain dangerous chemicals you want to avoid. Instead, look for specifics like phosphate-free, plant-based, or no solvents.
4. Save time and money with fewer cleaning products
When you choose eco-friendly cleaners, you can save time and money by using fewer cleaning products. Instead of jamming every known product under your sink, you can select a highly rated, eco-friendly multi-purpose cleaner or two to tackle all jobs. As a result, you are paying less for cleaners while also streamlining your cleaning process with one handy bottle that does it all.
5. DIY cleaning solutions
You can also save a little money by opting to make your own DIY cleaning solutions. Some handy things that are likely already in your pantry include:
- Salt, which is perfect for scrubbing cutting boards with a lemon.
- Baking soda adds a chemical-free abrasive to clean grout, some kitchen counters, toilets, bathtubs, etc.
- Vinegar to disinfect kitchen and bathroom surfaces and tackle mirrors and windows.
- Lemons to clean and refresh your garbage disposal, cut grease, steam off baked-on grunge in the microwave, and more.
- Essential oils to add to your DIY cleaning solutions.
- Olive oil to remove the greasy grunge on your range hood.
However, just make sure that your DIY cleaners are safe for each task.
6. Natural cleaners are easier on your home
As long as you choose the right product for the job, natural cleansers are much easier on your home. They are less abrasive, are less likely to fade colours on fabrics and other surfaces, and will be gentle on harder-to-clean surfaces in the bathroom and kitchen. Just make sure that you are using the products properly!
7. Cleaner air
If you’re unfamiliar with VOCs, they are volatile organic compounds found in many household cleaning products. They have been tied to several health issues, from cancer to liver issues and diseases of the central nervous system. These compounds are released not just when you use cleaning products, but also by simply storing them in your home.
Even if you no longer smell them once you’re done cleaning, the VOCs linger in the air. The biggest culprits in cleaners are ammonia, chlorine, or petroleum-based chemicals. However, many people are allergic to artificial fragrances, which can trigger coughing fits, sneezing, and watery eyes.
8. For the sake of the environment
Eco-friendly cleaners are just that—friendly. They can have a positive impact on the environment, thus helping to save the planet. Many natural products also adopt eco-friendly methods such as:
- Sustainable manufacturing practices.
- Using naturally derived ingredients that are safe and non-toxic.
- Choosing biodegradable ingredients.
- Using practices that don’t negatively impact the environment for not just manufacturing, but little details, such as going paperless, using daylight instead of electricity, or only serving ethically-sourced coffee in the break room.
9. Fewer single-use plastics
You might not think about it as you spray your cleaners on dirty surfaces, but there’s a pretty good chance that the bottle is single-use plastic. As mentioned above, eco-friendly cleaning companies adhere to far stricter environmentally-friendly practices, including using bottles that are biodegradable, recyclable, or multi-use/refillable.
To put things in perspective, Canadians throw away over 3 million tonnes of single-use plastics every year, with only 9% being recycled. We can do better, Canada! You can start by choosing eco-friendly cleaners.
Although it might be hard to part with your favourite bathtub cleaner, when you consider the harm it can do to your family, the planet and the delicate finish on your tub, it just makes good sense to opt for eco-friendly products instead.
Contact the Cleaning Experts
If cleaning your home causes symptoms such as dread, regret, and frustration, let the team at Maid4Condos handle it for you! We use eco-friendly cleaning products to keep your home clean and safe. For more information on our services, you can call us at 647-822-0601 or contact us here.
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