Everyday Wellness: Cleaning Can Be Bad For You

When I walk down the cleaning supplies aisle at the grocery store, it reminds me of my first apartment. My mom never used artificial air fresheners or strongly scented detergents, so when I got my own place I thought I'd surround myself with the sweet smell of independence. I began using dryer sheets and scented sprays. But I soon discovered that all these products made me feel sick and actually gave me a headache.

According to Organic Consumers.org, many of the cleaners people use can be poisonous if ingested, inhaled or touched and pollute the air in our homes. They can also be toxic to wildlife and pollute our water. 

The website indicates that some products, like those containing bleach, ammonia and other harsh chemicals, can cause immediate health problems, like skin, eye and respiratory irritation and chemical burns. Some ingredients in cleaning products may also have long-term effects such as asthma, hormone disruption, cancer and birth defects. Many household cleaners contain toxic fragrances which can induce headaches, allergic reactions and respiratory problems. 

So what can we do about it? Here are some ideas that I came up with to help make my home healthier.

1. My top recommendation is to make your own household cleaners. It will save you money and they actually work. You can use safe and simple ingredients like soap, water, baking soda, vinegar, lemon juice and borax. The Rodale.com website has a simple recipe for a very effective all-purpose cleaner and Ecocycle.org has cleaning recipes for laundry, glass, toilets, drains and much more. Most of the ingredients can be found at or places like in Fairlawn.
2. Avoid buying cleaning products that have the words danger, warning, corrosive or caution on the label, and choose products made with plant-based, instead of petroleum-based, ingredients. Buy products that are less dangerous for humans and the environment. The Organic Consumers Association has a long list of safer products on their website. Heinen's also has a large selection of safer cleaners and laundry detergents. I've seen a smaller selection at and , as well.
3. To help protect air and water quality and aquatic life, avoid products containing phosphates and buy concentrated products and bulk sizes to cut down on packaging. Also look for products that have no fragrance or dyes.

Sometimes I take a walk down that aisle in the grocery store for an olfactory trip down memory lane. But it looks like the best smelling air-freshener is still the one my mom employed -- opening a window.