Keeping a clean home is a priority for many, but the cleaning products we use may be causing more harm than we realize. Bleach and other common household disinfectants have been linked to an increased risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), an umbrella term that includes lung diseases such as emphysema and chronic bronchitis. A 30-year study conducted by Harvard University and the French National Institute of Health and Medical Research found that exposure to bleach and other disinfectants on a weekly basis increased the risk of COPD by over 30%.
COPD leads to the narrowing of airways, which makes it difficult to breathe. With bleach commonly found in laundry detergent, Clorox wipes, floor mopping chemicals, and toilet bowl cleaners, it’s essential we find alternatives.
Natural bleach replacement alternatives
Thankfully, there are many natural products available that are strong cleaners and disinfectants without the harmful side effects of bleach.
- Baking Soda: Sodium bicarbonate is an excellent natural cleanser. Adding it to water creates a powerful dishwashing soap, oven cleanser, and countertop cleaner. Sprinkling baking soda on carpets and then vacuuming helps eliminate pet and smoke odors. You can also add half a cup of the powder to laundry for fabric whitening or mix it with vinegar for a toilet bowl cleaner.
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Borax: Sodium borate is another effective bleach replacement. Add borax to laundry or mix it with water for cleaning sinks, toilets, counters, and stovetops.
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Castile Soap: This natural, vegetable- or olive-oil-based liquid makes an excellent soap for various purposes. When distilled with water or combined with other natural cleansers, Castile soap can effectively clean sinks, tubs, showers, and floors, all while being biodegradable, safe, and effective.
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Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice or lemon essential oils can be used as a bleach and disinfectant alternative. With its acidic nature, lemon juice can effectively clean and disinfect countertops, cutting boards, and bathroom sinks without relying on harmful chemicals. Plus, it leaves behind a pleasing scent.
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Tea Tree Oil: Tea tree (melaleuca) oil has a natural, non-toxic scent, making it an ideal cleaning agent. Just a few drops in warm water can be used to clean counters, sinks, tubs, and floors.
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Vinegar: Known for its versatile cleaning abilities, vinegar is a classic choice for a broad range of purposes. It’s excellent for removing stains, cleaning counters, walls, carpets, clothes, and dishes, among other uses. Combine vinegar with liquid castile soap, borax, or baking soda for an effective bleach alternative as well as a kitchen and bathroom cleaner.
Given the popularity of bleach and other harmful household cleaners, it is essential to be mindful of the potential damage to our lung health and choose natural alternatives. Not only are these natural options safer for your health, but they’re also more environmentally friendly as well. So, consider making the switch today and protect your lungs – it’s never too late to make a change.
