The widespread use of industrial products in household cleaning has negative consequences. According to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), indoor air pollution can be two to one hundred times higher than outdoor air pollution. Commercial cleaning products can be one of their emitters. Some substances (chlorine or ammonia) produce irritating gases, and when released into nature they cause harm to living beings. In fact, many have warnings on their packaging that describe them as dangerous, corrosive, irritating or flammable.
The effect of these products, although they guarantee an almost aseptic cleanliness, is not necessary in most cases, since the home is not an operating room. For this reason, we may begin to analyze the possibility of returning to the use of natural substances and methods, capable of giving good results and saving money:
- Vinegar and lemon
Its acidity fights grease and disinfects by killing many types of bacteria. Lemon juice can help neutralize the smell of vinegar. They have multiple uses, separately or together with other natural products:
* A reused spray bottle with water, vinegar and lemon can be used as a general cleaning product for both grease and mould. It can be combined with the use of a stiff brush.
* Windows and mirrors can be cleaned with a dry newspaper and another one moistened with water, vinegar, lemon or a couple of tablespoons of alcohol.
* Dust can be removed from furniture with a cloth and water (old cotton t-shirts can be used). For extra cleanliness and shine, vinegar, lemon and oil can be added to the water. Natural wax is useful for polishing wooden floors and furniture, and linseed oil for brick floors. Dishes can be cleaned with a mixture of natural soap, vinegar and water. Copper and brass can be polished with a mixture of salt, vinegar and flour to reduce abrasiveness, and applied with a clean cloth. Steel can be rubbed with a damp cloth with vinegar and baking soda.
- Natural soap
It serves as a cleaning product and a mild detergent. It should be made from natural products, vegetable oils and animal fats, rather than synthetic ones. It can even be made at home with used oil, water and caustic soda.
Baking soda
It is a mild abrasive that can remove dirt and absorb odors. When dissolved in water, it disinfects and removes grease. It is very useful for cleaning porcelain, tiles, stains on carpets, kitchen or oven. To unclog pipes, pour a cup of vinegar and another of baking soda down the drain, and after a few minutes of standing, pour boiling water.
- Glycerin
It is used for cleaning and as a protective layer to remove difficult stains. It is also used to remove dried wax from candles.
- Plants and natural essences
The fragrance of plants is a very good substitute for artificial air fresheners.
- Ketchup
Spread on white bread to polish copper and brass utensils. Then rinse with warm water and dry with a towel.
- Eco-friendly cleaning products
They are generally free of ammonia and chlorine. It is worth checking that they are really free of these. Some companies use false green advertising and call their products names such as "organic", "natural", "environmentally friendly", etc., without indicating the origin of the substances on the label.
Adapted for Ecuador from Consumer