Do You Know What's In Your Cleaning Cabinet?

Do you know what's in you cleaning cabinet? Many cleaners and surface cleaners emit pollutants like VOCs or Volatile Organic Compounds. These hidden gases collect in the home and can cause headaches, nausea and allergic reactions. We all our want our homes smelling nice, but not at the expense of our family’s health. Those air fresheners and scented cleaners contain potentially harmful VOCs. The longer they are allowed to build up, the greater risk to your health and the environment. On those cool breezy days, open all the windows and allow nature to dissipate these dangerous gases from your home.

If you check the products label and take some common sense things into account it may not be that hard to make a clear determination if a product deemed green is actually green. Some products can be harder to make a distinction on so a little research from third party green companies can be very helpful. Look for products that eliminate phosphates, VOCs, and petrochemicals which can lead to a eco safe product. How a product is produced also plays a very important factor if it is green. A good example is green cleaners the involve sodium per-carbonate.

Petrochemicals are a byproduct of manufacturing that is not green. It has many negative effects on the eco system one of which is it inability to degrade. Another problem with specific detergents is that they contain perfumes and dyes which can lead to serious health problems which can lower your immune system leading the way for bigger problems. There are even things like perfumes and dyes which are part of products like detergents which if inhaled enough can cause allergic reactions, headaches, vomiting and problem with breathing.

Sodium percarbonate is considered a great stain remover and green detergent alternative. Other alternatives use plant oils or are derived from plants, which doesn’t necessarily make a product non-toxic but it does come from a renewable resource. More great examples are cleaners that derive from vinegar and lemon juice. These can act in place of your current harsh cleaners and help keep you and your home safe.

We are all trying to create a home that is safe. You may think that keeping every surface clean of all debris and germ is the way to go. But some levels of germs are actually better for us. Of course this level varies depending on our individual health situation. Germs and bacteria are all around us and actually make our immune systems stronger. If they are allowed to build up too much, they can make us sick, but in moderation, they are needed to keep us well.

Make sure you take a good look at the clean before you bring them into your home. If the cleaners are labeled as green or eco-friendly, read the labels and descriptions to determine if it meets your definition of green. Be wary of anything scented or that burn the nose hairs when inhaled. A lot of green cleaner products can be made from everyday items in your home. Don't think that you are not making a difference; every little bit helps achieve the long term goal keeping the environment safe for generations to come.