The natural alternative to synthetic cleaning products

Throughout history, mankind has repeatedly had to deal with various health problems caused by bacteria, fungi and viruses. So when the alternatives - synthetic cleaning products - appeared, a \"purification\" of our environment began. Over time, however, it has become clear that the sterile environment is only desirable in operating theatres and that this over-cleaning is harmful and, in the medium and long term, can lead to health problems, the most common being respiratory and skin problems (asthma, rhinitis, allergies, dermatitis, etc.).

Looking at the impact that household substances have on people, in 2000 alone, cleaning products caused about 10% of all toxic exposures, according to the US Poison Control Centers. Of these, half were in children under 6 years of age.

Exposure to toxins in cleaning products is not limited to those who use them. According to studies (find them in the Resources section), they remain in the air in the home, settle on hard surfaces (walls, furniture, floors), on clothes or become airborne and affect everyone who comes into contact with them. Exposure starts as early as the intra-uterine period. For example, the presence of a fan in a room where phthalates have been released has been shown to increase their absorption into the body.

Toxic ingredients to avoid

• Phthalates (e.g. diethylhexyl phthalate) are present in most cleaning products. Exposure to this toxin can lead to negative effects on metabolism (weight gain, diabetes), hormonal problems, allergies. Studies also link them to infertility and premature births.

• Triclosan, used as a broad-spectrum antibacterial, is currently banned due to numerous studies that have shown it causes allergies, hormonal problems, cancer and antibiotic resistance.

• Formaldehyde affects metabolic, lung and reproductive function. There is evidence that it affects the bone marrow and accumulation in the body can lead to DNA damage.

• Talc is most commonly used in baby powder, but is also found in many cleaning products. Studies show that talc use can cause ovarian cancer, asthma, lung cancer.

This is not an exhaustive list. It contains only the most common toxic substances in cleaning products and beyond.

The icing on the cake, in the most negative way possible, is a 2018 study whose conclusion was that women who perform household or professional cleaning activities (using synthetic products) have their respiratory health impaired in the long term (10-20 years). There was also a control group, which included women who did not generally clean. The study examined 6000 participants over 20 years. There was an accelerated decline in lung function in women after both occupational and household cleaning. The severity of the effect was comparable to smoking 10 cigarettes a day for 20 years.

It is a frightening prospect. However, there is good news. One is that, following numerous toxicity studies, more and more toxic substances have been banned. The other news, the best of them, in my view, is that each of us can largely avoid exposure to these toxins by using natural cleaning products. To ensure that we still remove harmful micro-organisms such as bacteria, fungi, viruses, we can use essential oils (see the end of the article for a list of recommended oils) with antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral or degreasing properties along with other natural substances.

Essential oils useful for cleaning

• Antibacterial oils: Copaiba, Manuka, Melaleuca, Niaouli, Oregano, Peppermint, Ravensara, Rosemary, Thyme.

• Antifungal Oils: Copaiba, Coriander, Full, Fennel, Holy Basil, Kumquat, Lavender, Lemon Eucalyptus, Melaleuca, Myrrh, Wild Orange, Patchouli, Peppermint, Ravensara, Sandalwood.

• Antimicrobial Oils: Balsam Fir, Bay Laurel, Cassia, Cinnamon, Clove, Holy Basil, Lemongrass, Melaleuca, Ravensara.

• Antiviral Oils: Cassia, Cinnamon, Clove, Eucalyptus, Lemon myrtle, Manuka, Melaleuca, Oregano, Ravensara, Star anise, Thyme.

• Deodorant oils: Citronella.

• Degreasing oils: Clementine, Tangerine, Grapefruit, Wild Orange, Kumquat, Mandarin, Celery seed (listed in order of potency).

The above properties can be found as main properties in the monographs of the essential oils mentioned. There are, of course, other oils that also have these properties and you can find them all in the Essentials app, either under each individual oil or in the Properties section.

Natural cleaning ingredients

• Bicarbonate eliminates unpleasant odors, is antibacterial and degreasing. It can be used for cleaning carpets (powdered, left for a few hours or overnight and vacuumed), cleaning ceramic or stainless steel dishes. In addition, it can be used in abrasive pastes to remove stubborn stains.

• White vinegar is antimicrobial, degreasing, descaling and antifungal. Combined with bicarbonate it unclogs pipes, cleans toilets, ceramic dishes and removes unpleasant odors. When added to the washing machine it is superior to any fabric softener, and in combination with essential oils it will also add a pleasant fragrance.

• Castile soap is generally made from coconut or olive oil. It can be used as a base for all household cleaning solutions (soap, shower gel, all-purpose detergent, dishwashing detergent, etc.).

*This is not an exhaustive list. There are other natural cleaning solutions. Those mentioned above are popular, easily available and reasonably priced.

The utensils used in the cleaning process are equally important, with those of natural origin being preferred. Plastic ones are easily broken down during use (this process can happen with both synthetic products and those containing essential oils) and plastic micro-particles remain on surfaces. In addition, studies show that plastic is a much better environment for bacteria to grow. There are now effective and sustainable natural alternatives available in the shops, such as wooden and coconut fiber brushes, bamboo washcloths and sponges, etc.

The perception that getting products from the shop with higher cleaning power is easier and healthier is erroneous for several reasons: + In the medium to long term it is scientifically proven how harmful to health most synthetic cleaning products are.

• Developing a health problem will often prevent you from cleaning (and more).

• Excessive sanitizing causes, according to studies, more health problems than it solves.

• Cleaning products can be made at home very quickly by mixing just a few ingredients (baking soda, Castile soap and essential oils for abrasive cleaning paste; Castile soap, essential oils and water for all-purpose cleaner; baking soda and essential oils for carpet cleaning; baking soda and vinegar for toilet bowl cleaning...).

Let's take personal responsibility for our own and our family's health before waiting for others to do it for us. By recognizing the dangers and adopting healthy habits that we can pass on to future generations, together we will find the best natural solutions for cleaning and beyond.

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