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| Store-bought cleaners can contain harmful chemicals and fumes. |
However, with many consumers becoming more health-conscious and weary of potentially harmful chemicals in such products, some trusted and non-toxic staples have been given a new life, including baking soda, vinegar, Castile soap and more. Others swear by the water and microfiber cloth cleaning method.
Going green when cleaning makes sense when it comes to personal health and the environment, but many people still question how effective these non-toxic cleaning products are.
Reducing germs – the green way
According to food safety specialists and other experts, home-made cleaners with vinegar and hydrogen peroxide can be effective in removing dirt and particles as well as reducing germs. Baking soda is a good scrubbing agent but not an effective sanitizer.
But apart from surfaces where food preparation takes place, sanitation is not always necessary, experts say.
Often, hot water and soap is enough, as is regular cleaning and changing kitchen rags twice weekly.
Households with senior residents, young children or pets may want to sanitize more often.
Concerns about chemicals
A survey released by The Shelton Group earlier this year found that 24 percent of Americans buy or make all-natural cleaning products and an even larger number (65 percent) of Americans say that they are concerned about chemicals in products.
Common household cleaners can contain chemicals such as butyl cellosolve (can irritate skin and eyes and damage the liver and kidneys), crystalline silica (an eye, skin and lung irritant), phosphates (suffocate aquatic plants and animals) and chlorine (fumes are irritating to eye, throat and respiratory tract).
Green does not always mean non-toxic; reading labels is still one of the most important habits for customers.
Source: Detroit Lakes Online
Reduce chemicals everywhere
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| Activated carbon is the safest and most effective way to remove airborne chemicals, gases and odors. |
Chemicals are not only found in cleaning products and similar household staples – they can also hide in furniture, air fresheners, personal care products, building materials and many other sources.
Often, these chemicals become airborne and contribute to poor indoor air quality and health concerns.
Source control (choosing more natural and healthier products), good ventilation and air filtration can help reduce the risks associated with poor indoor air quality.
AllerAir has developed portable and highly efficient room air purifiers with activated carbon and HEPA filters that can remove the widest range of indoor air contaminants.
With general purpose air purifiers as well as units made for specific concerns such as allergy and asthma, mold, MCS, tobacco smoke and more, it’s easy to find the right air purifier for each problem.
Contact AllerAir for more information.
