This is the essential of our cleaning products. Since the late eighteenth century, this chlorinated invention has revolutionized the domestic life of men through a chemical combination of potassium chloride and hypochlorite of the same element. It was only three centuries later that public opinion was made aware of its dangerous health potential. And for good reason, the multi-purpose chemical solution is not devoid of endocrine disruptors and can be aggressive for the respiratory system. Few of us know that there are natural alternatives to this must-have home maintenance product. The ingredients in this recipe have cleansing and deodorizing properties.
In our technological age, it is difficult to conceive that we can effectively clean our surfaces without resorting to chemicals. However, they are not exempt from dangers to our health when their fumes are absorbed by our body. These solutions can also irritate our skin by repeated contact. What if we used nature to clean our house? And rather than twice: the treasures of the planet never cease to amaze us with their dreadful actions on dirt. Discover how to make a multi-surface cleaner effective and above all natural!
What is bleach and how does it work?
There is no need to go to great lengths in researching this iconic product: the label of this chemical solution is enough to be aware of its dangers. Toxic substances, irritating, dangerous for the environment are just as much of a nuisance as bleach can cause. Combined with other solutions, this cleaning product may increase toxicity. Mixed with urine, chlorine or white vinegar, this multi-purpose cleaner can release gases that may require the intervention of a poison control center, says a chemist.
In addition, some researchers explain that cleaning products such as Bleach can worsen the symptoms of asthma and lead to respiratory problems. A finding shared by the authors of a scientific study published in the journal Occupational and Environmental Medicine. For this reason, it is generally advisable to avoid their use and to ventilate as much as possible the spaces in which they are used.
Beyond the health problem that represents Bleach, it should be noted that this cleaning product causes irreversible damage to the environment. Absorbed by air, this solution can create persistent organochlorine cocktails in the atmosphere and the surrounding air. Reasons enough to use alternative solutions to conventional cleaning products more often.
Why banish Bleach from our homes?
Beyond the reasons cited above, bleach used sparingly can contribute to the expansion of resistant pathogens, as Ludivine Ferrer, spokesperson of the Association Health Environment, who deplores the unthinking elimination of all bacteria. In addition, this care product may pose a risk in the presence of children who may ingest this solution or inhale accidentally. Following prolonged exposure, sensitive skin may experience burns and rashes. Moreover, when this maintenance product is used in immoderate quantities, the germs develop a resistance and become more difficult to eliminate from our surfaces. Another negative point: Bleach can discolour our delicate fabrics that eventually become fragile and damaged. Reactive skins can also suffer from contact with residues of this essential maintenance product.
A natural cleanser
And if we returned to the methods of yesteryear to have a clean and sparkling interior? Indeed, there are many tips prized by ecology aficionados and housewives who take care of their health. Here is a natural recipe for preparing your homemade disinfectant:
Ingredients:
- 50 cl of white vinegar
- 2 tablespoons of baking soda
- 15 drops of lemon essential oil
- 50 cl of water
Preparation tips:
Mix all your ingredients in a bottle and use your natural bleach as usual. The disinfectant properties of baking soda combined with the antibacterial action of apple cider vinegar will allow you to clean your interior in an optimal way without the risk of being in contact with chemicals.
Other cleaning tips
To clean your interior, simply fill a container with white vinegar spray and a lavender branch for a subtle and refreshing scent.
Another alternative: mix half a cup of baking soda with one third of glass of water. Soaked in a rag, this paste is formidable against stains and limescale deposits.
For your laundry, prefer shavings of Marseille soap for a soft and skin-friendly fabric.
To change white vinegar, lemon is just as effective and has many more: citrus is antiseptic, deodorant and sanitizer. You can place the fruit of the lemon tree in every room to refresh your house, fight against mosquitoes but also have a good dose of good humor in the morning