Is home now a synonym for pollution?
Whether because of the floating floor, the carpet, the paint of the kitchen walls or even the new living room couch, our homes are full of air-pollution sources. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and other chemical pollutants are involved in the degradation of the environment inside our home. Researchers even suspect the presence of VOCs is promoting the development of asthma and allergies in younger people. They also contend that the VOCs could be the cause of certain cancers. And, because these pollutants are hidden in building materials and furniture, it is difficult to know if you are affected by these pollutants, especially when you are a tenant.
However, it is possible to ensure that you don’t add any more pollutants to the mix...
Cleaning and not polluting: an achievable challenge
The signs: "Use in a ventilated area"; "May cause irritation if contact with skin” are some of the warnings that should be familiar to users of many commercial and well-advertised household cleaning products. But who would have thought that by doing the housekeeping you could be reducing the environmental quality of your home?
Some environmental government departments are now even suggesting that you limit the use of chemicals such as cream cleansers or floor detergent, and seriously aerate rooms after using these products. Are we unwittingly poisoning ourselves and our families?
Completely eliminating any products that constitute a danger to the environment and human health would be a solution, but it is not for everyone. Indeed, how do you know which, if any, of the long list of scientific sounding ingredients are harmful or not for your health and the environment? Fortunately, simple, natural and cheap alternatives exist and there is no need to be a chemist to use them. Baking soda (Bi-Carb Soda), white vinegar, essential oils, salt and liquid soap based on vegetable oil are your best cleaning allies.
Make it shine
The following recipes are simple to prepare and can be use safely all around the house. For those who don’t have the time to make their own cleaning products, “ready to use” alternatives exist and could be found in the ranges of brands such as Orange Power, Ecologic, B_E_E or also Envirocare – also see the businesses listed in the Cleaning Products and Services section of the Green Times Business Directory.
Remember, a healthy home is also a well ventilated home! Opening your house for 5 to 10 minutes daily is all that is needed to refresh the air inside your home.
Below are some simple recipes you can use to make your house shine:
- multi-purpose scrubbing cream
- anti-mould treatment
- toilet cleaner
- kettle descaling agent
- mirror and window cleaner
Multi-purpose scrubbing cream (kitchen, bathroom)
- ½ cup baking soda
- ¼ cup salt
- 1 tablespoon of liquid soap
- Water (depending on the consistency you want to obtain)
- 10 to 15 drops of essential oil (lemon, pine, mint, lavender…)
Mix all the ingredients together. Store in a squeeze bottle. Shake before each use and use a version without salt for fragile surfaces.
Anti-mould treatment
Rub surfaces with a damp sponge soaked in white vinegar. Don’t worry about the vinegar smell – it will completely disappear once dry!
Toilet cleaner
- ¾ cup white vinegar
- 1 ½ cup water
- 2 teaspoons essential oils (you can choose the following mixture: 40% grapefruit, lemon 30%, 30% tea tree)
Spray on toilet walls. Let stand 15-20 minutes and then brush.
Kettle descaling agent
Bring to boil a solution of 50% water and 50% white vinegar in the kettle. Also works for coffee maker: fill up the water reservoir of your coffee maker with the solution and let the solution go through.
Mirror and window cleaner
- 3 tablespoons vinegar
- 2 cups hot water
Spray on soiled surfaces and shine by rubbing with newspaper.
Essential Oils Tips
Some essential oils, like tea tree, disinfect surfaces. Use them when making your toilet cleaner.
Caution: Essential Oils: Even if they are natural, essential oils must be handled with care. They should not be applied on clean skin and mucous membranes and must be highly diluted in a carrier such as vegetable oil. Keep out of the reach of children and store in a dry and dark place.
Put few drops of essential oil on your light bulb (try lavender or lemon). When you switch on the light, a nice smell will perfume the room. Note – take care with this option as it could cause a fire risk and oil has been known to cause bulbs to break.
Another alternative is to use an old pot with some water – heat to boiling, turn off, add your essential oil – now you have a steam diffuser. Steam diffusers stop working as the water cools, so reheat as required. An old teapot with a tea candle under it will work too!
If you don’t have time to make your own cleaners – check out the Cleaning Products and Services section of the Green Times Business Directory.
Have you got a great eco friendly cleaning recipe? We’d love to hear them – leave a comment below or send your recipes to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it – we’ll publish them and give you the credit!
Written by Tatiana Richard
Image credit: Mike Willis via Flickr Creative Commons
