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Cleaning the bathroom is often one of the least
liked jobs. We want to do it fast and get out - but do many
of the cleaners we use do more harm than good?
Why do you care?
- Bathrooms have high moisture content in a relatively small
space. This is an ideal environment for germs and molds to
thrive.
- Levels of pollutants in indoor air, according to the Environmental
Protection Agency, can be from 2-5 times to more than 100
times higher than outdoors, thanks in large part to toxic,
irritating volatile organic chemicals, or VOCs, that evaporate,
or "offgass" from home decorating and cleaning products.3
- Household products contain ingredients that may be carcinogens
or reproductive
toxins. While others may be endocrine-disrupting
chemicals that can affect both humans and wildlife.
- Household cleaners, do not require product ingredients to
be listed. Partly because manufacturers claim they need to
protect their trade secrets. Good for them, not so good
for us.
- Last year, Canadians spent more than $275 million on household
cleaning products.
The Know How
- The first step in ensuring your bathroom stays clean is
proper ventilation - this will help discourage mold growth.
Open the bathroom window any time you can or ensure you use
the bathroom fan.
- · Look on labels for non-toxic ingredients. These
include grain alcohol instead of toxic butyl cellosolve as
a solvent; detergents based on coconut or other plant oils
rather than petroleum; and plant-oil disinfectants such as
eucalyptus, rosemary or sage rather than triclosan.4
- You can also mix your own:
- White vinegar helps kills bacteria, mold and viruses.
- Scrubbing sinks, tubs and countertops with a paste of
baking soda and water removes many dirt rings and some
stains; if not, try a paste of washing soda and water.
- For more tips visit the Pure Know How Cleaning
Bucket.
- Lastly remember this is your home, not a hospital.
Know and Tell
- Patti bought a handy guide with recipes for natural cleaners
from The Collective Conscience. Now she knows what to do with
all that Borax she purchased!
- Patti's kids are learning to clean their bathroom and she
has no qualms about letting them figure it out, which has
included lessons on accidental spraying of cleaners on themselves
(and each other!)
- Tamey is the one who cleans the bathroom in her home and
she keeps it simple. For most of the bathroom she uses baking
soda and vinegar and for the tub she is currently using Soleado
Casa. The borax along with her muscles do the job!
1. The Healthy Home Workbook, Kimberly Rider
2006
2. Household Hazards, A Report By Women's Voices For The Earth,
Alexandra Gorman, July 2007
3/4. Healthier Home Cleaning. The Green Guide.
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