Our health is not just affected by what we put in and on our bodies but also what we use in our homes, especially what toxins and products we use to clean our homes.

When I first started my wellness journey into a natural way of living, I was reading an article from the School where I was studying Herbalism through and was absolutely shocked at some of the toxins hidden within everyday household cleaners. I literally opened up my Laundry cupboard and took all of it out, at the end I only had one item left… a bottle of white vinegar.

When we use toxic cleaners we are exposing our immune systems and bodies to these toxins, even when they are not in use they still let off irritating and toxic fumes. In order to reduce the load on our bodies detoxification system we need to replace these cleaners with more natural solutions and many of the natural solutions actually help to detoxify our homes and bodies.

So lets talk toxins, the below list is common ingredients & how they can affect your health & wellbeing –

•   Methanol – Suspected developmental, liver or gastrointestinal, kidney, respiratory, neurological and skin toxicant;
•   Arsenic – Carcinogen, toxic to the heart, gastrointestinal system, blood, liver and nervous system. Extremely hazardous to our eco systems as well;
•   Hydrochloric acid – Gastrointestinal and liver toxicant, immune-toxicant, musculoskeletal, respiratory and skin toxin;
•   Zinc Compounds – Immune and respiratory tract toxins;
•   Ammonia – Suspected neurological, reproductive and skin toxicant;
•   Copper Compounds – Kidney and respiratory toxicant;
•   Barium Compounds – Skin toxicant;
•   Perchloroethylene (PERC) – Neurotoxin and possible carcinogen;
•   Chlorine – Respiratory irritant and possible serous thyroid disrupter;
•   Lead Compounds – Carcinogen, blood, cardiovascular, reproductive system, liver and gastrointestinal toxicant, neurotoxicant and immunotoxicant.

There are so many natural solutions these can be swapped for that contains no toxins and work just as well to keep you and your family safe!

Some natural alternatives are below –

Shower/Toilet/Tile/Surface Cleaner – White vinegar mixed with Lavender Essential Oil & Tea Tree Oil. Lavender and Tea Tree Oil are anti-bacterial and anti fungal that work to clean naturally. See the DIY Cleaning Solution Recipe in this article!

Dishwashing Detergent – Use a phosphate free or organic soaps mixed with bicarbonate soda.

Pet Odor Remover – Cider Vinegar or Bicarbonate Soda.

Stainless Steel Polish – Olive Oil.

RECIPE – DIY CLEANING SOLUTION!

This is an easy great all-purpose spray/cleaner for hard surfaces such as counters, tables, floors, tiles, toilets, showers and bathrooms.

Ingredients –

3 cups of white vinegar

10 drops of lavender essential oil

10 drops of tea tree essential oil

Directions –

Mix all the ingredients into a spray bottle and shake vigorously! Ensure to shake bottle prior to each use!