There many popular brands in the store that contain a lot of harmful chemicals. Even though they may get the job done, it is always at a cost to our environment and our health. These products which include synthetic fragrances are made up of chemicals which companies are legally allowed to refrain from disclosing to consumers.

Below we list the most common toxic ingredients found in popular cleaning products that you could be using:

Phosphates – found in detergents like softeners, they contribute to algae blooms, which can kill off fish species.

Sodium hydroxide – this is found in drain, metal and oven cleaners. It is extremely irritating to your nose, eyes and throat and can also burn tissue if contact is close enough.

Sodium lauryl sulphate – a  very common chemical mainly found in hygiene products and is highly irritating to the skin

Phthalates – also another very common chemical found in a lot of things we use everyday, these chemicals have been linked to reproductive abnormalities and liver cancer in lab animals and to asthma in children. Also linked to increased risk of breast cancer.

Ammonia – is poisonous when swallowed, exposure in high volumes causes immediate burning of the eyes, nose, throat and respiratory tract and can result in blindness, lung damage or death. Inhalation of lower concentrations can cause coughing, and nose and throat irritation.

Many of us are now searching for more safe, natural alternatives to keep our homes clean instead of these chemicals! Alternative are easier to use than we thought, they are cheap to make and safe and effective ingredients like vinegar and baking soda can do just the trick.

There are alternatives!

Many common household items are effective alternatives. Items include:

  • Bicarbonate of soda
  • Salt
  • Lemon juice
  • Vinegar
  • Essential oils
  • Soda water
  • Liquid soap
  • Washing Soda

There are also a large range of eco-friendly products available on the market that are committed to natural, safe cleaning and are gentle on the environment. Although the homemade option is more cost effective, eco-friendly bought products  are generally formulated from renewable, plant based ingredients and are another option to switch to a healthy home and better environment.

At Renigen we care about your health and the environment which is why we are continuously researching and using safe products and practices.

All purpose cleaner recipe:

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups white distilled vinegar
  • 2 cups water
  • 20-30 or more drops of essential oil (optional)

Suggested uses: general hard surfaces like countertops,  kitchen floors, windows and mirrors.

Tip: To boost the cleaning power, warm the solution in a glass bowl in the microwave till it’s warm.