House Cleaning TipsHouse cleaning tips for making a healthy bedroom include the avoidance of common laundry detergents, scented products, and fabric softeners. Most of these products are petroleum derived and contain harmful hydrocarbons. They also contain other carcinogenic or toxic ingredients which remain on the bedding or clothing for long periods of time. These are then absorbed through your skin or respiratory system. AVOID DETERGENTS & SCENTED PRODUCTS These contain petroleum-based chemicals to make the scents long-lasting. These plus other very harmful chemicals can cause sensitivities in many individuals, developing slowly over time. Many of these chemicals are known to be harmful to the brain, nervous system, and respiratory systems. Some of the early signs of sensitivity include headaches, or light-headedness when around the offending substance, or becoming nauseous. Nasal or lung irritations can also occur, including asthma. This indicates the chemical is having adverse effects upon the body, and should be avoided to prevent the development of more serious chemical sensitivities. Skin rashes or dermatitis can also occur. Most chemicals are easily absorbed through the skin and lungs, directly entering the bloodstream. Many of these chemicals are hard for the body to eliminate, and some are never eliminated, but rather accumulate, with harmful effects on the body. CHEMICAL ILLNESS Illnesses which can occur but may not be noticeable until well developed, are immune system damage, inability to think clearly, mental confusion and other neurological problems. Respiratory problems often occur including asthma. Various organs can be damaged also with repeated exposures. That’s why it’s best to limit exposures as much as possible to prevent toxic build-up within the cells. This greatly disrupts the intended function of the cells, and produces undesirable symptoms and disease because these chemicals were never meant to be there in the first place! I have read countless medical cases of individuals (who have had chemical testing and other lab work done, to verify the conclusions of the doctors treating them) who were affected by chemicals. Individuals often started out with mild symptoms at first, then later developed more severe symptoms. Because the patients didn't recognize it as Environmental Illness in the beginning, often their symptoms progressed to the point of becoming so severe, that their health was greatly damaged. Some of the problems cannot be corrected once the damage is done, and this can make life very difficult in so many ways. This is why it is extremely important to minimize exposure to toxins and chemicals, even if you don't think you're having any reaction to them. Often people are having reactions, they just don't realize what many of those reactions are, or what might be the cause of them. Even if it seems you're not having reactions, damage is still occuring within the body, whether you realize it or not. And if you were tested, you would most likely be amazed at all the chemicals found within you, and the damage they have done to critical detox pathways.
Simple non-toxic ingredients are effective at cleaning AND disinfecting. Industrial strength cleaning is not necessary for homes, in fact it is harmful because of the chemicals used and the bacterial resistance it leaves behind. The strongest, healthiest germs are the ones that remain after heavy antibacterial cleaning. They can and will become resistant by mutation. They are the hardiest survivors! Use of anti-bacterial products only increases this occurrence. Healthy individuals can handle germs, and can fight them off. It is not necessary to eradicate all of them, unless one is immuno-compromised or in a hospital or surgical setting where sterility is imperative. Even then, not all germs are removed. House Cleaning Tip #1 for bedding: -Peroxide based cleaners are a good alternative to bleach and they break down easily without leaving toxic residues behind. These work well on colored fabrics also, usually causing no problems with fading or discoloration. They may take longer to work and sometimes soaking is required to completely remove stains. This is usually a much safer and better alternative for you and the environment compared to household bleach (hypochlorite). -White vinegar and baking soda (use half and half-more baking soda if your water is hard). Effectively kills germs, fungi and viruses. -Very hot water (130 degrees) is extremely effective at killing germs, viruses and dust mites. You can try adding a few large pans of boiling water to your washing machine if your water temperature is not able to get that high. Just be careful not to spill it and get scalded. -Lemon juice and hot water (the mild acid kills germs and helps in some stain removal.) -Borax powder is relatively safe, but cannot be ingested ( small amounts are poisonous to humans and pets) and the powder should not be inhaled.It does not cause harm to environment like other cleaners since it breaks down easily into organic substances. -Eco-friendly laundry soaps which LIST their ingredients and are unscented, or scented with only natural essential oils. Products from SEVENTH GENERATION are one such company that lists all of their ingredients as well as how they are derived. CAUTION: never mix bleach with ammonia or vinegar. Very harmful, highly toxic chlorine gases are produced which can be fatal or cause serious organ damage. Make sure there is no chemical residue left from previous cleanings before using these products. -Avoid dry cleaning bedroom comforters. The harmful chemicals from these products outgas for weeks. They cannot be "aired out" in a few days as many suggest. Sleeping for several hours next to these chemicals is harmful. If you're able to find a dry cleaner that uses a chemical-free water carbonation method, that is safe. Just make sure they disclose all chemicals used, if any.
Avoid fabric softeners as these contain many harmful chemical combinations and hydrocarbons and strong petroleum-based perfumes which remain in the fibers for long periods of time. Many of the chemicals used in fabric softeners are neuro-toxic meaning they cause injury to the brain and nervous system as well as other organs in the body, such as the kidneys and liver. There are some newer vegetable-based or natural oil-based fabric softeners on the market now which work quite well. Use unscented fabric softeners whenever possible. Your bedding will still smell clean without all the perfumes and chemicals. Drying clothing in the sun also effectively kills germs and viruses because of the ultraviolet light. Be aware that the fabrics can absorb pollens or molds from the air and this should be avoided if one has allergies or sensitivities. If your dryer has a high-heat setting, this will effectively kill many germs including dust mites.
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