Our homes aren’t safe and clean if the air inside is polluted with chemicals from household cleaners. Follow the tips recommended by the Environmental Working Group to protect your family’s health while you clean your home.
Cleaning Product Recommendations:
Label claims aren’t always true. Cleaning supplies certified by Green Seal or EcoLogo meet green standards.
Experiment with non-toxic options like vinegar and baking soda.
Use a baking soda and water paste to clean the oven and tackle toilet stains
Mop with a dilute vinegar solution (e.g. ¼ cup vinegar in 1 quart of water)
Never Mix Bleach with Ammonia, Vinegar, or Other Acids
These combinations can produce deadly gases.
Cleaning Tips
Open the window when cleaning.
Wipe down showers after each use to prevent mold and mildew.
Forgo air fresheners: These only disguise odors, while pumping a bunch of toxic chemicals into the air. Safer alternative: Open a window, run a fan, and try to identify and clean up the real source of the smell. A box of baking soda is another safe way to eliminate odor.
Sweep and vacuum frequently to remove dust, which often harbors household toxins.
Try a microfiber mop to remove dust and dirt efficiently while using smaller amounts of both water and cleaning supplies.
Dust with a soft or microfiber cloth and skip dusting sprays.
Clean spills promptly.
If your family is generally healthy, there’s no need to use potentially toxic “antibacterial” products, according to the American Medical Association. Wash your hands with plain soap and water.
