Guest Post: Alternative Cleaning Options to Avoid Toxins

Good Day Mommies :D I have here a guest post from Edna Thomson. She is from London and she will be sharing with us some alternative cleaning options that is safer to consumers and friendly to the environment.

Great "Back to Basics" advise. 
Happy Reading :D

Alternative Cleaning Options To Avoid Toxins

It is a known fact that cleaning products contain lots of chemicals and toxic ingredients which are key to their being as effective as they usually are. You don't have to be a genius to figure it out. In fact many cleaning products manufacturers don't list all the ingredients their detergents contains and there's a good reason for that. At best they would list those ingredients which are known to be relatively safe while skipping the toxic ones altogether. A common and widespread way to deceive  customers into believing they're buying harmless and eco-friendly products is to simply label them as “natural” or “pure”. Sadly, in many cases this couldn't be further from the truth.

   The good news is there's a way to avoid these toxic chemicals by substituting them with some natural cleaning alternatives. Here are some of the most frequently used cleaning products and their less toxic counterparts presented by DPC Cleaning Bayswater:

Photo Credits: foodmatters.tv

   Lemon juice can be used as a substitute for bleach – a rather hazardous chemical, known to cause eye and skin irritation, as well as breathing problems when inhaled for prolonged periods of time. On the other hand you can always ditch it for this  simpler and more natural alternative – lemon juice. Containing one of the strongest food-acids, lemons can effectively remove stains from your clothes without causing any unpleasant irritations. The acidity of the lemon can help you clean your microwave or stove or to get rid of the mould in your bathroom. In conjunction with salt it acts as a natural cleaner, not to mention it would freshen up and deodorize your home.

Photo credits: www.tomiscolourpavilion.com

  Cornstarch is  perfect for cleaning up your windows and carpets. All you have to do is mix 1 tbsp of cornstarch with equal parts white vinegar and water and you're good to go. You can wipe the windows with crumpled newspapers – both the starch and the newspaper act as mild abrasives leaving your windows clean and shiny. In addition cornstarch can be used to remove carpet stains – all you have to do is sprinkle the starch over the fresh stain and leave it for several minutes. Then use a vacuum cleaner to remove it. If the stain remains, repeat the procedure again.

Photo Credits: Wellness Mama

   Sodium borate also known as Borax has a number of applications, it does not accumulate in the body and cannot be absorbed through the skin. Often it comes in the form of a crystal or powder which you can easily dissolve into water. It can be used to disinfect, deodorize, to clean painted walls and wallpapers. A plus it that sodium borate softens water. All you have to do is dip a piece of clean cloth into powdered borax and rub the stains on your wallpaper or wall.

Photo Credits: Healthy Food

   Baking soda is another cleaning alternative if you're looking to avoid toxins. It is one of the most versatile and effective tools in your household. You can prepare your own bathroom scrub by mixing ¼ cup of baking soda with vinegar. Baking soda is sometimes used as a deodorant  – if you add it to your cat's litter box if will minimize the smell to a minimum. Another brilliant and chemical-free idea is to add a cup of soda to your next batch of laundry – the result is cleaner, fresher and brighter clothes.

Photo Credits: The New HomeMaker

  Vinegar is known to safely deodorize and clean hard surfaces and the best part is that it's perfectly natural and toxin-free. White vinegar is a mild acid and can dissolve grease and stains. It can be used to clean up porcelain or tile floors. You can mix half a cup of vinegar with a gallon of warm water in a bucket. Using a mop, start at one corner of room and work your way across the other. Once you've finished, wipe the tiles with a clean towel. Don't forget you can always add a few drops of your favourite essential oil into the solution to deodorize and freshen up the room. 

  

  These natural cleaners are just as effective as their industrially-produced counterparts, not to mention they are way cheaper and would spare your skin, lungs and overall heath. Have in mind they are less damaging to the environment as well. So give them a try and see for yourself how efficient they are.