We all want our homes to be fresh and free of germs. However, when we grab the bleach or glass cleaner, do you ever wonder what we might be replacing the dust and dirt with? Gemma D'Acquisto of Natty Home Beginnings, says that ingredients in many popular cleaners can be contributing to issues like headaches, fatigue, skin reactions, and more. Gemma has long held the belief in using products that are not only cleansing but natural and healthy. Often, the air inside our homes is more toxic than outside. Here, Gemma shares her advice and knowledge on what to use and what not to use.
Harmful Ingredients to Look Out For:
Fragrance/ parfum: always make sure the sources are listed, such as essential oils, otherwise they can be made from many different chemicals that can affect your health in negative ways.
Methylisothiazolinone: this is a toxin that can be found in "safer" cleaning products that are actually greenwashing. Health issues commonly linked to this toxin include skin reactions, rashes, inhalation toxicity, organ toxicity and neurotoxicity.
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): side effects can include eczema, asthma, allergies, migraines, hormonal imbalances, just to name a few.
Healthy Disinfecting Alternatives:
Hydrogen peroxide & vinegar: do NOT mix the two, after cleaning the surface, spray one then let it sit for 10 minutes, wipe off, then repeat with the second.
Force of Nature: this is a medical-grade EPA registered disinfectant. All in one cleaner and deodorizer.
Aunt Fannie's: This is a great disinfecting surface wipe alternative.
All In One Cleaner:
Branch Basics: this starter kit comes in a concentrate bottle with additional bottles along with directions on how much water and concentrate to fill for each bottle.
Athos Living: this brand has a variety of products for different areas of your home.
Dishwasher Pods:
Puracy is plant based, eco-friendly, and non-toxic. For a dishwasher liquid alternative, try Attitude Living
Air Freshener:
Products by Grow and Sprouts, which carry their own brand of room spray that is non-toxic. You can create a lovely scent in your home without mysterious ingredients and instead use essential oils. If candles are more your thing, try candles by Fontana or anything that is all natural beeswax. Candles from beeswax can even help purify the air in your home.
Laundry:
Molly Suds, Attitude Living, Branch Basics, Ecover Zero are some of the healthier options. Also, instead of dryer sheets try dryer wool balls.
Carpet Cleaner:
Force of Nature and Puracy provide great options or use baking soda (helps deodorize).
Wood Polish:
Rowe Casa Organics or a dusting spray DIY: 1 cup water + 1/4 cup vinegar + 1-2 tbsp olive oil + essential oil of choice - make sure to shake before every use.
Cleaning Tip #1: Having an air purifier can help reduce the dust buildup in your home in between cleaning.
Cleaning Tip: #2 You can use "Steel Wool 0000" to remove hard water buildup & soap scum on your shower glass doors/ walls, faucets/ hardware.
Cleaning Tip #3: Keep a squeegee in your shower to remove any excess water/ soap on glass and walls after every shower to prevent that buildup. Also helps to keep your shower looking clean in between cleanings.
Gemma has included a 15% discount for Athos Cleaning products if you use promo code NATTYHOME
To contact Gemma for a free walkthrough and quote: 480-239-6696 or www.nattyhomebeginnings.com.
'Having an air purifier can help reduce the dust buildup in your home in between cleaning.'