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Green Clean
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In our efforts to keep our home clean and germ free we also
need to remember that many cleaning products contain toxic
chemicals that can be damaging to our children and the
environment.
You can buy products that are kinder to the environment or
perhaps have a go at making your own. |
Next time that you are looking for something
to do with the children you
could have a go at making your own cleaning products! Who knows, it
might even encourage them to help out with the spring clean. You
will find some ideas and recipes below or you could search the
internet for more information
Please be aware that these homemade
products should stay out of reach of children as although they are
not poisonous they can be harmful if swallowed.
All Purpose Spray
Cleaner
1. Put 1/4 of a coffee mug of bicarbonate of soda (baking
soda) in a plastic spray bottle
2. Add 2 coffee mugfuls of water and shake until
dissolved
3. Pour in 1/2 a coffee mug of white vinegar and
shake again.
You can also add a dab of liquid soap or a few drops of lemon
juice.
Window Cleaner
1. Pour the following into an empty and clean spray
bottle;
1 litre water, 4 tablespoons vinegar, 2 tablespoons lemon juice
2. Shake
Keep in spray bottle and use like ordinary window cleaner.
Shoe Polish
1. Use a little olive
oil with just a few drops of lemon juice
2. Work well into the leather
3. Leave to soak in for 5 minutes
4. Buff with a soft, dry cloth
Descale your kettle
Pour in equal parts of water and white vinegar and bring to
the boil. Allow to cool, drain and rinse thoroughly.
More information
If you want to stay clear of
harmful chemicals you should avoid products with these words on the
container:
chlorine, ethylene/ethyl, butyl/alkyl, benzene, phenol and
formaldehyde.
More and more chemicals are
making their way into our homes and bodies. Below is a list of
chemicals frequently found in every day cleaning products;
phosphates: (washing-up liquid, washing powders);
too much for sewage system, leads to algal blooms in rivers.
paradichlorobenzine: (toilet blocks; deodorisers)
possible carcinogen.
chlorine: (bleaches) irritant, corrosive, can
produce toxic gases when mixed with other cleaning fluids.
petrochemicals: (furniture polish, high-strength
cleaners) eye, skin and respiratory irritant; can contain the
carcinogen benzene.
sodium hypochlorite: (bleaches) corrosive, kills
bacteria in sewage farms, eye, skin, respiratory irritant.
artificial musks: (air fresheners) liver toxin
formaldehyde: suspected carcinogen.
perchloroethylene: (dry cleaning) toxic air
pollutant, probable carcinogen, a tiny amount will contaminate
groundwater for many years.
Source1:
http://www.lowimpact.org/factsheet_natural_cleaners.htm
Source 2:
Paint your life a brighter shade of green By Carolyn Humphries
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