Tips for Less Toxic Housekeeping

By Priscilla Stevens

 

A few years ago I received a telephone call from a neighbor who had experienced a severe reaction to cleaning her house with ammonia and bleach. While she knew enough not to mix these two products together, just the fact that she had exposed herself to both products in the course of her house cleaning, had sent her in search of medical treatment. Knowing my sensitivity to chemicals, and not desiring a repeated incident, she called to find out what I used in place of these products.

Over the years I have learned to rely on least toxic cleaning methods in my own home. I found that many cleaning products contain chlorine, artificial fragrances, formaldehyde, phenol, alcohols, naphthalene, benzene, volatile organic hydrocarbons, ammonia, arsenic, ethers, and lye. Gradually, I learned that a few basic ingredients were all that is necessary to maintain a home and keep my health. I have used Bon Ami, borax, baking soda, washing soda, and distilled vinegar, liquid soap or detergent (earth friendly soaps from health food stores) and an antiseptic essential oil for many of the chores. Over the years more information has become available about mixing these ingredients with others to create mixtures that accomplish the job. In fact, several authors have published books and have regular columns in magazines and newsletters on the topic of solving every day problems with practical, simple and safe solutions.

Since we live in a wooded area and our mid-Atlantic climate is conducive to the over growth of fungus and mold in our forty plus year old homes, I am passing along some ideas about controlling this malady. Prevention is key when it comes to controlling mold and mildew. The following tips could help solve problems and maintain property values:

  • Remove water and moisture sources.
  • Use a dehumidifier
  • Keep air circulating in your home. Add fans if necessary.
  • Cover mold with cornstarch to remove moisture. Dust off.
  • Use zeolite (feldspars) bags in moist areas to remove odors. These are available from mail order catalogs such as Real Goods. www.realgoods.com
  • Place an open bag of lime in a damp area; lime absorbs moisture

 

BORAX SCRUB

Borax works well for must. Add water and make a thick paste. You can scrub moldy areas with it and leave the paste to dry overnight. Dust off the borax by sweeping or vacuuming. This even works on walls.

 

HYDROGEN PEROXIDE SPRAY

One half cup 3 percent hydrogen peroxide solution and 1 cup of water.

This makes an odorless spray. Combine ingredients in a spray bottle and use on moldy area. Do not rinse. Make only as much as you need at the time, since hydrogen peroxide loses its potency when exposed to air.

Variation: Vinegar Spray: Substitute white distilled vinegar for the hydrogen peroxide. The odor will dissipate quickly and vinegar's shelf life is indefinite.

TEA TREE OIL SOLUTION

2 teaspoons tea tree oil and 2 cups of water.

Combine in a spray bottle, shake to blend, and spray on problem areas. Do not rinse. This has a strong odor, but will dissipate in a day or so. If you are very sensitive, you may only want to use this in a well-ventilated area. Please do not use tea tree oil if you or someone else in your home is pregnant. This is a natural oil (Melaleuca alternifolia) extracted from the leaves of this Australian plant. While strongly aromatic, it is not toxic, or as strong a scent as ammonia. Essential oils do however, need to be stored properly and used in small amounts.

 

The above suggestions are found in Better Basics for the Home by Annie Berthold-Bond. Ms. Berthold-Bond is Green Lifestyle Channels Producer for <www.Care2.com>

Also check her website at <www.betterbasics.com>

Debra Lynn Dadd is also an internationally known expert on healthy home environments and author of Home Safe Home. She writes for Natural Home Magazine <www.naturalhomemagazine.com> and has a website <www.dld123.com>.

Lynn Marie Bower of the Health Household Institute has published The Healthy Household, which is a giant resource for healthier, safer, less-toxic living, <www.hhinst.com>.