Switching to green cleaning products is one of the easiest ways to reduce hazardous chemical exposure in your home.
You may not believe me when I say the products you use to do laundry, wash dishes and clean your home with are contributing to your hormone imbalance, but they are one of the main culprits.
There are so many non-toxic products to disinfect, clean and freshen your home. Then you won’t have to worry about breathing in toxic fumes or ruining your clothes with bleach. Natural products are better for the environment, too.
And it doesn’t end with fake-smelling cleaning supplies. These toxic substances linger in hair care products, body wash, body lotion, skin care products, makeup, nail polish, deodorant, perfume, air fresheners, candles, etc. Not to mention the substances used for dry cleaning services, lawn care services, salons and spas, building materials, farming, agricultural practices, the plastics in reusable containers and more. Most chemicals have not been tested for their effects on human health because of how the U.S regulates toxic chemicals.
You may be rolling your eyes because you’ve heard these chemicals are only harmful in high doses but when you use these products every single day, that small exposure turns into a much larger exposure over time. We now know that consistent low dose exposure in amounts that are thought to be “acceptable” are affecting hormone balance.
How Do Toxic Chemicals Affect Hormone Balance?
EDC’s, also known endocrine-disrupting chemicals interfere with hormone action and mimic certain hormones. This tricks your system and receptors into over-producing some hormones while under-producing others and also interferes with the proper elimination of estrogen in your body (read this post about estrogen detox) which increases your risk for estrogen-dominant hormonal conditions such as PCOS and endometriosis. Some EDC’s are known as xenoestrogens because they imitate estrogen (bisphenol-a (BPA), parabens, phthalates, pesticides and herbicides to name a few because the list is extensive).
It’s overwhelming, I know, but not to worry because I have many alternatives for you and this process is about bringing awareness to what you use and buy. You can control a lot more than you think, and it starts at the store! After switching to plant based cleaning products nearly 4 years ago, I’m now SUPER sensitive to artificial scents and man-made chemical products. Especially in public bathrooms and the cleaning aisle of every store. I have an instant headache because my chemical makeup has changed and my cells immediately let me know when something is TOXIC!!!
What We Use in the Kitchen:
For dishes: Seventh Generation liquid dish soap and dishwasher detergent gel or the detergent packs
Hand wash: natural liquid hand soap (smells heavenly)
To clean the sink and get stains out: I first use a rag, dish soap and hot water and wipe down the sink. Then I spray the Branch Basics all-purpose cleaner on the sink and sprinkle my homemade Oxygen-Boost powder (equal 1:1 ratio of baking soda to sodium percarbonate) all over the sink for stains. Let it sit for 1 hour and then rinse it clean. I also put a lemon down the disposal to freshen it up!
Countertops: Branch Basics all-purpose cleaner and Seventh Generation Disinfecting Multi-Surface Cleaner
What We Use in the Bathroom:
Toilets: Seventh Generation toilet bowl cleaner and disinfecting bathroom cleaner
Countertops: Branch Basics all-purpose cleaner
Mirrors: Branch Basics streak-free spray
Shower/Tub: Seventh Generation disinfecting bathroom spray and Branch Basics all-purpose cleaner
What We Use for Laundry:
One scoop of my homemade Oxygen-Boost powder (equal 1:1 ratio of baking soda to sodium percarbonate), Seventh Generation laundry detergent and fabric softener
What we Use for the Wood Floors:
Branch Basics concentrate, water and a rag!
I will vacuum and then Terry will wash the floors. There is a recipe for the concentrate to water ratios on the back of the bottle. No need to use chemicals on the floor. We don’t wear shoes in the house to eliminate much of the bacteria from outside. If you are worried about that then get a steam cleaner!
After Cooking or To Freshen the House:
Use essential oils to freshen a room instead of candles, or use non toxic soy candles. Open a window for some fresh air, or to get rid of the stale energy.
I hope this post helps in your green cleaning journey!
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