Cleaning without chemicals: Part 2 - recipes for natural kitchen cleaning products

This post was previously published on www.anitawasik.com/blog

Cleaning our kitchens is a daily routine for many, yet we often overlook the hidden dangers lurking in conventional cleaning products. These products, marketed as essential for hygiene, frequently contain toxic chemicals that can harm the environment and our health, leading to various symptoms and even abnormal blood test results. Alarmingly, residues from these cleaners may remain on surfaces like plates and glasses, potentially entering our bodies through food and beverages.

THE HIDDEN RISK OF CONVENTIONAL CLEANING PRODUCTS

Advertisements bombard us with more and more chemical products that we are willing to store in a large quantities in our homes. The average home contains about 63 synthetic chemical substances that are dangerous for us. Many commercial cleaning products are mixed of chemical including fragrances, glycol ethers, surfactants, solvents, phosphates, salts, detergents, pH-stabilizers, acids, and bases. A systematic review performed by scientist from Switzerland revealed that up to 75% of studied cleaning products contained irritant, 64% harmful and 28% corrosive substances that are hazards for eyes, skin, or gastrointestinal system (Gerster et al., 2014). These toxins are linked to allergies, skin and respiratory diseases (reviewed in Yang et al., 2014; Vincent et al., 2017).

Additionally, the improper rinsing of cleaning agents can leave traces of these chemicals on kitchenware, posing a direct ingestion risk. This exposure can accumulate over time, potentially affecting long-term health.

Fortunately, safer and more sustainable options are within reach. By switching to homemade, chemical-free cleaning solutions, you can protect your health, reduce your environmental footprint, and save money. Here are some effective recipes tailored for common kitchen cleaning tasks.

RECIPES FOR NATURAL KITCHEN CLEANING PRODUCTS

1. Dishwashing liquid:

Ingredients: 3 lemons, 1.5 cup pf water, 1 cup of fine salt, 1 cup of vinegar.

Preparation: Mix all ingredients in a pot. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring constantly, until the liquid thickens. Pour the still-warm liquid into a glass bottle. Use like any other dishwashing liquid.

2. Cleaning the oven

Ingredients: 1 cup of baking soda, 2 teaspoons of fine salt.

Preparation: Mix the baking soda and salt, then add a small amount of hot water to create a paste. Apply the paste to the oven’s surface, avoiding cables and heating elements. Let it sit for 15 minutes. Finally, wipe everything off with a damp cloth. This method effectively removes grease and grime without releasing harmful fumes.

2. Descaling the kettle

Ingredients: 1 cup of water, 1 cup of vinegar.

Preparation: Combine the water and vinegar, then pour the mixture into the kettle. Boil it and let it sit for a few minutes before discarding the liquid. To remove any remaining vinegar smell or taste, boil fresh water in the kettle a few times. Alternatively, you can use citric acid in place of vinegar.

3. Removing unpleasant odors from the refrigerator

Ingredients: Baking soda.

Preparation: Place 2-3 teaspoons of baking soda on a plate and leave it in the refrigerator overnight. Baking soda effectively absorbs odors, leaving your fridge smelling fresh. Remove the plate the next morning.

WHY CHOOSE CHEMICAL-FREE CLEANING?

• Health benefits: By avoiding toxic chemicals, you reduce the risk of skin irritation, respiratory issues, and hormonal disruption.
• Eco-friendly: Homemade solutions are biodegradable and reduce the chemical burden on water systems.
• Cost-effective: Common ingredients like baking soda and vinegar are inexpensive and versatile, making them budget-friendly alternatives.
• Safe for all surfaces: Natural cleaners are gentle yet effective, suitable for a wide range of surfaces and appliances.

Your kitchen is the heart of your home, where meals are prepared and memories are made. By adopting chemical-free cleaning practices, you’re taking a proactive step to safeguard your health and the environment.

REFERENCES

Gerster, F. M., Vernez, D., Wild, P. P., & Hopf, N. B. (2014). Hazardous substances in frequently used professional cleaning products. International journal of occupational and environmental health. 20(1):46-60

Vincent, M.J., Bernstein, J.A., Basketter, D., LaKind, J.S., Dotson, G.S., and Maier, A. (2017). Chemical-induced asthma and the role of clinical, toxicological, exposure and epidemiological research in regulatory and hazard characterization approaches. Regulatory toxicology and pharmacology. 90:126-132.

Yang, S.N., Hsieh, C.C., Kuo, H.F., Lee, M.S., Huang, M.Y., Kuo, C.H., and Hung, C. H. (2014). The effects of environmental toxins on allergic inflammation. Allergy, asthma & immunology research. 6(6):478-484.