Opting Out of the Chemical Experiment

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Opting Out Of The Chemical Experiment:

http://www.hopeandhealing.com/safe-health.htm

 

Making Non-Toxic Household Cleaning Products

by Dalene Entenmann

 

Secure in the knowledge that if a product is on a store shelf it is

safe to use? Before you lay your money down on the counter for the

next cleaner-than-clean, faster-than-time, smells-like-the-real-

thing-but-it's-not product purchase, think again. You may want to

review a few facts about the chemicals in that product, the

chemical industry that produces the chemicals and the government's

current regulatory practices to insuring the consumer's safety. Once

you do, you may decide to become a different kind of consumer. You

certainly will have saved yourself money. More than that, you may

have just protected your life and the lives of your loved ones at

home.

 

In the last 40 years, over 75,000 synthetic chemicals registered

with the Environmental Protection Agency have been introduced into

our daily life. Of those, few have been tested for safety, many have

never been tested at all, and less than one percent have been

classified as dangerous. In fact, until a synthetic chemical has

caused damage and devastation to human life or the environment, is

proven beyond a shadow of doubt to be dangerous, there is no

precautionary restriction of use.

 

Many of these chemicals may be safe, but if they are not tested, who

knows? Because the majority of people will spend the majority of

their time indoors, informed choices are needed to create a safe

living environment. If you would like to opt out of the current

synthetic chemical experiment as much as possible, spend pennies

instead of dollars, here are effective safe tips and alternatives.

 

For household cleaning:

 

Baking Soda can neutralize acid, deodorize, keep drains open and is

a hard water softener. Its mild abrasive, yet powerful cleaning

action, makes it an excellent scouring powder without the risk of

scratching surfaces. Use to clean the bathtub, bathroom sink, toilet

bowl, and any other area you normally use scouring powder. If you

prefer, mix equal parts baking soda and borax to create a scouring

powder.

 

To keep drains running smoothly, pour a cup of baking soda down the

drain, followed by hot water. To unclog a drain, try a plunger.

Another method is pouring a pot of hot water slowly down the drain,

repeating as necessary. To polish silver, place silver in an

aluminum foil lined pan, fill pan with boiling water, add 1

tablespoon of baking soda and tablespoon of salt, let soak. To

polish brass, use a soft cloth dipped in a baking soda and lemon

juice solution.

 

Borax inhibits the growth of mildew and mold and increases the

cleaning power of soap. Make an all purpose cleaner by mixing 3/4

cup of borax to 1 gallon hot water to clean, disinfect and

deodorize. To make toilet bowl cleaner or mildew remover, make a

paste by mixing 2 parts borax to 1 part lemon juice. Apply paste and

let stand for several hours before scrubbing . Sprinkle borax in the

bottom of trash pails to prevent odors.

 

Isopropyl (Rubbing) Alcohol is an excellent disinfectant. It is also

an excellent cleaner for kitchen and bathroom chrome fixtures,

mirrors and ceramic tiles. Mix equal parts alcohol and water, use in

a spray bottle.

 

Lemon Juice is a deodorant and can be used to clean glass and remove

stains from porcelain. Lemon peels deodorize garbage disposals. Add

juice of one lemon to 1 quart of mineral oil as a furniture polish.

Apply and buff clean with a dry cloth.

 

Mineral Oil can be used as a furniture polish and floor wax. For

wood floors, apply a thin coat of equal parts oil and vinegar and

rub in well.

 

White Vinegar cleans counter tops, stove tops, windows, wood cutting

boards, stainless steel, dissolves dirt, detergent residue, grease,

mineral deposits, soap scum, hard water deposits, mildew or wax

buildup and absorbs odors. Add to dishwater to cut grease. Add 1 cup

vinegar to the laundry rinse cycle to soften clothing. To clean

copper, use vinegar and salt.

 

Vinegar can be used full strength or mixed with equal parts water to

vinegar.

 

For brick and stone tiles, linoleum and no-wax flooring, use 1 cup

white vinegar in 1 gallon water and rinse with clear water.

 

Laundry detergents are generally derived from petrochemicals and

contain phosphates. Petrochemicals can cause problems for people

sensitive to them. Phosphates released into waterways cause abnormal

algae growth, depleting the oxygen needed for fish to survive and

upsetting the eco-system in general . Look for laundry detergents

that are phosphate-free. Use powdered soap and baking soda for

natural fabrics.

 

Clean gold with toothpaste and a soft bristled toothbrush. Clean

pewter with a paste of salt, vinegar, and flour. Heavy stainless

steel cookware does not release chemicals into the air. Avoid

plastic whenever possible, using foil, paper or reusable containers

to preserve food. Choose area rugs made of cotton or wool rather

than synthetic materials and eliminate wall-to-wall carpeting if

possible, avoiding exposure to toxic glues and formadehyde.

Clean rugs and carpets with soap-based, non-aerosol products.

Erasers will remove black heel marks on floors. Rub scratches from

furniture with a shelled walnut. To remove rust, make a paste of

salt and lime juice, leave mixture on for several hours, scour until

rust is gone.

 

To create pleasant aromas in your home consider the use of essential

oils.To make a room air freshener, mix a few drops of your favorite

oil with water in a spray bottle. To freshen carpets, add drops of

essential oil to a box of baking soda, let the baking soda absorb

the scent of the oil for a day, sprinkle on carpet, vacumn as usual.

Sprinkle a few drops of essential oil inside your vacumn cleaner

bag. Dampen cotton balls with essential oil and place in linen,

clothes and storage closets, kitchen and bathroom cabinets

and drawers. In the kitchen, add a few drops of cinnamon oil and

vanilla to a simmering pan of water. Clove oil effectively

eliminates cooking odors. Refreshen potpourri with a few drops of

oil.

 

Even in winter, try to open a few windows of your home for at least

part of the day to introduce fresh air into your home environment.

 

Remember to label your spray bottles and cleaning solution

containers. Always store in a child-proof area.

 

©2003. all rights reserved.dalene entenmann. available for reprint

ONLY with written permission of publisher.