Natural Cleaners: Clean Without the Chemicals
(Page 3 of 4)
July/August 2007
By Miriam Landman
Products and ingredients of concern
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Bleach, disinfectants, some detergents: Chlorine compounds, hypochlorite, phenolic compounds
Dishwasher and laundry detergents: EDTA or NTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, nitrilotriacetic acid); or phosphates (still found in some dishwasher detergents)
Furniture and floor polishes: Nitrobenzene
Glass cleaner: Ammonia
Spot removers and carpet cleaners: Perchloroethylene or trichloroethane solvents
Toilet bowl cleaners: Hydrochloric acid or sodium acid sulfate
Various cleaning products: Ethylene-based glycol ethers (ethylene glycol, ethoxyethanol, butoxyethanol)
Mothballs and air fresheners: Naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene
Greener cleaners
These days, many manufacturers market cleaning products as “green” or “environmentally friendly.” Unfortunately, there’s no standard definition for those terms, and labels aren’t regulated, so they can mean almost anything—or nothing at all. For guidance, look for attributes such as:
■ Low VOC or zero VOC. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are toxic chemicals emitted into the air.
■ Plant-based or bio-based ingredients rather than petrochemical ingredients.
■ Neutral or mild pH (closer to 7 than to 0 or 14).
■ Recyclable packaging (or reusable, returnable or refillable container).
■ Unscented.
■ Recycled-content packaging and/or minimal packaging.
■ “Readily biodegradable” defined as 60 to 70 percent biodegradable within 28 days.
Tips for the healthy housekeeper
Eco-friendly tools make household chores a breeze.
1. Are you applying nontoxic cleaners using sponges that contain chemical disinfectants such as antibacterial triclosan or triclocarban, both registered pesticides? If the package says the sponges are “antibacterial” or “kill odors,” or if they have a chemical smell, they probably contain a disinfectant. Instead, buy pure cellulose sponges, usually available at your grocery store (if not, check a hardware store).
2. Use washable cloths and rags instead of disposable paper towels. If you do buy paper towels or other paper goods, choose those that aren’t chlorine bleached and that have a high percentage of recycled content.