Are you cleaning with harmful chemicals?

Spring is just around the corner, which means it’s time to take a fresh look at our homes. Do you have sensitive skin? Are you a parent with young kids? Or maybe you’re just generally concerned about chemical residue. Then eco-friendly products are a great way to support the health of your family and the environment. Many cleaning products we grab off the shelf may smell great, but contain not so great chemicals. If you’re one of the growing number of people embracing a greener lifestyle, try looking for products made with natural, nontoxic and biodegradable ingredients. Making greener choices reduces the amount of chemicals used in your home and drained into your neighborhood water system. It’s already annoying enough cleaning the bathroom. So use products you won’t have to worry about touching or inhaling.

Elitia Barnes

Cleaners

Believe it or not, one of the oldest natural cleaning products is vinegar. Seems simple enough…if you don’t mind the smell. But if using straight vinegar isn’t you style, then maybe try one the products below. They all received an “A” rating by the Environmental Working Group - a non-profit organization that researches and reviews products with our health and the environment in mind.

Savers

Lower your water waste by installing high efficiency fixtures! This is an easy way to make sure our showers and toilets aren’t using more water than necessary. By simply installing a high efficiency shower head, a family of four can save more than 27,000 gallons of water a year! Look for the WaterSense logo. These products have been certified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to “use at least 20% less water, save energy and perform as well as or better than regular models.”

Fresheners

Here are some fun eco-friendly alternatives to keep your bathroom smelling fresh and to avoid exposure to Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)! VOCs are a variety of chemicals commonly found in household cleaning products like aerosol sprays, disinfectants and air fresheners. When these products are used, VOCs are released as gasses into the air. This makes natural alternatives great for anyone with a sensitive respiratory system.

Understading common sources of VOCs will help you make a variety of healthier decisions when it comes to your home.

Clean With Quality Water

Before water enters our homes, it’s treated by the city with chlorine and chloramines to kill off harmful bacteria. This is why you might get a whiff of chlorine when you take a shower. So, to truly clean without any harsh chemicals, consider filtering your water. Installing a salt-free whole house water system gives you clean, filtered water from every faucet and shower. Filtered water also minimizes the effects of hard water on your fixtures and glass doors! You know what that means? Cleaning less frequently!