When I found out that I was pregnant with my daughter, it was extremely important to me to decrease the toxic chemicals in our home. Throughout the last few years, we have transitioned to store-bought “green” cleaners, but I knew that making our own cleaning products was the next
step to eliminating unnecessary chemicals.

3 Reasons to Avoid Conventional Cleaners

1) Toxic Load
Conventional cleaners may seem harmless because of how frequently they are used,
but the chemicals being used can cause many unnecessary risks. Most surface
cleaner sprays contain toxins such as phthalates: which is a hormone disruptor and
can also trigger asthma and migraines, 2-butoxyethanol: which can contribute to
lung, kidney, and liver damage, and some products even contain “preservatives that
release low levels of cancer-causing formaldehyde.”(1.)

2) Environmental Effects
Not only are the chemicals being used in cleaners impacting people’s health in a
negative way, but they are also causing significant contamination to the planet.
When a cleaner is flushed down the toilet or rinsed down a bathtub or a sink, waste
removal processes remove a lot of the chemicals, but many aren’t filtered out.
Nitrogen, phosphorus, and ammonia are three contaminants that aren’t’ filtered out
and can cause major issues. When these substances build up, it increases plant
growth in the water. When these dense plants die off, in larger quantities because
the chemicals accelerated their growth, it depletes the oxygen in the water, which
leads to aquatic animals dying off. (2) The contamination doesn’t just affect the waterways. Even when used inside a home, the toxins in cleaners can find it’s way outside into the air, which can
contribute to smog.

3) More Cost Effective to Make Your Own
Making your own cleaners is extremely easy, just as effective, and eliminates the
risks of being exposed to dangerous chemicals. And, making your own cleaners will
also save your family a lot of money! A spray bottle of surface cleaner is typically $4-$5, while a gallon of white vinegar is typically $3- $4 and can be used to make countless amounts of natural cleaners. As you run out of your usual cleaners this year, instead of restocking with
conventional cleaners, try swapping it out with homemade, vinegar-based cleaners!
You’ll be surprised on how effective that they work and how much money you’ll
save as well!

Chemical-Free Surface Cleaning Spray Ingredients:

1 Cup White Vinegar
2 Cups Water
Optional: 10-20 drops of essential oil (Lemon essential oil is an amazing
cleaning agent!)

Add these ingredients to a spray bottle, shake it up, and it’s ready to use! Extremely
easy, cheap, and just as effective as a store bought cleaning spray!

Resources:
1.
https://www.ewg.org/guides/cleaners/content/cleaners_and_health#.WfKKlK3My
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2. https://www.epa.gov/environmental-topics/chemicals-and-toxics-topics