We’ve been sharing a series of articles about the toxins found in some conventional cleaning products.

If you’re convinced it would be safer to make your own, you’re in the right place and I’ve got some great recipes for household cleaners to share.

What are household cleaners?

Household cleaners refer to cleaning products specifically formulated for use in homes or residential settings. These cleaners are intended for various surfaces like floors, countertops, appliances, and bathrooms, targeting the removal of dust, dirt, and grease. Store-bought cleaners are designed with effective ingredients to tackle dirt and grease on household surfaces. However, it’s important to note that they often contain chemicals that may be harmful. Alternatively, homemade cleaners can offer a similar level of cleanliness without the presence of certain chemicals.

In addition to using these cleaners, it’s advisable to enlist experts indoor disinfection in Mishawaka, IN, or your local area, to further enhance home hygiene. By combining homemade cleaners with professional services, you can ensure thorough cleaning and disinfection, reducing the risk of infection and maintaining the health of you and your family.

It is a fun and satisfying thing to make your own cleaners, but we need to take sensible precautions, as ‘natural’ doesn’t automatically mean ‘safe’. Therefore, think about the following, basic ‘kitchen-chemistry’ before you get mixing!

Mix carefully

Only mix ingredients as directed by a reputable source. Avoid recipes with hazardous ingredients such as bleach, ammonia, alcohols, turpentine, etc.

Never mix products containing chlorine bleach and ammonia, or chlorine bleach and a strong acid, as they combine to form highly toxic gases. The mixture produces toxic chloramine gas, which destroys the oxygen content of air in enclosed spaces. Short term effects range from mild asthmatic symptoms to serious respiratory ailments.

Storage

When you store homemade cleaners, always mark your containers, saying what the product is for and what it contains. This is important in case a child should accidentally drink some of your concoction; you will need to know what they have swallowed in order to know how best to deal with the situation.

Keep all cleaning products out of reach of children.

Protection

Wear rubber gloves when making your own recipes, especially those using borax and washing soda.

Safe disposal

If you are convinced to give home-made recipes a go and now want to get rid of your toxic household products, please don’t pour them down the sink or put them out in the rubbish! Remember that many household products are considered hazardous waste; so contact your local environment agency to find out about disposal of such products in your area.

Coming up: Some of my tried and tested favourite recipes!