Natural cleaning for healthy living

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Part of healthy living includes cleaning in a more natural fashion. Humans have grown afraid of germs that the body is in reality well-equipped to neutralize. Of course, there are times for concern and extra care, but the overuse of harmful products has created problems for the physical body’s natural defensive bacteria. In many cases the body’s natural bacteria is being eradicated along with the unwanted bacteria. This can leave people more vulnerable to outside pathogens.

How everyday chemicals negatively impact health

There are many environmental chemicals humans are exposed to on a daily basis. Health effects of some chemicals are well known while others are not. Many of the health effects of over 80,000 chemicals registered for use in the United States in everyday foods, household and personal products, along with lawn-care items are unknown.

Analyses of human stem cells reveal toxicity levels that potentially affect gene expression.  Stem cells are produced from a person’s genetic makeup. Are there other influences to DNA expression? The field of epigenetics studies factors beyond the genetic code. Epigenetic changes are modifications to DNA regulation of cells turning on or off.

A landmark study out of Cedars-Sinai showed exposure to certain chemicals damage hormones that communicate between the gut and the brain’s region responsible for appetite control and metabolism and  lead to weight gain. BHT (butylhydroxytoluene) added to cereals and other foods to protect nutrients and prevent fats from becoming rancid seemed to have the strongest detrimental effects. It’s best to err on the side of caution and consume fresh whole foods.

There’s no way we’ll ever know all the toxic effects some chemicals may have on animal, environmental, and human health. Relying on scientists to research the 80,000+ chemicals out there is irresponsible. Not only is there not enough time for such investigations, there are not enough resource. It’s prudent and up to each individual to limit their exposure to toxic chemicals as much as possible.

Return to basics

Insofar as food is concerned avoid chemicals in foods by staying away from manufactured foods. This is especially important for people trying to lose weight. Not only does it appear like some of these chemicals help pack on the pounds, they interfere with bodily functions including hormone production. They are what some call hormone disrupters.

Eat whole natural foods that are nutritious and that the body can use. Forego the convenience of prepared foods and opt for the most natural options. It is much easier to maintain health than it is to try to regain it.

Fortunately, the demand for natural products is growing therefore choices are becoming more abundant. If any product you’re exposing yourself to, whether it is a personal care product, a food, a household cleaner, or anything else with a list of ingredients difficult to identify, chances are it’s not a healthy option.

Natural cleaners

There are a number of great resources out there for people looking for natural alternatives to the harsh and toxic cleaners that once monopolized the market. Many new companies are rolling out natural alternatives that do the job as well as chemically-laden formulas. Mother Nature has provided us with numerous powerful substances that stand out on their own or in combination to help clean.

White vinegar cleans windows and mirrors

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White vinegar works great to clean mirrors and windows. As long as you use a clean cloth, these surfaces should come out streak free with straight vinegar.

For windows that are extremely soiled on the outside due to wind or rain, you may need to wash them first with soap and hot water, then rinse and finish up with white vinegar and a fresh cloth.

Lemon—natural deodorizer & more

Lemon juice and peels are powerful in many ways including removing odors and returning pots to luster clean. To remove residual discoloration inside pots from cooking certain types of foods like starches, use the inner part of the skin of half a lemon and scrub the pot leaving it for 5-10 minutes. Rinse with clean water, and your pot should look sparkling clean.

There’s debate on whether to use lemon juice to clean wooden cutting boards. Lemon is not a disinfectant, so it wouldn’t be effective at cleaning cutting boards used for raw meat. However, its antibacterial property makes it suitable to clean vegetable wooden cutting boards. After cleaning your cutting board, rub the surface of the wooden cutting board with the peel of a half a lemon or so, depending on the size of your cutting board and let sit for 5-10 minutes. Gently rinse with hot water and wipe dry. There are many other ways lemons are helpful around the home.

Baking soda—cleaner & deodorizer

Baking soda is a good natural versatile cleaner. It’s an effective alternative to harsh powder scrubbing cleaners.

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Drain cleaner

To clean and deodorize drains of unwanted odors or pesty fungus gnats, pour ¼ cup of baking soda sown the drain then add in about ½ cup of white vinegar. Do not be concerned by the fizz reaction when you pour the vinegar over the baking soda. This is normal. Place drain plug over the drain to ensure nothing else goes down the drain. Do not use the drain for about 20-30 minutes. If you have a double sink, do the same thing on the other drain. After 30 minutes, remove drain plug and run hot water down drain for a couple of minutes. Any unpleasant odors or fungus gnats should be gone after using this natural cleaner for drains.

Homemade Natural Cleaners

Baking soda, Castille soap, lemon, olive oil, soap nuts, white vinegar, are the ingredients most utilized in natural cleaning. Distilled water is the preferred choice over tap water, as it is free of impurities such as chlorine.

Essential oils such as lavender and tea tree offer disinfecting properties as well as other beneficial compounds to help with cleaning. You can incorporate these oils in easy-to-make homemade cleaners. Orange essential oil is another popular essential oil used in many natural household cleaner recipes.

All-purpose Cleaner

• 1 TB Borax

• 3 TB white vinegar

• 2 cups distilled water

• 1 TB liquid Castille or natural dish soap

• 1 drop essential oil

Blend ingredients well then transfer to a spray bottle. Shake well before using.

Olive oil wood cleaner

For a natural way to clean wood, mix olive oil along with other natural ingredients and add your favourite essential oil.

Powerful naturals

Hydrogen peroxide

Low concentrations of hydrogen peroxide are often found in natural disinfecting and cleaning products. To disinfect naturally, hydrogen peroxide, rubbing alcohol, or soap and water are better suited to disinfect rather than using too many commercial disinfectants that come with serious health risks.

Borax

Borax—although natural—can cause physical issues such as skin, eye, and respiratory irritations. Borax is another versatile cleaner with numerous applications. It’s often used in all-purpose spray cleaners and cleaning pastes. It works well to clean bathrooms and prevents mildew buildup. Borax powder is an effective insecticide, fungicide, and pesticide. Some sources report Borax powder helps kill bugs. I didn’t have any success mixing Borax with water as a spray to control weeds.

Washing soda

Washing soda made from heating baking soda is a natural cleaner that can be caustic. Avoid inhalation and wear gloves when handling washing soda. If you are using washing soda when doing laundry, do not us it on delicate fabrics such as silk and wool.

Some natural alternatives require a certain degree of caution when handling. It’s important to be informed. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) recommends choosing cleaning products bearing the Green Seal or ECOLOGO. These markings on products certify standards of reduced environmental and health impact have been met.

Whether you want to purchase or make your own cleaners, it’s now easier than ever to choose healthy options to conventional cleaners. There are plenty of online resources where consumers can get the right information on anything they may need. Ensure you check the source of the information as well. A company will promote their own products.

Your health as a big investment in your future wellbeing. Give it the time and consideration you’d give to any big-ticket purchase.

Healthy cleaning is healthy soulful living.