Any tips for reducing the chemicals within the home?

Comments

1. angie says:

   November 23, 2009 at 1:59 am

   a hand held steamer is good for cleaning around the home
   References :
2. jet-set says:

   November 23, 2009 at 2:49 am

   I use Ecover for all cleaning jobs. You’ll find this product in most supermarkets/health food stores. It’s as good as all the other chemical loaded products, no more expensive and helps the environment. The good old lemon is useful too.
   I use organic bath/beauty products. Look on-line for sites. Neal’s Yard is a good one.
   References :
3. fifilapoo114 says:

   November 23, 2009 at 3:04 am

   use vinegar on limescale. use bicarbonate of soda as a cleaning agent.
   References :
4. Huge says:

   November 23, 2009 at 3:47 am

   For personal use just use hot water or a sauna without and soaps. For home use the problem is non-chemical products do not work very well and can be a lot more expensive in the long run. The best thing is to stick to naturally occurring cleaning compounds. You can use lemon or orange extract for certain jobs including deodorising and light degreasing, and clear (non-malted) vinegar for windows, glass and surfaces. Also, you can get Eco washing products, which are enviro friendly. However, if you want to properly sterilise things and do not want to use chemicals the only alternative is steam cleaning, which is good but not practical for all applications.
   References :
5. Albert R says:

   November 23, 2009 at 3:59 am

   Might be bit difficult – the entire universe is made out of chemicals apart from the bits with nothing in it.

   I suggest, you kock your house down and replace it with a big glass flask with a huge pump attached to it. Suck out all the air to create a vacuum and – hey presto! – no chemicals. Okay, you’ll die, but your’re made of chemicals too.
   Sorry, my medication is wearing off.
   References :
6. Delsy says:

   November 23, 2009 at 4:06 am

   Have a look at the link below; there’s quite a lot of tips there to help you. Lemon juice is my personal favourite, works a treat and makes yur house smell nice!
   References :
   http://www.biggreenswitch.co.uk/around_the_home/natural-cleaning-products
7. PIPPA H says:

   November 23, 2009 at 4:17 am

   Try The Soap Kitchen. They have loads of information on how to make your own shampoos, bath bombs, household cleaners etc.
   There are plenty of pages to go through.
   Also try typing in Dumped channel 4. They have loads of links to other sites, some of which I think will be useful to you.
   I have a book called Good Housekeeping, Household hints and tips that I use.
   Good luck and congratulations for thinking about your health and the environment.
   Pippa
   References :
8. Lucy says:

   November 23, 2009 at 4:27 am

   There are alternatives. I am a Preferred Customer of Melaleuca, The Wellness Company and have completely gotten rid of all the toxic chemicals in my home. I don’t pay an arm and leg either — I have saved money by switching stores. My kids are healthier and I feel better too. It’s amazing the research out there about these dangers. Kuddos to you for knowing about it. I would suggest contacting me at twoyourfuture@yahoo.com for information about Melaleuca’s products. If you are wanting to live a healthier lifestyle without all the chemicals, you will love this company.
   References :
   http://www.melaleuca.com, http://www.rmbarry.com, http://www.saferforyourhome.com
9. ms_quoted says:

   November 23, 2009 at 4:50 am

   Here are some recipes that can get you started.

   -Blue Window Cleaner-
   3 tablespoons ammonia
   3/4 cup water
   1 tablespoon white vinegar
   2 drops blue food coloring
   Put into a clean spray bottle.

   -All Purpose Liquid Cleaner-
   2 teaspoon borax
   2 tablespoons white vinegar or lemon juice
   1/2 teaspoon washing soda
   1/2 teaspoon vegetable-based detergent
   2 cups very hot water
   Measure all into a plastic spray bottle, shake gently to mix.

   -Firming Facial Mask-
   Whisk together:
   1 T honey
   1 egg white
   1 tsp glycerin
   and just enough flour to make a paste
   Smooth over cleansed skin and allow to sit on skin for at least ten minutes. Rinse off with lukewarm water and pat dry.

   -Basic Deodorant Powder-
   Combine the following in a jar,
   1/2 cup baking soda
   1/2 cup cornstarch
   a few drops essential oils such as lavender (Cedar or Sage -for men). To use: apply with dry washcloth & dust on or use a sprinkle top on your jar and apply.

   -Dandruff Treatment-
   2 tsp. dried rosemary
   2tsp. dried thyme
   2/3 cup boiling water
   2/3 cup cider vinegar
   Pour boiling water over herbs, cover & steep 20 minutes. Strain into a bottle, add vinegar & shake well. Shampoo & rinse hair as usual, massage aprox. 2 T into scalp. Let set 3-5 minutes, rinse.

   -Protein Conditioner-
   1 egg white
   5 Tbs plain yogurt
   4 drops essential oil (any scent)
   Beat egg white until foamy and the add yogurt and essential oil. Apply to hair in small sections at a time. Leave in for 15 minutes then rinse well.

   Also, to mop your floor use 1 cup vinegar to 4 cups hot water. There are a lot more recipes for household supplies at http://www.budget101.com/household1.htm
   Good luck!
   References :
   http://www.budget101.com/household1.htm
10. lucy says:

    November 23, 2009 at 5:17 am

    I use baking soda for brushing my teeth and they seem cleaner. I also use baking soda to wash my hair which stays clean longer, this way I don’t use plastic bottles, which are difficult to recycle. I also use baking soda as scouring powder for cleaning the tub, the shower or the sink. Also use it as a deodorizer on the carpet (dry) or in anything that has a bad smell. We rarely have chemicals in our house.
    References :