Your cleaning supplies are your home’s best defense against germs, dust, dirt and grease. But when it comes to your health, they might actually be more harmful than good.
A 20-year study published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine found that frequent housecleaners—whether they do it for a living or for themselves—experience lung damage equivalent to a 20-year, pack-a-day cigarette habit. Cleaning exposes your lungs to the toxic chemicals and fumes in bleach-based and antibacterial products and powdered cleaners.
Fortunately, there are plenty of non-toxic household cleaning products out there and DIY alternatives you can make at home. Check out some of these natural house cleaners:
- Vinegar: Vinegar eradicates scum, grease and grime. Mix some white vinegar and water in a spray bottle and spritz it over shower tiles. Let the mixture sit for 30 minutes before rinsing. You can also wash linoleum and windows with the vinegar-water mixture.
- Salt: As a natural abrasive and antiseptic, Kosher salt and the juice of one-half lemon can deep clean cutting boards, hooking germs and bacteria.
- Baking soda: Baking soda is a proven virus-killer that also deodorizes and cuts through grime. Mix a one-half cup baking soda with one-quarter cup vinegar to clean toilets and drains.
- Straight lemon juice: Fights mold and mildew.
- Grapefruit extract: Combine 20 drops of extract with two cups of water in a spray bottle to clean all your surfaces.
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