Cleaning products are supposed to keep us safe, comfortable and healthy.

However, because most conventional products can be extremely poisonous, our homes can be very toxic, rather we realize it our not.

Fortunately, there are some natural products and alternatives for keeping a happy, healthy home.

List of Volatile Cleaning Culprits

Ammonia

Ammonia, when in contact with bleach, will release toxic chlorine gas and can be deadly even in small amounts.

Ammonia is definitely a respiratory hazard and can irritate the lungs tremendously and impair breathing.

Chlorine

Chlorine, often labeled as "sodium hypochlorite" or "hypochlorite" is one of the most common chemicals in household cleaners, although scientists will not handle it with adequate protection.

Chlorine can damage eyes, ears, skin and cause severe respiratory trouble.

Ethylene-based Glycol

Ethylene-based Glycol is commonly used as a water-soluble solvent in cleaning agents, but is classified as a hazardous air pollutant by the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Terpenes

Terpenes, a class of chemicals found in lemon, pine and orange oils, can morph into carcinogenic compounds when they mix with ground-level ozone.

If you must use these chemicals, please wear gloves for added protection and keep a window or door open for proper ventilation.

List of Natural Cleaning Alternatives

•Baking Soda

Baking soda provides grit for scrubbing and reacts with water, vinegar or lemon by fizzing, which speeds up cleaning times in addition to deodorizing properties.

•Corn Starch

Cornstarch can be used to clean windows, polish furniture, shampoo carpets and rugs.

•Distilled White Vinegar

Distilled white vinegar disinfects and breaks up dirt. Red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar can stain surfaces, so always use the distilled white variety for cleaning purposes.

•Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen Peroxide disinfects and bleaches. It can remove stubborn stains, often without causing discoloring and damage to fabrics or household fixtures.

•Lemons

Lemons can cut grease. You can purchase the bottled lemon juice and that will effectively cut grease too.

Use the bottled lemon juice as alternative to citrus cleaners that may contain hazardous chemicals.

•Olive Oil

You can purchase a cheaper grade of olive oil that will effectively pick up dirt, and polish wood.

Mix olive oil with vegetable-based soap (liquid castile) and you will have an effective all purpose cleaner.

•Tea Tree Oil - Melaleuca

Tea tree oil is a wonderful natural cleaning agent - toxic free. Remove glue and sticky substances by dabbing the surface with a with a small amount applied to a cotton swab.

Tea tree oil is a wonderful air freshener, too. Put a few drops on household and vacuum filters.

As with any vitamin or supplement, please consult your doctor before taking. Author Beverly Terhune speaks from 35 years of living with Rheumatoid Arthritis and shares her experience, strength & hope on how to lead a healthy, substance-free life.

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