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Cleanliness is vital for a healthy home, but generally we tend to use too many chemical cleaning products in rather large quantities, and are oblivious to their consequences. There are time honored natural alternatives in the form of eco friendly cleaning products that are just as effective, that do not have such a harmful impact on our environment, and that will leave your home smelling delightfully fresh and fragrant.

So, what are these natural alternatives and why haven’t we heard of them earlier?

Natural, or Organic cleaning products are a safe, natural alternative to the harmful chemicals found in common commercial cleaning products. Every organic cleaning cupboard should have white vinegar, lemon juice, baking soda, pure soap, table salt, washing soda, and essential oils to name just some. These environmentally-friendly cleaning products are effective, affordable, healthy and ethical.

The common commercial products we use today contain a significant concentration of heavy duty chemicals and may not bring the harmony and sweetness to your life that the manufacturers would have you believe. Less than one quarter of the 70,000 chemicals used in cleaning products and toiletries have been fully tested for safety, and substances classified as hazardous waste are found in many common cleaning fluids.

The largest number of occurrences of poisoning are due to non organic cleaning products – drain cleaners, toilet bowl cleaners, bleach, soaps and detergents. Ammonia is a highly volatile chemical frequently found in non organic cleaning products and is very damaging to your eyes, respiratory tract and skin. Non organic laundry detergents contain phosphorus, enzymes, ammonia, naphthalene, phenol, sodium nitilotriacetate and countless other chemicals. Non organic cleaning products for toilet bowls may cause pulmonary edema, vomiting or coma if ingested. Oven cleaner is one of the most toxic non organic cleaning products that people use.

Using natural household cleaning products is the core of natural cleaning. Natural cleaning products are truly cleaner because they are nontoxic, natural, biodegradable, concentrated, and hypoallergenic, and are excellent cleaners. I love natural cleaning products because they are totally safe for the home, they won’t harm the environment and have major health benefits. By taking the time to become better informed about the choices that are available to you, you’ll quickly realize that organic cleaning products and recipes are easy to find, and will probably fit nicely into your budget. There are numerous excellent books and information available on ‘green cleaning’ and natural cleaning products.

I confess; I’m a recent convert to using organic cleaning products at home. The only reason I had not ‘converted’ sooner was that no one had informed me of the natural alternative. I have found the products work just as well in most situations, is less expensive, healthier, more environmentally friendly and it gives me a good feeling to know that I’m ‘doing the right thing’. My chemical free home is a delight to be in – it looks and feels good and smells fresh too.

So, with all the information above, why aren’t more of us switching to the natural alternatives? Based on feedback, the answers I received are; 1) people are not educated or aware about the alternatives, 2) people don’t have the time or desire, and 3) many claim the organic solutions don’t work as well as chemicals. I have a personal opinion on all three answers, but the wonderful world we live in means people are very different on many levels. As a result, the reasons listed above are valid to many people.

The aim of this article is not to sell you anything; I just want you to be aware, then you can make your own decision. I do however, strongly urge and encourage you to try the natural alternatives, just once. What have you got to lose? I guarantee the benefits you get will far outweigh any inconveniences you feel you may experience. You will feel and smell the benefits of switching to natural cleaning products if not immediately, then certainly after a couple weeks.

So, clear out your old household cleaners and start anew with the natural alternatives and keep your home clean, safe and healthy. Eco-friendly cleaning products are definitely the way to go!!

If you are interested in learning more about nontoxic household products, consider joining www.EarthHuddle.com – a free online community focused on all areas of sustainable living, including organic home products, recycling, and eco living.

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