By Dr. Mindi Miller-Jentes
Are you like me and begin spring cleaning in January, only to circle-back to repeat the process when it’s actually spring?
When I was a little girl, my mom and grandma taught me domestic ceremonial cleansing better known as spring cleaning, except in their homes this was a weekly Saturday ritual. After all, cleanliness is next to godliness.
Household cleaning always involved a bucket of pine solution water, an old T-shirt torn into large rags, a hand-held scrub brush, an old toothbrush, orange-scented furniture polish and hours on my hands and knees. It sure is a lot of work scrubbing all the cracks and crevices with an old toothbrush!
No doubt, your brain is recalling vivid memories of potent orange and pine fragrances wafting through the air with freshly washed linens drying on the clothesline.
While the satisfaction of a job well done is long lasting, so are the toxic effects. We all have experienced household cleaners that irritate our skin, eyes and respiratory system. That’s because they contain noxious chemicals like ammonia, chlorine and phthalates. But did you know that prolonged exposure has even been linked to more serious health concerns, such as hormone disruption and neurological effects?
Before you take a trip down the cleaning aisle in your local megamart, let’s take a minute to break down the importance of reading those labels. Bonus: It’ll even save you some cash!
It’s no surprise chemical-based cleaners (all those ingredients you can’t pronounce) cause pollution in water and air, harm wildlife and disrupt ecosystems. Synthetic fragrances and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) lower indoor air quality and contribute to respiratory issues like asthma and allergies. Did you also know these chemicals are also well-known hormone disruptors?
Because hormones play a key role in regulating the body, any disruption can lead to infertility, thyroid dysfunction, increased risk of hormone-related cancers and neurological and developmental issues.
Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDC’s) have been linked to lower sperm counts, irregular menstrual cycles, early puberty and pregnancy complications.
EDC’s also interfere with thyroid hormones which can lead to weight gain, fatigue and metabolism imbalances.
EDC’s are associated with a higher risk of breast, prostate and ovarian cancers. Exposure during pregnancy and early childhood can impact brain development, behavior and cognitive function.
What to lookout for
Phthalates — found in synthetic fragrances, including cosmetics and body care, are known to mimic estrogen and interfere with reproductive hormones. Studies link phthalate exposure to reduced fertility, developmental issues in children and disruptions in thyroid function.
Triclosan — an antibacterial agent found in some disinfectants, hand soaps and cleaning sprays. It has been shown to disrupt thyroid hormones and contribute to antibiotic resistance.
Parabens — preservatives in some cleaning and personal care products. Parabens can mimic estrogen in the body and have been linked to hormonal imbalances and breast cancer.
Nonylphenol Ethoxylates — found in some laundry detergents and surface cleaners. They have been banned in some countries due to their ability to disrupt estrogen levels and impact reproductive health.
Chlorine and Ammonia have strong disinfectants. They can interfere with thyroid function and, when mixed, create toxic fumes that further harm the endocrine system.
Make the Switch
Switching to non-toxic cleaning solutions is a simple, affordable and powerful way to limit exposure to harmful chemicals. Opt for natural solutions that you probably already have in your kitchen or laundry room.
- White vinegar and baking soda (disinfecting and deodorizing)
- Essential oils (refreshing fragrance)
- Hydrogen peroxide (antibacterial)
- Castile Soap (degreasing)
- Coconut oil (polish)
- Microfiber cloth (surface cleaning)
- Glass polishing cloth (streak-free shine)
Have you ever considered how much easier, affordable, safer and even space saving it would be to use these simple solutions? To make non-toxic cleaning handy for you, I have created a free download with my favorite Non-ToxicHousehold Cleaning Solutions Recipes. All you have to do is scan the QR code and then print or save to your phone.
While spring cleaning may or may not be your jam, making wise choices to protect the environment and your health are very important. Take the opportunity this spring to clean out the toxins in your home by replacing them with natural cleaning agents that support a long and healthy life!
