I often say to my clients, "The food you choose to consume can either create illness and disease, or health and vitality" and the same rings true for cleaning products.
The products you use to scrub the shower screen, wipe down the kitchen bench, and wash dishes and clothes can be a source of external toxins depending on their ingredients. These toxic ingredients or chemicals are then absorbed into your body via the airways and the skin, in turn impacting on your bodies liver function, skin health and hormonal wealth.
90% of what you put on your skin is absorbed within 60 seconds
Certain health conditions are made worse, or exacerbated by chemical and toxin exposure due their endocrine disrupting nature. This means the chemicals 'act like' hormones in the body, attaching to receptors on cells and mimicking our natural hormones. Common implications of this are:
Hormonal imbalances like estrogen dominance; this can lead to pre menstrual symptoms, irregular periods, pain, bloating and acne
Headaches
Skin issues: eczema, dermatitis, rashes, acne
Sneezing, itching, irritability
Nausea, dizziness
Digestion complaints
Body aches and pains
GUT Issues; bloating, reflux,
Chronic pain
Just like we check the ingredients list on our foods, it's a good idea to look at the ingredients in the cleaning products you choose to use.
If you're great great grandmother wouldn't recognise it, don't use it.
For a greener product that's healthy for both the planet and your body, make sure you do your research, shop at local farmers markets and health food shops to get something you love and your body loves too!
Below I've included a few of our household favourites and regular DIY products. Most ingredients can be found at the supermarket or health food shop :)
And importantly they are all super easy to make!
Fabric Softener:
Combine 500ml Vinegar with 10 drops of your favourite essential oil (I.e. lavender)
Store in a glass jar.
Add 1/4 cup to your washing load.
Dishwashing Liquid
Combine in a jar:
1 1/2 tbsp washing soda
150ml liquid castille soap
2 tbsp aloe vera gel
20 drops essential oil
To use, add a good dollop to your dish water.
Sink Scrub
Combine in a jar:
2 cups Bicarb Soda
10 drops essential oil (I love peppermint for this!)
To use, sprinkle the powder over the sink, scrub with a cloth or dish scrubber. Rinse.
this works particularly well for cleaning oil and grease off the sink.
Washing Powder
1 packet of washing soda (found at the supermarket)
1 tub of Borax 400g (found at the supermarket)
1 bar of Dr Bronner’s castille soap (Health food store)
10 drops of essential oil
Method:
Blitz or grate the castille soap into a fine powder. You'll need a high speed food processor for this.
In a bowl combine the castille soap, washing soda, borax, and essential oil well. Pour into a container.
Add 2 tbsp of bicarb soda to the top and close the lip.
Use 2 tbsp per wash