Traditional cleaning products are often made from harsh chemicals that can be harmful to both our health and the planet. As a result, people are turning to natural cleaning products as a safer and more sustainable alternative.
Take advantage of the power of nature to keep your home clean. From health benefits to cost savings, there are many reasons to ditch chemical cleaners and give nature a try.
Natural cleaning products are usually made from plant-based ingredients and do not contain harsh chemicals such as bleach, ammonia, or phthalates, which can irritate your skin and cause respiratory problems. Some natural cleaners, like baking soda, have no scent but are highly effective.
Since scientists are still learning about "forever chemicals" and the effects of different man-made products, defaulting to natural cleaners where you can is a good call. After all, at one point we thought lead and asbestos were fine in homes!
Children and pets are especially vulnerable to the harmful effects of exposure to chemicals. It only takes a momentary lapse in supervision for a child to get into a harmful bottle of chemical cleaners. Pets like birds are highly sensitive to fumes, so certain cleaning chemicals can be deadly if used around them, while dogs and cats have a tendency to lick surfaces.
Natural cleaning products are a much safer alternative and will give you peace of mind.
Natural cleaning products may not contain the same powerful chemicals as traditional cleaning products, but they are still effective at removing dirt and grime. Many natural cleaning products are made from ingredients like vinegar and baking soda, which have been shown to be just as effective as their chemical-based counterparts.
If spare time has been the problem, remember that you don't necessarily have to make your own cleaning products to go natural. More and more brands that offer all-natural products are available in both regular and "health food" grocers.
Natural cleaning products are often more affordable than traditional cleaning products, and they can be made at home with common household ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice. This can save you money in the long run. As a bonus, they're often multip-purpose, which eliminates the need for a different product for every single mess.
Unlike traditional cleaning products, which often need to be purchased on a regular basis, natural cleaning products like vinegar and baking soda can be used for many different cleaning tasks and last for a long time for a low cost. When you need more, their ingredients are commonly found in most households, reducing the need for frequent purchases and making it easier to refill existing bottles—a nice eco-friendly add-on.
Traditional cleaners often contain strong fragrances and artificial scents that can be overwhelming and even harmful. Many people have experienced using bleach and needing to step away due to feeling woozy from the odor.
Natural cleaning products often have a more pleasant scent thanks to essential oils and other natural ingredients. This eliminates the need to use heavily scented products to mask unpleasant odors. With natural cleaning products, you can maintain a fresh and clean home without sacrificing your health. Keep in mind, however, that if you're using a vinegar-heavy cleaner, you still want to ensure good airflow in the room while you clean.
Natural cleaning products are gentler, making them a great option for those with sensitive skin or allergies. They are less likely to cause dryness or irritation if you come in contact with them, which can be a common problem with the chemicals in traditional cleaning products.
Traditional cleaning products often contain chemicals that can leave residue on surfaces, which can be harmful to people and the environment. Most natural cleaning products do not leave behind these harmful residues. This means that the surfaces in your home are safer for your family and pets to come into contact with.
Natural cleaning products are often more readily biodegradable, meaning they break down more quickly in the environment. Traditional cleaning products often contain harsh chemicals that can contaminate water supplies and damage the ecosystems around you.
Natural cleaning products are usually made from ingredients that have a smaller carbon footprint. Additionally, the packaging used for natural cleaning products is often recyclable or compostable, which reduces waste in landfills. Just remember to do your research: "biodegradable" just means it will break down eventually (even in hundreds of years) and is often a greenwashing term. It's better to look for concentrated products and compostable or reusable packages.
By choosing natural cleaning products, you're supporting companies that prioritize sustainability and environmentally friendly practices. This support is important for a growing industry and encourages companies to continue developing and producing high-quality, eco-friendly cleaning products to meet the growing demand.
As consumers continue to prioritize natural and sustainable products, the natural cleaning industry will continue to grow, leading to a greener future for everyone.