Bleach-based cleaners create much controversy over whether or not these cleaning products are safe for use around children, pets, and the environment. Some studies, like “Domestic use of bleach and infections in children,” published by Occupational & Environmental Medicine advise parents of the harms of household bleach. Health effects the study attributes to bleach include “increasing the risk of respiratory and other infections”. Other bleach-related concerns stem from residue the cleaner leaves behind, potentially rubbing off on pet’s fur and paws. Livestrong lists a number of environmental concerns imposed by bleach; however, many of these concerns are contested by The Clorox Company.
Whatever your beliefs about bleach are, there is a move for households to adopt natural cleaning products. If you are one of the environmentally-friendly Coloradoans looking for a different type of cleaning solution, there are many resources which inform you how to make homemade cleaning products.
eartheasy: Solutions for Sustainable Living
For those looking for alternative cleaning substitutions, without having to endure the hassle of making your own, eartheasy provides alternative cleaning solutions. Many of these solutions may already be sitting in a cabinet, including white vinegar, baking soda, lemon and cornstarch.
HGTV: 9 Homemade Cleaning Products
Among the cleaning products suggested by HGTV are “Green Cleaners”. The list includes a generic homemade spray cleaner, glass cleaner, and all-purpose cleaner. This article also explains in-depth uses for diluted white vinegar, undiluted white vinegar, baking soda, rubbing alcohol, and ammonia.
This highly organized article categorizes homemade cleaners by household room, from the kitchen to the laundry room. This site gives step-by-step instructions for making an all-purpose cleaner, homemade disinfectant wipes, homemade liquid soap, air freshener, toilet bowl cleaner, even homemade stain remover.
Organic Life: 8 Natural Cleaning Products You Can Easily Make
The grimier messes can be cleaned using solutions found on Organic Life. Cleaning recipes to cure a food-burned stove top and soap-scum coated tiles are found here. The “lemon oil duster” can be used to dust wood surfaces safely.
Consider these different cleaners for yourself, do some research, and figure out which products best suit your life style. After testing some of the products for yourself, you may never go back to store-brand cleaning products!