Favorite Safer Cleaning Products
I am pretty passionate about eliminating as many toxic chemicals from our household as possible, and love sharing the things I have learned and the products that I have switched to with anyone who will listen. Today I'm sharing my favorite tried and true swaps!
The Thieves Household Cleaner is an all-purpose, non-toxic cleaner that can be used in any area of your home. From all-purpose, to a degreaser, and even a glass cleaner, it has so many uses. It comes in a concentrated formula, so even though it's a bit pricey, it really goes a long way and lasts for a while. You will need a dark glass spray bottle (like this one) and some distilled water for this cleaner. You can be sure that you aren't exposing your loved ones to any harmful chemicals while still getting a good, deep clean when you use this cleaner.
I first heard about Norwex products a few years ago, and I fell in love. For now I'll just mention their Envirocloth, but I truly love all of their products that I have tried. The envirocloth is a microfiber cleaning rag that you can clean ALL OF THE THINGS with. And the best part? All you need is water. The microfiber picks up all the particles off of the surface you're cleaning, giving it the ability to remove 99% of bacteria. Their patented BacLock is an antibacterial material (say that 10 times fast) inside of the cloths that kill all the bacteria that you pick up inside of the cloth. It's amazing. And it cleans SO well. Watch this demo and you will be sold immediately. I would recommend grabbing the household package, but I am obsessed with the cleaning paste and the mop system as well. It has cut down the amount of time I spend cleaning, because I'm not having to spray and then wipe things down. And when you're using just water you're not leaving cleaning product residue on your surfaces that will attract dust and grime. Norwex is a direct sales company so ask around your friend group to see if someone knows a consultant!
Seventh Generation Dishwasher Pods
It's shocking what the big brand dishwasher detergents rate on the Environmental Working Group's Healthy Guide to Cleaning website. Most dishwasher detergents and pods are formulated using chlorine, phosphates, synthetic fragrances, and many other questionable ingredients that we don't need to be exposed to. So, it was a no brainer to switch to Seventh Generation dishwasher pods. They have an A rating by the EWG, they are convenient, and they work! Check, check, and check!
Just like dishwasher detergent, many laundry detergents rate horribly on the EWG website. Molly's Suds has an A rating, and is comprised of only five plant-derived ingredients and is great for sensitive skin. It is just as effective as more well known brands, without the use of harsh chemicals, toxins, fillers, carcinogens, preservatives or GMO ingredients. Molly's also carries an Oxygen Whitener and Sport Laundry Wash to add as boosters to their laundry detergent.
Nellie's All-Natural Laundry Soda
This is another favorite safer laundry detergent. It's hypoallergenic, non-toxic, biodegradable, and contains no GMOs or harsh chemicals. And it works! They also make an oxygen brightener to help keeps your whites white without having to use bleach.
At the risk of sounding like a broken record, dryer sheets are not exempt from harmful chemicals and most rate terribly on the EWG. Wool dryer balls are a great alternative. They are a natural fabric softener, reusable, they are wrinkle reducers and time savers, and they are anti-static. If you like the scent that comes along with dryer sheets, you can easily add a few drops of essential oils to the dryer balls for a safe, non-synthetic fragrance.
What are you using to clean with around your house? Do you know how your products rate?
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