We all know the satisfaction of a sparkling clean home. But what if the very products we use to achieve that clean sheen are silently harming our health and environment?
Many popular household cleaning products contain harsh chemicals that pose a significant threat – not just to our lungs and skin but also to the air we breathe and the ecosystems we depend on.
Brainwashing From Cleaning Companies
The assumption that every effective cleaning method needs to rely solely on chemical substances originates primarily from marketing strategies employed by major chemical manufacturers. They influence consumer behavior and perceptions toward their products.
These companies often present themselves as the ultimate solution for maintaining cleanliness, disinfecting surroundings, and eliminating unpleasant smells, urging people to turn a blind eye to the many drawbacks associated with relying heavily on professional house cleaning chemicals.
Some companies even go to the extent of spending millions of dollars on superball ads to promote their chemical cleaners. To counteract this false belief and expose its underlying rationale, let’s delve deeper into the underlying risks that these chemicals pose.
Health Risks
The primary concern surrounding the use of household cleaning chemicals lies in potential exposure to harmful Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), including phenols, chlorinated solvents, and other industrial degradants.
According to WHO, approximately 80% of people globally live under conditions where daily exposure to VOCs exceeds recommended limits imposed by international standards. This regular exposure to VOC is further compounded by the use of chemical-based cleaning products, which can lead to the development of serious medical conditions like lung cancer.
This translates to roughly one out of ten adults being susceptible to high concentrations of hazardous substances in their daily lives.
Research also indicates that continuously breathing in the fumes of cleaning agents can lead to long-term health conditions like asthma and skin conditions like dermatitis.
Environmental Impact
Overuse of house cleaning chemicals contributes significantly to global waste generation and environmental pollution. Each bottle discarded represents another resource depleted due to prolonged usage.
Additionally, the production of these chemical cleaners uses a lot of energy from sources like petroleum and natural gas, which results in increased carbon emissions and ultimately contributes to climate change.
Allergies & Respiratory Issues
For some individuals, especially those suffering from asthma, allergies, hay fever, or chronic sinusitis, exposure to common household chemicals can trigger serious symptoms or even severe illnesses.
In instances where children or elderly relatives are affected, it necessitates careful planning and coordination efforts to minimize harm caused by unnecessary exposure to potentially harmful substance combinations.
The Power of Clean: Embracing Chemical-Free Cleaning
Thankfully, achieving a clean home doesn’t require harsh chemicals. There’s a whole world of chemical-free cleaning agents waiting to be explored!
- Microfiber Cloths: These intricately woven marvels serve as diminutive magnets for dust, filth, and grime. Whether used moist to cleanse surfaces or dry to attract dust, their versatility is enhanced by their machine-washable and reusable nature, endorsing them as an eco-friendly choice.
- Deionized Water: Optimal for cleansing glass surfaces like windows and mirrors, deionized water, stripped of mineral ions, ensures a streak-free finish.
- Ozone (O3): Present in liquid form, ozone emerges as a formidable natural disinfectant. While diluted ozone solutions are effective for certain cleaning tasks, they are unsuitable for more intensive sanitizing needs (for which professional Chicago chemical free cleaning services are recommended). Adherence to manufacturer guidelines is essential for safe usage.
- Activated Water: This solution, generated through the application of a slight electrical current, yields disinfectant properties. Similar to liquid ozone, employing activated water safely and effectively requires strict compliance with operational protocols.
- UV-C light: UV-C light is a potent disinfectant for surfaces, albeit it should not be used for regular cleaning. UV-C radiation breaks down bacteria’ DNA, making them dormant. But it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s directions and never expose skin or eyes to UV-C radiation because of safety concerns.
- Chemical-Absorbing Indoor Plants: Nature has cleansing powers of its own, even outside the realm of clothing and technology. Some indoor plants absorb contaminants that can be present in your house and work as natural air filters. Due to their ability to cleanse the air, Chinese evergreens, snake plants, and spider plants are all common choices.
- Floor mat: The first line of defense against filth and grime entering your house is an entryway and floor mat. Good doormats! To catch debris and dirt from your shoes, place a durable doormat outside your front entrance. Before dirt is carried throughout the home, it can be further captured by an extra mat placed within the entryway.
- HEPA Vacuum: A HEPA vacuum is a must-buy for cleaning carpets and upholstery. HEPA filters improve indoor air quality by catching microscopic particles like residue, allergens, and pet fur.
Conclusion
These house cleaning chemicals pose serious risks to our environment and health. Understanding the propaganda spread by the big chemical industries and shifting toward chemical-free cleaning can help you protect yourself and your family from all the health hazards and create a home that is not only clean but also safe.
Fresh Tech Maid offers comprehensive chemical-free cleaning services in Chicago. Our professional will completely disinfect your house using non-chemical cleaning agents and leave your house feeling fresh and clean, free from artificial fragrances.