Many of our household toxins are found in our cleaning products. But the best, healthiest cleaning products are usually found in our kitchen. The ones found in our kitchen do not cause allergies; do not provoke hormone/endocrine imbalances; are not carcinogenic. In fact, they are just plain, healthy cleaners.
You can create liquid cleaners; sprays; even scouring cleaners with products founds in most kitchens. Let’s take a look at some kitchen compounds:
- Hot soapy water – just add some baking soda to hard water to make it softer. Most bacteria are killed by hot, soapy water
- Baking soda aka sodium bicarbonate – reacts with fatty acids to form a detergent that cuts through grease; provides a scouring component that doesn’t scratch; removes stains; acts as a whitening agent (in the wash); improves the performance of other compounds; and reduces the amount of other products required
- Fresh lemon juice – the citric acid acts as a deodorizer; removes stains; acts as a whitening agent (in the wash); cleans glass; inhibits moulds; and can remove grime at the base of taps
- Homemade soap – when soap is made from 100% pure vegetable oils and water – they are a natural biodegradable compound. When mixed with soda, they will do most jobs
- Salt – combine with baking soda to create a disinfectant that has a gentle abrasive which is useful for everything from cleaning stained utensils to cutting through grease
- Soap nut – the shell of the East Indian nut contains saponins (natural soaps); you can put about 8 shells in a cotton bag and put in your washing machine for a dishwasher (will last about 4 washes)
- Washing soda aka sodium carbonate – has a stronger base than baking soda; used for really difficult stains, i.e., tough grease; and like baking soda is a natural water softener; but it is recommended to wear gloves
- White vinegar – contains acetic acid that acts as a versatile cleaning agent and will dissolve calcium build up in coffee pots, kettles, showers, etc; can cut through grease; eliminate foul odors and disinfectant; mixed with baking soda it can be used to polish brass and copper
Recipes
Soap scum remover:
- 1 Cup white vinegar
- 1 tbsp corn starch
- 2 tbsp dish soap
Another one
- Mix baking soda and water together to form a goop/toothpaste consistency
- Rub in; let sit for about 30 minutes ; wash off
Another one
- Mix corn starch and water together to form a goop/toothpaste consistency
- Rub in; let sit for about 30 minutes ; wash off
Now, let’s look at various cleaning tools:
- Linen cloths
- Microfiber cloths: Microfiber cloths with a silver agent
- Nylon bristles
- Scrubbing brushes
- Steel wool
- Wooden bristle brushes
These things are all:
- Cheaper
- More environmentally friendly
- Better for our health
What more can you ask for?
Here’s to your health!
For more information, contact: Dr Holly at holly@choicesunlimited.ca
Disclaimer: This article provides general information only, and is not a substitute for the medical advice of your own doctor or other health care professional. This site is not responsible or liable for any diagnosis made by a user based on the content of this website. This site is not liable for the contents of any external internet sites listed, nor does it endorse any commercial product or service mentioned or advised on any of such sites. Always consult your own health care practitioner.
