By Anne Davis

It’s that time again.  Spring is right around the corner and that “spring cleaning” phase is about to begin!  Here are some interesting facts about the products on the market, as well as some home-made cleaning product recipes.

Understanding the labels

While your safest bet is to use home-made cleaners with products like vinegar, lemon juice, tea tree oil and baking soda, you should be aware of the ingredients in store-bought cleaners.  The products are labeled from least to most toxic as follows:  Least toxic – “Caution”; next level of toxicity – “Warning”; most dangerous chemicals – “Danger!”  Keep only the least toxic products under your sink to limit your exposure to harmful chemicals.

Fragrances

Strong odors of pine, citrus or floral products signal cleanliness to most of us; however, the fragrances included in cleaning products have nothing to do with how effective a cleaning product is.  In fact, those fragrances can trigger asthma and allergy attacks, headaches, mood swings, and/or disorientation.  Again, use natural products or look for unscented varieties.

How to disinfect

Most people spray on a product and wipe it off immediately, but disinfectants need to soak or sit on a surface – sometimes for 10 minutes or longer – to be effective.  In addition, it is necessary to clean a surface prior to disinfecting it.

Homemade cleaning products

The ingredients for some home-made cleaning products are more than likely already in your cupboards.

ReaLemon lemon juice – to disinfect cutting boards; clean coffee pots; deodorize dishwashers and microwaves; whiten laundry and remove hard water and lime stains.

All-purpose floor cleaner:

½ cup vinegar and 1 gallon warm water (don’t use on grout or marble)

Wood floor cleaner:

3 drops dish soap and 1 gallon warm water

Air freshener:

2 cups hot water and 2 tbsp baking soda mixed in a spray bottle

Grout mould cleaner:

1 part hydrogen peroxide, 2 parts water combined in a spray bottle.  Spray on surface, let sit for one hour and wipe with damp sponge.

All purpose cleaner:

1 part Club Soda, 1 part vinegar, 1 part water mixed in spray bottle.

Natural products can also be toxic, so be sure to use gloves and other precautions when working with strong cleaners.  Open a window when mixing products to avoid volatile odors and always wash your hands after using any cleaning substances.

Be clean but be safe, too!

Anne Davis is a writer, blogger, artist and photography buff.  Born in Quebec, she now lives in Kimberley, BC where she is editor of and contributor to the City of Kimberley’s Active Community Guide and webmaster for the City’s websites.

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