Cleaning, Naturally: Why You Should Switch to Green Cleaning Products

Why You Should Switch to Green Cleaning Products

When I first started learning about the harmful chemicals in everyday cleaning and personal care products, green cleaners didn’t exist. Today, a simple internet search will give you thousands of natural cleaning recipes—and for good reason!

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Why Go Green?

Many household cleaners contain toxic chemicals like bleach, ammonia, glycols, DEA, and TEA, which are linked to cancer, respiratory issues, and hormone disruption. Even worse, when these chemicals are washed down the drain, they pollute our water supply and harm wildlife.

A study by the US Geological Survey found that 69% of groundwater sources in the U.S. contained detergents, and 66% contained disinfectants, highlighting the environmental impact of chemical cleaners.

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How to Choose Safe Cleaning Products

Protect your family and the environment by choosing natural, non-toxic alternatives.

Harmful Ingredients to Avoid:

🚫 Petroleum-based products (do not break down naturally)
🚫 DEA, MEA, TEA (linked to cancer)
🚫 Phosphates (harmful to aquatic life)
🚫 Ethylene glycol (carcinogenic)
🚫 Alkylphenol ethoxylates (APEs) (linked to hormonal issues)
🚫 Chemical-based air fresheners (associated with migraines, asthma, cancer, and immune issues)

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How Companies "Greenwash" Their Products

Many brands use misleading marketing tricks to make products appear "natural" when they aren’t. Watch out for:

• Hidden trade-offs – Promoting one "green" feature while ignoring the other harmful ingredients.
• No proof – Claims that cannot be verified.
• Vagueness – Terms like "eco-friendly" or "natural" with no real meaning.
• Irrelevance – Highlighting a "green" feature that doesn’t make the product safer.
• Fake certifications – False third-party endorsements.

⚠️ Remember: Terms like "green," "natural," and "eco-friendly" are not regulated in Canada or the U.S. Always read ingredient lists instead of trusting labels!

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DIY Safe & Effective Cleaning Alternatives

Common Household Ingredients for Green Cleaning:

✔ Toothpaste – Cleans silver.
✔ Baking soda – Cleans tubs, countertops, and grease. Add lemon essential oil for a boost.
✔ Vinegar – Cleans windows, removes grease, repels ants, and polishes brass.
✔ Hydrogen peroxide – A non-toxic antibacterial bleach alternative.
✔ Rubbing alcohol – Disinfects surfaces.
✔ Cooking oil – Removes tar and sap.
✔ Deodorizers – Use baking soda, activated charcoal, or enzyme sprays.
✔ Air fresheners – Essential oil diffusers or sprays instead of chemical air fresheners.
✔ Peanut butter – Removes gum.

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DIY Carpet Freshener Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 cup baking soda
• 5 drops lemon, pine, or fir essential oil (Avoid dark essential oils like cinnamon or patchouli, as they may stain carpets.)

🔹 Instructions:

1. Mix essential oil into baking soda.
2. Sprinkle over the carpet.
3. Let sit for 15 minutes.
4. Vacuum as usual.

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Best Essential Oils for Cleaning

Tea Tree – Fights mold & mildew
Eucalyptus – Degreaser & pesticide
Lemon – Powerful de-greaser
Rosemary – Antimicrobial & bug repellent
Cinnamon – Natural antibacterial
Lavender – Antifungal, antibacterial, promotes relaxation
Pine – Antibacterial, antimicrobial, insect repellent
4 Thieves Blend – Antibacterial, antiviral, antiseptic (Use on door handles, gym equipment, toys, and countertops.)

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Final Thoughts

Switching to green cleaning products is one of the easiest ways to reduce toxic chemical exposure in your home. By using natural alternatives, you’ll be protecting your family’s health, reducing pollution, and saving money on store-bought cleaners.