Can Cleaning Be Dangerous?

Have you ever noticed how our lives are filled with chemicals?  They surround us and it’s sometimes hard to break free of them.  Sometimes you don’t realize you are even smelling chemicals.  For example, we are heading into the Christmas season and stores will have near their entrances bags of pine cones which scent (or stink up, in my opinion) the front of the store.  I love the smell of pine — don’t get me wrong — but this smell is created by chemicals made by humans.  These chemicals harm my body when I breathe them in.  So why would I want them in my house?  And do I really want to shop in a store that is damaging my health (although I am sure they are unaware of the dangers)?  These are things I ponder as I try to navigate this incredibly toxic world.

With COVID-19 causing our environments to be super sanitized, the chemical usage has significantly increased and, therefore, problems with chemicals harming people have increased.  CLICK HERE for an article from the Sacramento Bee in April of this year.  It states that poison control centers were getting an increase in calls due to exposure to cleaning supplies in their home.  While I know people want to kill the virus and protect themselves and their family, you also have to consider the ramifications of using so many chemicals so often in the home.  The dangers are real.  Here is an excerpt from the Environmental Working Group’s website that explains the problems with chemicals in our homes.  CLICK HERE to visit EWG’s webpage which contains much more information.  

So what’s the solution?  I came across a recipe for a simple 3 ingredient cleaner that didn’t contain the toxic chemicals I was trying to avoid.  I gave it a try and really love it.  I have used it to clean my bathroom and kitchen sinks and my shower floor.  All have looked great and the clean look lasts longer than with regular cleaners.  I also love that as I clean I am not inhaling anything that can harm my health.  On top of that it is super CHEAP!  Non toxic and inexpensive.  Let’s give it a try.

Here is what you need:  baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, soap.  That’s it!

I don’t measure anything out.  I just eyeball it.  I put baking soda in a bowl, then add the soap — a couple pumps — then the peroxide,  I add enough to make a slurry.  In the video I added too much peroxide.  No problem.  I just added more baking soda.  Then I smeared that onto the surface I needed to clean.  I used my bare hands, but that was my choice.  Use a sponge or rubber gloves.  Whatever you are comfortable with.   I let it sit a little while — 5 minutes or so.  Then I wiped it off using a rag.  The baking soda added some friction to remove stubborn areas. Then I rinsed very well.  If you don’t, the baking soda will leave a bit of a gritty residue.  That’s the only drawback I found to using this cleaner.

I hope this blog at least gets you thinking about all the chemicals in your life.  Chemicals are in more than your cleaning supplies.  A couple places they are hidden are in fragrant candles and air fresheners in your home.  A better choice would be a diffuser and your favorite essential oil.  There are alternatives if you care to look. 

If you try this recipe I would love to hear about it.  Stay safe!