Safe Cleaning
Cleaning is a chore, especially when you have to do it using
harsh chemical cleaners. However, if you are looking for all-natural
alternatives so you can clean without having to put your health at risk, just
check your kitchen and pantry. That’s right! Natural cleaners and disinfectants
are in your home right now. Toss away the chemical products and get ready to
dive deep into some safe cleaning tips by reading below!
Life can get pretty messy at times; especially when you have
to face a life threatening emergency solo. Wish there was an easy way to clean
up your at-home safety? There is, thanks to Life Alert! While wearing their
lightweight, waterproof emergency pendant around your neck or wrist, you can
summon an emergency medical help fast with just one touch of a button! No
matter if you encounter a home invasion, a home fire or even a serious fall,
Life Alert’s dispatch team is available 24/7 to send you the proper authorities.
Don’t make a mess of your personal protection by choosing a
different medical alert company; get Life Alert today and clean up your safety
act now! And thanks to the experts over
at Real Simple[1]
here are some examples to help you can clean up your life in other ways. Some all-natural alternatives might be in your
pantry right now! Read below to find out what they are.
White Vinegar: Made from acetic acid and water, white vinegar
is a power cleaner—easily cutting through grease and removing mildew, odors,
stains, and wax buildup. Thanks to its high acidity, white vinegar reduces
surface bacteria, making it a safe alternative to bleach. In a 1994 study by
the Journal of Environmental Health, vinegar was found to reduce the amount of
bacteria on a hard surface, although it was less effective than commercial
cleaners. Vinegar will work for those who value a safe cleaning method and want
to rid their homes of harmful chemicals, but it won’t leave surfaces completely
bacteria-free.
Vodka: Because most vodka is 80 proof, or 40 percent alcohol by
volume, it can be used as a disinfectant to remove mold and mildew. Like
vinegar, vodka degreases, removes stains, shines fixtures, and refreshes
fabric—but without the lingering sour odor. For the most antibacterial power,
look for 100-proof vodka (as most store-bought hand sanitizers contain at least
60 percent alcohol), and let it sit for a few minutes so the alcohol can do its
job.
Lemon: The citric acid in lemons works wonderfully on alkaline
stains like soap scum found in bathrooms and kitchens. Lemons can also be used
to sanitize non-porous surfaces and shine oxidized metal (hint: use it to make
old copper pots and pans sparkle). In the same study mentioned above, lemon
also worked to reduce bacteria on hard surfaces, but was less effective than
both vinegar and commercial cleaners. Although lemon is less effective than
vinegar, it certainly wins in the scent department.
Hydrogen Peroxide: If you ever got a cut on the playground as a
kid, you may already know the familiar sting of hydrogen peroxide in action.
Since the 1920s, hydrogen peroxide has been used as an antiseptic on cuts
because of its abilities to kill bacteria by breaking down cell walls. It can
also be used to kill mold and remove stains on white clothing. Caution should
be taken when cleaning with hydrogen peroxide, as it will bleach colorful
fibers and etch the surface of stone over time.
Essential Oils: Versatile and great smelling, essential oils
have a wide range of medicinal and healing properties. It comes as no surprise
that they are also quite powerful agents against bacteria and fungus. When
added to vodka or a solution of soap and water, some essential oils can enhance
the cleaning properties, helping rid your home of mold, mildew, and musty
smells. There are a bunch of bacteria-fighting essential oils to choose from,
particularly tea tree, citronella, geranium, lemongrass, orange, and patchouli.
Currently, scientists are still studying essential oils’ bacteria-fighting
abilities, including its potential use as an antibiotic.
Steam: The simple combination of water and heat makes for the
ultimate economical and chemical-free disinfectant. When heated to at least 200
degrees Fahrenheit, steam not only eliminates tough stuck-on stains and grease,
but can also sanitize both hard and soft surfaces. While steaming may be a
slower process—sometimes taking up to 20 seconds to fully sanitize one area—If
used properly, steam is capable of removing bacteria, germs, dust mites, and
other pathogens.
Castile Soap: With its roots in the Castile region of Spain,
Castile soap, once made from olive oil, is now often made from a blend of
vegetable oils. Quick to lather, a drop of Castile soap is all that’s needed to
get dishes, bathtubs, or just about any surface squeaky clean. While the soap
generally isn’t antibacterial on its own, Dr. Bronner’s recommends a homemade
solution that adds tea tree essential oil to make your own naturally
bacteria-fighting cleanser.
Getting rid of those harsh household cleaners can be simpler
than you think—just scrounge around in your kitchen! But, no matter how clean
your house may be, it unfortunately won’t make it any safer. If you are an
aging senior who is currently living independently and you are looking to clean
up your personal protection plan, it is time to look into Life Alert. Simply
slip on their lightweight, waterproof emergency pendant around your neck or
wrist and immediately gain access to a 24/7 dispatch team who can help to save
your life in a messy moment. Should you encounter a home invasion, a home fire
or even a serious fall, push the button on your pendant and summon an emergency
medical response fast. Don’t be afraid to make a little mess with Life Alert by
your side! Call 1-800-513-2934 for a free Life Alert brochure.
Works Cited:
1.
Christiansen, Marla. “6 Things That Are
Naturally Antibacterial to Safely Disinfect Your Home.” Real Simple. 1 October 2018. < https://www.realsimple.com/home-organizing/cleaning/naturally-antibacterial-cleaners
>.