Are your cleaning products doing more harm than good?

What if your everyday cleaning products were more harmful to your health than the germs they are eliminating? Most cleaning products are laced with harsh petroleum based chemicals and fragrances that adversely impact your health and the environment.

Ingredients commonly found in cleaning products such as ammonia, sudsing agents, triclosan, chlorine, phtalates and fragrance are severe irritants to the eyes, skin and respiratory system. Long term exposure to these ingredients can affect the endocrine system, interfering with the body's natural chemical messages, either by blocking or mimicking the actions of hormones.  

Certain sudsing agents in all purpose cleaners can form nitrosamines (carcinogens that readily penetrate the skin) when they come into contact with nitrites which are often present in preservatives. 

Sadly these ingredients are washed down the sink, cumulatively affecting our waterways. Studies in the US show the persistent presence of disinfectants in 66% of the tested streams. Detergent metabolites come into contact with waste water to form more toxic compounds that are not readily biodegradable in soil and water. Some of these compounds mimic oestrogen and this harms the reproduction of certain fish.

Our household has always been vigilant about what we put into our bodies by choosing mostly organic pesticide free food. We are particular about what we put on our skin by choosing to use natural and organic skincare products. 

Admittedly we have been slower to make the same conversion for our household cleaning products but the process is certainly underway. I've started using only cleaning products that meet the criteria of grey water safe, septic safe, biodegradable and toxin free. 

I've been using The Aromatherapy Co's antibacterial spray for a couple of weeks now with great results. The kitchen therapy blend contains no mineral oils, parabens, artificial fragrances, artificial colours or propylene glycol. It uses only the pure essential oils of lemongrass and tea tree as active ingredients. 

As most of you know, I'm a huge fan of essential oils as they are full of complex bio constituents that have countless scientifically proven benefits.

Lemongrass has been used traditionally for purification and digestion.It's antibacterial, anti fungal and anti parasitic properties make it the perfect ingredient for a natural cleaning product. 

Tea tree has always been regarded as a powerful antibacterial and antiseptic. It's high level of terpinen-4-ol together with a host of other constituents promotes cleansing and purification. 

Together these oils give off a wonderfully zesty yet earthy scent. This naturally uplifting pure scent contains none of the toxic chemicals that fall under the term artificial 'fragrance'.

The Aromatherapy Co's natural bench spray seems to agree with my marble bench top which is always a huge relief. It sprays on easily and the luxurious apothecary-style packaging means it doesn't have to be tucked away.

It's earned its position...on my bench top right by my sink; always on hand for a convenient spray and wipe. The choices we make on cleaning products impact the health of our families and the well being of our planet so its important to be conscious consumers and choose the kinder, safer and greener option.

*In case you're wondering, this is not a paid post. It's not in Orli's ethos to receive payment for our blogs as we plan on staying objective and unbiased. Occasionally we showcase products that are not part of our store -  if it meets our safe and green criteria*

xo

jo