Natural cleaning products

How safe is a home that has been cleaned with chemical agents? Some would argue that some germs and dirt may be safer then the cleaning products used to clean the area. Cleaning agents that contain chemicals are used to clean everything in our lives, from the bathroom to the kitchen, on our pets and even ourselves. By using these products we are potentially harming ourselves and the environment. According to the Consumer Product Safety commission, up to 150 chemicals found in household cleaning products have been linked to health issues such an allergies, birth defects, cancer and even psychological issues. Think about all of the chemical cleaners you likely have under a sink in your house - now imagine the number of chemicals in those products, and think about how much of a health risk those products are. It's somewhat frightening. Housewives have an elevated risk of cancer, up to 54%, compared to women who work in an office due to the fact that they are typically exposed to the chemicals more frequently. American households have the unfortunate reputation for being at the top of the list when it comes to breaching the chemical waste rules with disposal of household cleaners compared to other countries. So, what is the solution? We are using more environmentally safe products today, such as reusable bags, yet we still use cleaning products that are environmentally unfriendly. There is a lot more work that could be done in this area, but thankfully there are some simple, homemade, environmentally friendly alternatives. Natural cleaning products are far safer, cheaper and do a better cleaning job then the harsh cleaning chemicals on the market. White vinegar and lemon juice are great for almost any job. Do you have grease marks on your cook top? Spray some white vinegar mixed with warm water and leave for a few minutes, come back and wipe over the cook top with a soft cloth and you have a clean, shiny surface to cook from. This mixture is also good for wiping over bench tops and dining tables.