There is no denying that cleaning is one way to make your house look visually pleasing. There are also other benefits like reduced allergens and improved indoor air quality.
However, you may not be aware that your cleaning products can also harm you and the environment. This explains why there are homeowners who would opt for eco-friendly cleaning products. Doing so can help ensure that you maintain your house’s pristine condition while doing your part in saving the environment.
If you are not convinced, we have listed seven reasons you should go to environment-friendly cleaning products:
Good for the Environment
Let’s start with the obvious. You would want to opt for eco-friendly cleaning products because they are good for the environment.
In case you are unaware, your cleaning products can cause environmental damage. The common chemicals found in such products include sodium lauryl sulfate and phthalates. These chemicals can be toxic to aquatic life and cause reproductive health issues to animals respectively.
As such, we often recommend cleaning products that are low in volatile organic compounds (VOCs) to our eco-conscious clients at Maid Sailors Maid Service Chicago.
Fewer Allergens
Aside from lower VOCs, using eco-friendly cleaning products means fewer allergens. This is especially beneficial if you or someone who lives with you has allergies.
Conventional cleaning products contain allergens and irritants that can cause respiratory or sinus irritation.
That said, look for cleaning products that do not contain any of the following:
- Ammonia
- Bleach
- Caustics
- Chlorine
- Dyes
- Formaldehyde
- Perfume or synthetic fragrances
- Sulfates
Doing so ensures that you will not cause any allergic reactions to yourself.
Gentler on Sensitive Skin
Eco-friendly cleaning products are not just good for the environment; they are also gentler for your skin.
Everyday cleaning products can cause skin irritation because they contain these two additives:
Formaldehyde
Known as a carcinogen (can cause cancer), formaldehyde can also cause skin irritation. Worse, it hides in different names like:
- Formalin
- Formic aldehyde
- Methanediol
- Methanal
- Methyl aldehyde
- Methylene glycol
- Methylene oxide
So when buying an all-purpose cleaner, make sure that the list of ingredients does not contain any of the mentioned chemicals.
Chlorine Bleach
Common in cleaners and disinfectants, chlorine bleach can lead to chronic respiratory health issues when exposed. It can also cause severe allergic reactions, chemical burns, and permanent tissue damage.
As such, it might help to look for ways to clean your house without using bleach. And using an eco-friendly multipurpose cleaner is one of them.
Cuts Down Unnecessary Waste
Another benefit of using eco-friendly is that you can save resources. Often, you can find a multipurpose cleaner. You can use this to clean all surfaces in your kitchen, dining, and bathroom. That’s because environment-friendly cleaning products do not contain harsh chemicals.
In addition, companies that produce eco-friendly cleaners encourage green living. So, instead of buying a bottle of all-purpose over and over, you can buy a refill.
Some brands allow you to return your old bottle when buying a new one. As a result, you are not producing any unnecessary waste.
Cruelty-Free
Aside from taking a step towards zero-waste living, an eco-friendly cleaning product is often cruelty-free. This means that they were not tested on animals.
On the other hand, commercial cleaning products are tested on animals by dropping chemicals on their eyes, throats, or skin. As consumers, this is something you should not support.
Luckily, buying eco-friendly cleaning products can reduce the amount of time you need to look for cruelty-free cleaners.
If you are vegan, though, keep in mind that not all cruelty-free cleaning products are vegan. Hence, you can check a brand’s website to see whether the ingredients they use are not derived from animals.
Non-corrosive Products
We have mentioned it here again and again: Conventional cleaning products contain harsh chemicals.
For one, many of these chemicals are extremely hazardous. That’s because it can cause allergies, skin irritation, burns, lung damage, and accidental poisoning. This explains why parents of small children are especially concerned about commercially-available cleaning products.
In addition, these chemicals can be corrosive. This means that it can damage your surface, such as your wooden shelves when used carelessly.
Less Expensive
If you are wondering how much an eco-friendly cleaning product can cost, you can buy a small bottle of all-purpose cleaner for around $7. However, you can make your multipurpose cleaners if you have a limited budget. All you need are water, vinegar, and lemon juice.
You can also Google other DIY cleaning products using the ingredients found in your pantry.
Save the Planet While Keeping Your House Clean
Sometimes, you do not have to compost your food scraps to say that you are an eco-warrior. Although that can be a good idea, not everyone has the space or resources to do so.
Luckily, you can do your part in saving the planet by using eco-friendly cleaning products.
The best part? You also get to protect your family from harsh chemicals.
