Sustainable Spring Cleaning

Why not make your spring-clean one that’s toxin free? Courtney Holm offers five home cleaning products that you can make from scratch using products that you might find in your pantry 

Chemicals are widely used in store bought cleaning products, especially since the 1950s. Some of these chemicals are harmless, but not allare. And some when used together can be very dangerous, like bleach and ammonia. You can protect your family by limiting exposure to potential toxins in day-to-day life and create a safer, healthier home.Skin irritation and rashes, respiratory issues, like asthma, endocrine/hormone disruption, and cancer are just a few of the potential health issues for your family if you use these chemicals:

Bleach, if it’s used incorrectly or inhaled can irritate skin, eyes, and lungs and can cause breathing problems, vomiting, and even diarrhoea. Breathing in bleach over a long period of time can increase cancer risk.

Alkyl phenol ethoxylates (APEs) are surfactants found in laundry detergents, stain removers, and all- purpose cleaners, they have been found to reduce embryo survival in fish and alter tadpole development. APEs are commonly detected as contaminants in rivers and streams and have also been found in household dust.

Phthalates are carriers for fragrance in glass cleaners, deodorizers, laundry detergents and fabric softeners, that have been linked to adverse effects on male children, reduced sperm countin adult men, and increased allergic symptoms and asthma in children. Glycol ethers, such as 2-butoxyethanol are solvents commonly found in glass cleaners and all-purpose spray cleaners that have been linked to reduced fertility and low birth weight in exposed mice.

Preventing exposure is the best approach and at The Holm Edit we’ve tested hundreds of make your own cleaning recipes over the years, proving that you don’t need harsh chemicals to deep clean your home. This year, when you are doing your spring clean, try these 5 natural cleaning products that you can make from raw ingredients straight from your pantry. 

1. ALL-PURPOSE SCRUB

Great for sinks, tub, pots and pans. Mix baking soda and lemon juice in a bowl to make a thick paste. Use a natural scouring pad and an old toothbrush to clean nooks and crannies. Rinse well with hot water. 

2. ALL-PURPOSE CLEANER 

For walls, windowsills and frames, kitchen cabinets, etc. Do not use on glass or wood. Combine 2tbsp of castile soap, such as Dr. Bronner’s, with 10 drops tea tree oil and 500ml of warm water. Combine in a large spray bottle and shake before use or use a bucket. Swap out rags after every room. 

3. DISINFECTANT 

For bathrooms, kitchen, and plastic (not wood) toys combine: 125ml white vinegar, 1tbsp soda crystals (sodium carbonate), 2tbsp lemon juice, 240ml hot water. Use a cloth to wipe clean or for toys, double the recipe and put in the bathtub, soak for 30 minutes, drain the bath and rinse toys with water, leave to dry. 

4. WINDOW AND GLASS CLEANER

125ml white vinegar, 125ml cheap vodka, 1tsp cornstarch, 250ml water.

Half recipe for a spray bottle or use a bucket if doing all the windows.

Top tip: use two microfibre cloths, one to wash and one to dry. 

5. WOOD FLOOR CLEANER. 

In a bucket combine 1 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp natural (liquid) dish soap (Dr. Bronner’s is a good option because it has multiple uses around the house) and warm water. After a good vacuum, use a mop, making sure it is not too wet to prevent streaks. 

In addition to using natural cleaning products, deep cleaning your mattress is a spring must do. Remove the mattress protector and pillows, wash them at 60 degrees using a white vinegar rinse. Next, vacuum the mattress with the brush attachment, then sprinkle baking soda on the mattress, covering with a 6mm layer, let that sit for at least 1 hour, vacuum well without the brush first, then finish with a brush attachment. 

These make-your-own-cleaning- products are effective, practical and economical ways to reduce your exposure to toxins, but there are many other things you can do to have a more sustainable lifestyle. 

If you’d like to learn more please visit www.theholmedit.com