Household Bleach: Friend or Foe?
Many people depend on products containing bleach for a variety of household tasks, such as cleaning and disinfecting the house as well doing laundry. Before the words “being green” became a catch phrase, television commercials and doctors’ offices alike sent the public the same message, “using bleach is good for your health.” This is due to the fact that bleach is an extremely effective cleaner and disinfectant, killing germs and mold, as well as removing stains. Unfortunately, not only is bleach extremely effective, it is also extremely toxic, both to ourselves and some say, to the environment.
Pure chlorine bleach is toxic to breathe and touch, and can be fatal if ingested. It can be especially dangerous to children and pets and even to adults if they mistakenly mix products containing bleach with other common household cleaners. Recent studies have shown that chlorine bleach, which can also be listed on ingredient labels as “sodium hypochlorite” or “hypochlorite,” and bleach products, can be damaging to the lungs, liver and immune system, to name a few.
The impact of bleach on the environment, however, is not as clear. While chlorine is used to make other toxic compounds, using bleach around the house is considered by some sources to be a safe practice. This is because some say that bleach products will break down harmlessly once washed down the drain. Other sources, however, have expressed concern that chlorine bleach, even when used around the house, will release dioxins into the air, a known carcinogen and environmental foe.
Bleach Alternatives
Luckily, if you are uncomfortable with the possible health and ecological risks associated with using bleach in your home, there are some great alternatives.
- Green Cleaning Products
Many mainstream brands are now offering more natural and green cleaning solutions for kitchens, bathrooms and windows. Look for products stating that they contain plant-based or non-toxic ingredients. Beware of labels that claim to be 99% natural or that they are “greener than other major leading brands” as the 1% may still contain harsh chemicals.
- Laundry Products
It is not necessary to buy laundry detergents containing bleach to clean or to disinfect your laundry. Again, there are many brands that offer plant-based cleaning agents and use natural ingredients, such as baking soda, to fight stains. Buygreen.com carries a line of laundry detergents, softeners and dryer sheets, made by Mountain Green, that are all-natural, free of dyes and irritants and are biodegradable. I have recently tried Mountain Green’s Laundry Detergent for Baby, and have found that it gets our family’s laundry clean and doesn’t irritate our kids’ sensitive skin.
- Do-it-Yourself Cleaners and Laundry Boosters
As I often write, when you make products at home, you have complete control over the ingredients you use. Cleaning products are no exception. According to the article, Why You Should Stop Using Bleach, (www.infobarrel.com/Why_You_Should_Stop_Using_Bleach), there are some common, non-toxic household items that can be used instead of bleach. Here is a partial list:
- Hydrogen peroxide: kills germs, disinfects and is non-toxic.
- Listerine (believe it or not!): kills mold and mildew, is non-toxic.
- Vinegar: can be used to clean and brighten laundry, is all-natural, non-toxic.
- Baking Soda: removes stains (use ½ cup as a laundry booster or mix with water to make a cleaning solution), is non-toxic.
- Lemon Juice: removes stains, and is a natural disinfectant, is all-natural, non-toxic.
For more information about Mountain Green Laundry Detergent and other all-natural cleaning products, visit www.buygreen.com.
Comments
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March 29th, 2010Trackback from : All Things Eco Blog Carnival Volume Ninety Seven » Focus Organic.com
I have been concerned for some time about the over use of harsh chemicals for household cleaning. I did try some green products but found that they did not do such a great job. The exceptions were washing up liquid and washing powder both of which worked very well so I stuck with them.
I feel guilty about continuing to use harsh cleaners but am torn between concern for the environmant and my need to keep my home claen for my family.
I just don’t like using bleach. It smells, isn’t really safe around the pets, and I always fear I will ruin my clothes. No bleach for me.
My wife can’t stand the stuff and to be very honest nor can I. I am always looking to eco cleaning products, and use vinegar lots which works a treat
this is not done if we just keep on harming the environment at such a rate this will never end up in the benefit of anyone. we must from today stop using bleach and instead use lemons and baking soda which shall improve t the quality if the clothe!!