Cleaning Products In Your Home
Natural Cleaning Solutions
In Your Living Room
In Your Kitchen
In Your Bathroom
In Your Laundry
‘Why do we insist on liberating toxic petrochemicals from the earth when there are vast opportunities for natural alternatives?’
Darren McKay
Cleaning Products in Your Home
We all want our homes to be clean and free of germs so we can live in a safe and healthy environment. In the quest for a clean fragrant home, we regularly apply a combination of chemicals to our household surfaces as well as releasing them into the air we breathe. We can smell the toxins whenever we use these cleaning agents. The label even warns us to wear gloves, avoid contact with skin and eyes, and not to breathe in the fumes.
Children are particularly vulnerable as their vital organs are still developing, any damage can be long lasting. They are smaller in size than adults and their developing organs are at greater risk of being affected by toxins. They also have a reduced ability to eliminate toxins from their developing bodies. Household pets may also be susceptible to these chemicals.
We are constantly bombarded with clever marketing campaigns that promise a sparkling home with a liberal use of whatever cleaning agent is being promoted. Many people think a different product is required for each item that needs to be cleaned. Generally we use too many chemical cleaning products and spend too much money on them.
The average home today contains more toxic chemicals than the average chemistry laboratory at the turn of the century. Most homes contain too many plastic bottles full of toxic, polluting cleaning agents. These cleaners create packaging waste that is disposed of in our already, overloaded landfills. In addition, the chemicals in cleaning products can damage our health and the environment.
More than 72,000 synthetic chemicals have been produced since World War II. Most have been derived from petroleum and coal tar. The majority of these synthetic chemicals have never been tested for their acute or long-term effects. Neither have they been tested for their combined or cumulative effects.
Many of these synthetic chemicals have been added to our food, skincare and cleaning products without our consent and knowledge of their potential effects. Many of these chemicals have also been dispersed widely into the environment contaminating our soil, water and air. Some will persist in the environment for decades and even centuries because they biodegrade slowly and incompletely.
Soaps and detergents are used for cleaning because pure water can’t remove oily and greasy stains. Soap cleans by acting as an emulsifier which allows oil and water to mix so that oily grime can be removed during rinsing. Detergents were developed in response to the shortage of the animal fats and plant oils used to make soap during the world wars.
The difference between soap and detergent is that soap is composed of a single surfactant and nothing else, while modern detergent is composed of a whole mixture of substances often including more than just one type of surfactant along with many other ingredients.
Detergents are primarily surfactants, which lower the surface tension of water and separate dirt from the object being cleaned. The main ingredients used in the manufacture of surfactants are fatty alcohols, which are derived primarily from petroleum-based chemicals but can also be produced from plant oils and animal fats.
Apart from surfactants, modern detergents can also contain enzymes to degrade protein-based stains, bleaches to add power to the cleaning products, builders such as water and fabric softeners, synthetic colourings and fragrances. Most colourings and fragrances are derived from petrochemicals and are not necessary for the action of the cleaning agents.
Most washing products, dishwashing liquids, all-purpose cleaners, toilet and bathroom cleaners contain detergents derived from petrochemicals. They can potentially cause allergic reaction and irritation to the skin, eyes, mucous membranes and lungs. They have also been linked to cancers and damage to the reproductive and nervous systems.
Legislation on labelling does not require manufacturers to list specific ingredients on labels, making it hard for consumers to know the true ingredients in their cleaning products. Petrochemical derived ingredients include chemicals such as xylene, ethylene, propylene, benzene, mono-ethanolamine, di-ethanolamine and tri-ethanolamine.
‘Green-washing’ is a marketing technique used by many companies these days to convince us that their products are ‘eco-friendly’, ‘natural’, ‘green’ and ‘environmentally safe’. The fact is in most cases this is far from the truth as the majority of companies these days are motivated by profits rather than genuine concern for the environment.
A good example would be the widespread use of palm oil in many so-called ‘green’ cleaning products. The palm oil industry has a huge negative impact on sensitive eco-systems and habitats within the countries that produce it. Many species that inhabited the forests which once stood where palm oil plantations now exist, have been displaced and are being driven closer to extinction.
Current labelling regulations within Australia do not require manufacturers to disclose a full list of ingredients in their products. This creates difficulty in making an informed decision when it comes to purchasing cleaning products for your home.
What can you do to protect your loved ones from the harmful effects of all these cleaning products? Most importantly, educate yourself and use safer alternatives as much as possible.
Choose those with no synthetic chemicals if possible. Minimise cleaning agents to a few essentials that can do the entire job and you will also save money in the process. Use non-toxic alternatives made from basic ingredients such as baking soda, washing soda, lemon and white vinegar.
Always read and follow the instructions on the label and use only the amount of product required for the job. When using chemicals, ensure there is adequate ventilation, wear goggles and rubber gloves. Never combine cleaning chemicals as they can interact in dangerous ways and give off toxic fumes. Stop using the product if you feel dizzy, nauseated or develop a headache. Minimise the use of harsh chemicals. Store all cleaning products in their original containers out of reach of children.
What does biodegradable detergent mean?
The Australian Standards AS1792 states that 80 per cent of the mixture must break down within 21 days. The product must naturally decompose in the environment, usually with the help of micro-organisms.
Natural Cleaning Solutions
We do not need to use chemical-laden cleaning products to have a clean, fresh smelling home. In fact, most of the natural cleaning solutions outlined in this chapter have been used for hundreds of years.
With the advent of petrochemicals these time tested chemical-free methods of cleaning seem to have all but disappeared. By using natural cleaning agents, your family will breathe easier and your home will smell fresher without the health hazards associated with toxic chemicals and fumes.
You can make your own natural cleaning solutions using natural ingredients such as baking soda, fresh lemon, pure soap flakes, salt, washing soda and white vinegar as they all have cleansing, scouring and antiseptic properties.
The best cleaner in the world is water. Most bacteria are killed by hot, soapy water. Soaking is one of the most effective ways of removing dirt. If you have hard water, add a small handful of baking soda as a natural water softener.
Baking soda, a common baking ingredient is a naturally occurring mineral (known as sodium bicarbonate) with many great cleaning properties. It cuts through grease because it reacts with fatty acids to form mild detergents. It also softens water, removes stains and acts as a whitening agent, therefore great for the laundry. When added to washing and dishwasher powder, it improves the performance and reduces the amount required. Its abrasive quality serves as a gentle scouring powder without scratching your kitchen or tile surfaces.
Fresh lemon juice contains citric acid that can deodorize, remove stains, brighten whites in the laundry or kitchen, clean glass, inhibit mould and disinfect toilets. It cleans bath edges and showers plus grouting on tiles. When used neat (full strength), it will remove grime at the base of taps.
Pure soap flakes are crystal like flakes of pure soap concentrate made from 100% pure vegetable oils and purified water. They are a natural and biodegradable washing agent. Hot water and pure soap flakes with a little washing soda will perform most cleaning jobs.
Salt is a disinfectant and a natural, gentle abrasive. It is useful for clearing drains and cleaning stained kitchen utensils. It cuts through grease when added to baking soda. It removes burn marks from the edges of dishes and stains from china ware. It whitens discoloured bread boards if used with cold water as a daily scrub.
Washing soda is a natural product (known as sodium carbonate) and one of the oldest products used for cleaning. It is a stronger base than baking soda. Washing soda is preferred for really tough stains like grease or petrol stains on garage floors etc. It is a natural water softener and cuts through grease well.
Washing soda can also be used as an effective heavy-duty cleaner for painted walls, hard floors and kitchen surfaces. Though washing soda does not produce fumes in direct air, it is recommended to wear gloves and masks while using it as a cleaning agent. The high alkalinity of washing soda also makes it an ideal stain remover for tough fabrics and clothes.
White vinegar is a very versatile cleaning agent. It contains acetic acid that will dissolve calcium build-up in dishwashers, coffee pots, kettles, sinks, shower screens and windows. It cuts through grease and soap scum and helps to carry away foul odours as it evaporates. This makes it an ideal cleaner and disinfectant for the bathroom and toilet. It can polish off cup rings and other stains on wood when mixed with olive oil. Vinegar mixed with salt or baking soda will polish up brass and copper. Vinegar is a great household disinfectant and you can mix vinegar, salt and water to use as a cleaning compound.
Use natural cleaning tools such as scrubbing bristle brushes, cellulose sponges, linen cloth, steel wool and some elbow grease! Use old garments to make rags instead of buying newer synthetic ones. Use a wooden bristle brush instead of a plastic brush with nylon bristle. Use cellulose sponges instead of synthetic ones.
Microfiber cleaning tools can be used to clean surfaces without any cleaning agents. Microfibers are finer than human hair and bring more water into contact with whatever surface is being cleaned. They act as a solvent, loosen dirt particles and trap them in the fibres. However, microfiber materials are made with synthetic fibres such as polyester and nylon which are derived from petrochemicals, a non-renewable and non-biodegradable resource.
In Your Living Room
All-Purpose Cleaners
These include ‘spray and wipe’ types of products that work by loosening grime and grease. They can contain disinfectants, solvents, fragrances, colours, bleach, pine oil, phosphates, phenol, ethanol, isopropanol and butyl cellosolve. Most can cause irritation to skin, eyes, nose and throat. Synthetic solvents can cause liver, kidney and nervous system problems.
Propylene glycol ethers are commonly used as co-solvents in cleaning products. They help the mixing of oil and water and increase the uptake of oils. They can cause eye and skin irritation and have been noted as experimental teratogens and carcinogens in laboratory animals.
Warm water mixed with pure soap or white vinegar makes a cheap and natural general cleaner that can be used throughout the home, without risk to you and your family’s health.
Disinfectant Cleaners
These cleaning products may contain triclosan, an antibacterial agent used in common household products including dishwashing liquids, soaps, mouthwashes, toothpastes, deodorants, hand sanitizers, chopping boards and scourers.
There are real concerns that the use of disinfectants could potentially lead to micro-organisms developing cross-resistance or co-resistance to other antibacterial agents but studies investigating this possibility have been limited.1 Studies have also linked triclosan to allergic contact dermatitis in some individuals.2,3
It has been suggested that triclosan can combine with chlorine in tap water to form chloroform,4 which the United States Environmental Protection Agency classifies as a probable human carcinogen (causes cancer).
Carpet Cleaners & Stain Removers
Most formulas work by overpowering the stain itself by using highly toxic chemicals. Some include perchlorethylene, a known carcinogen that can also cause damage to liver, kidney and nervous system; and ammonium hydroxide, a corrosive which is extremely irritable to skin, eyes, mucous membranes and lungs.
Acetone may remove some stains but it melts man made cellulose fibres and removes dye colour from other synthetic fibres. It can cause irritation to eyes, nose and throat. Isopropyl alcohol, used to remove stains is a petrochemical derivative, which can cause skin irritation.
Perflourooctane sulphate found in stain repellent used in protecting carpets and upholstery from staining, is a persistent organic pollutant (POPs) and potential hormone disrupting compound.
For a safer and natural solution, sprinkle baking soda on carpet before vacuuming to remove any odours. It is also a great stain remover. Just vacuum or brush up when dry. Soda water can be used to remove red wine spills. Immediately after spilling, use a towel to blot as much red wine as possible, then pour soda water onto the stain, leave for 30 seconds, blot and repeat the process.
Window Cleaners
Ammonia can be found in conventional window cleaners. It is a very volatile chemical which can irritate the skin, respiratory tract, eyes and mucus membranes. It is extremely dangerous when mixed with other chemicals such as bleach as this can lead to hazardous compounds such as chloramines. The use of ammonia also adds nitrogen to our environment disrupting natural ecosystems, affecting fish, plants and animals.
For an effective natural window cleaner, add half a cup of vinegar to a litre of warm water. Mix ingredients in a spray bottle or bucket and use on glass surfaces. Rub with a lint-free cloth and polish with crumpled newspaper moistened with vinegar to get a beautiful sheen.
If the windows are especially dirty, wash them first with warm soapy water. Sticky substances can easily be removed using eucalyptus oil on a cloth by rubbing until dissolved.
Air Fresheners
Air fresheners with synthetic fragrances work by interfering with your ability to smell so you don’t smell anything. They disguise bad smells either by releasing a chemical that coats your nasal passages with a film of oil or by deadening the olfactory nerves.
Toxic chemicals found in air fresheners can include methoxychlor, a pesticide that accumulates in fat cells; formaldehyde and benzene which are known carcinogens;5,6,7 phenol, a highly flammable and corrosive substance that causes serious skin reactions; methylene chloride and many more that have not been tested for their cumulative effects.
Organochlorine (organic chemical containing chlorine) such as paradichlorobenzene is used as deodoriser in air fresheners. Its vapour is toxic and can cause headache, skin irritation and has been shown to cause cancer in animals. It can also potentially cause liver damage if high concentrations are inhaled over a long period of time.
Aerosol sprays used as air fresheners once contained chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) until they were banned because of effects on the ozone layer. The most common replacements are mixtures of volatile hydrocarbons such as methylene chloride, propane, n-butane and isobutane, all flammable petrochemicals.
You can eliminate household odours by opening windows daily, installing extraction fans to remove moisture from kitchens and bathrooms, preventing dampness and emptying rubbish bins daily. To remove household odours naturally, bring a cup of water and 1/4 cup white vinegar to boil and let it simmer for 30 minutes to an hour to remove odours from the air.
Natural air refresher can be made from water and your favourite essential oils. Lemon and cedar wood are both excellent. Fill a spray bottle with water, add a few drops of essential oil, replace the top and shake. A few squirts into the air will eliminate pungent odours. Heat up a few drops of essential oils in a vaporizer, diffuser or ceramic oil burner and its vapour will scent and refresh the air naturally. Do not use essential oils in pregnancy as they can be harmful. Keep them out of reach of children.
Use natural scents from fresh plants and flowers such as jasmine, lilies, roses or lavender. You can also make your own potpourri using leaves from dried herbs or flower petals mixed with cinnamon. Put the mixture in a bowl and gently stir from time to time to release the fragrance. Sprinkle a few drops of essential oil to revive its scent.
In Your Kitchen
Dishwashing Products
Conventional dishwashing detergents may contain petrochemicals, solvents, synthetic dyes and fragrances, ammonia, formaldehyde, dioxins, diethanolamine (DEA) and ethoxylated alcohols. They can cause irritation to skin, eyes and mucous membranes. DEA can react with nitrites to become carcinogenic and dioxins are known carcinogens that bioaccumulate within our environment where they will remain for decades. Fish are commonly found to contain dioxins within the fatty tissue.
Mixing dishwashing liquids with bleaching agents can produce chloramine fumes that may cause eye irritation, congestion, coughing, asthma-like symptoms, headache and nausea. Bleach is corrosive and may burn the mouth and throat when ingested. Dishwashing liquids are labelled ‘harmful if swallowed’ Every time you wash your dishes, some residue is left on them and your food picks up part of the residue when you eat it.
Dishwashing detergents commonly contain naphtha, a fuel used in camping stoves. Naphtha is a central nervous system depressant and a neurotoxin, which can cause headaches, lack of concentration and confusion.
Dishwashing detergents can emit vapours of xylene, n-undecane and n-dodecane which have been shown to cause immune system suppression and possibly cancers in laboratory animals. These cleaning agents are particularly insidious because the user is in close contact with the products and usually inhaling the chemicals when washing the dishes in hot water.
Detergents used in dishwashing machines are usually petroleum-based and contain alkaline ingredients, phosphates, sodium silicate and dry chlorine. Chlorine releases toxic fumes in the steam when you open the dishwasher and can cause eye and respiratory irritation.
Use pure soap to wash the dishes. One of the best ways to clean glasses is to use hot soapy water containing a little vinegar. Alternatively, you can add the juice of half a lemon into the water in your sink to wash the glasses. Dry immediately to avoid streaking and polish to a shine with a soft cloth.
Tea stains on cups can be removed by rubbing the cut surface of a lemon over the stained area. Clean metal pots and pans by rubbing in baking soda with a damp cloth or an abrasive pad and rinsing off with water. As for burnt metal pots and pans, sprinkle a thin layer of baking soda and add boiling water to cover it, leave overnight and then scour with steel wool.
To clean knives, dip them in diluted lemon juice and rub off stains with a steel wool pad. Wooden chopping boards can be cleaned with the juice of half a lemon mixed with 1 tablespoon of table salt or baking soda. A cut lemon can remove stains and smells left on chopping boards by fish or garlic.
Surface Cleaners
To clean kitchen bench tops, sinks, refrigerator or freezer surfaces, use baking soda on a damp cloth. Wipe the inside of the fridge with either baking soda or vanilla essence to remove any stale fridge odours. Keep a small bowl of baking soda in the corner of the fridge to combat odours and change every few weeks.
Oven Cleaners
These caustic cleaning agents usually contain lye and ammonia which causes irritation to the skin and respiratory system. They also leave residues in the oven which can release toxic fumes the next time you turn your oven on.
Avoid these caustic oven cleaners. Wipe the oven down while still warm with a soapy cloth. To clean the interior of the oven, you can also rub with wet steel wool, sprinkle baking soda over the dirty surfaces and rub clean with a damp cloth. Mechanical action is the key.
In Your Bathroom
Surface and Tap Cleaners
The talc in bar soaps and silicon in shampoos cause soap scums and greasy build up in showers. To minimise this problem, switch to liquid soap or natural soaps without talc and shampoos made from genuinely natural ingredients. Clean your shower once a week to reduce the greasy build up. Shower curtains can be sponged with water and baking soda.
Rub lemon juice on persistent dirty marks and around drainage holes to remove grease and lime scale. Steel wool and elbow grease can remove lime build-up and rust stains. Use a mixture of 25g of salt with 150ml of white vinegar to remove brown stains caused by dripping taps. Soak showerheads clogged with lime scale overnight in diluted white vinegar.
Clean tiles, sinks, toilet surfaces, baths and taps with baking soda and a damp cloth. Use a soft cloth dipped in white vinegar to remove lime scale and hard water deposits on taps. An old toothbrush coated with a mixture of 1 teaspoon salt to 1 teaspoon lemon juice can be used to scrub away rust and grime around the tap fittings. Use undiluted white vinegar to wipe hard water deposits on plastic and glass doors. Leave for 10 minutes and then, rinse off and buff to a shine with a soft cloth.
Toilet Bowl Cleaners
These may contain quartenary ammonium compounds, petrochemical based surfactants, synthetic colours and fragrances, sulphuric acid, hydrochloric acid, oxalic acid, hypochlorite bleach, phenols, ammonia, naphthalene and organochlorine such as paradichlorobenzene.
Quaternary ammonium compounds are industrial-strength detergents and the skin absorbs these easily. The manufacturers recommend using protective gloves and thorough rinsing if cleaner touches the skin.
Hydrochloric and sulphuric acid can both cause blindness and severe skin burns. Oxalic acid is irritating to skin, eyes and respiratory tract and corrosive to oral mucosa and the stomach. It can also cause kidney and liver damage. Hypochlorite bleach is a corrosive irritant that can burn the eyes, skin and respiratory tract.
Phenols are carbolic acids suspected to cause damage to the liver, spleen, kidneys, respiratory and nervous system. They are very toxic and potentially carcinogenic. They also kill beneficial bacteria in sewage treatment and septic systems.
Naphthalene is a member of the carcinogenic benzene family derived from coal tar or made synthetically. It is irritating to the skin, eyes, mucous membranes and upper respiratory tract. It also accumulates in marine organisms when washed into waterways.
Organochlorine compounds are pollutants that break down slowly in the ecosystem and store in the fatty tissues of animals. Petroleum-based products are non-renewable resources, not biodegradable and contaminate our air and water.
Synthetic disinfectants in toilet cleaners give off volatile fumes that can potentially damage the liver, kidneys, lungs, pancreas, spleen and nervous system.
To clean your toilet bowl without the use of these toxic chemicals, pour 150ml undiluted white vinegar into the bowl and brush before flushing. Baking soda can also be used to clean and disinfect your toilet.
Corrosive Cleaners
They are perhaps the most toxic household cleaners as they are extremely alkaline, abrasive and corrosive and usually contain ammonia, sodium hydroxide (lye) and sulphuric acid.
Lye can burn the skin, eyes and throat when they come into contact. If ingested, it causes severe damage to oesophagus and stomach. Sulphuric acid can cause severe skin burns and blindness. Ammonia found in some drain cleaners is highly volatile and toxic. It can burn the skin, eyes and throat when in contact and can be fatal if swallowed.
Use chrome drain strainers over plugholes to limit waste matter going into the drain. For a natural drain cleaner, mix a handful of baking or washing soda into 115ml white vinegar and pour it down the drain and leave it to work to keep the drains clear.
If the drain is blocked, pour half a cup of baking soda down the clogged drain followed by half a cup of vinegar and leave for a few minutes, the bubbly reaction should unclog the drain. Then pour down a kettle of boiling water.
You can also use a hand plunger to unblock drains. Place the plunger tightly over the drain opening, push down and then pull up rapidly, keeping the plunger over the hole. If the seal is tight, the air and water inside the pipe will be forced back and forth, hopefully dislodging the blockage. If this fails, call your plumber who can use a metal snake to remove the blockage.
In Your Laundry
Conventional laundry detergents contain petrochemical or plant based surfactants, builders, fillers, dyes, fragrances, optimisers, stabilisers, optical brighteners, phosphates, bleaches, enzymes and countless other chemicals. These chemical residues left on your clothing and bedding get absorbed through your skin, potentially causing various skin reactions. Many of these chemicals also pollute the air we breathe and the waterways disrupting the ecosystem and marine life.
Laundry powder detergents usually contain sodium carbonate, sodium silicate, sodium dodecyl benzene sulphonate with bleaching agents. Direct contact may burn the skin and cause permanent eye damage. Prolonged exposure to powder dust may cause dizziness, headaches and respiratory problems.
Phosphates (salt of phosphoric acid) are used to improve cleaning by keeping dirt from being redeposited on clothes. They are an ecological nightmare. Phosphates are washed into our waterways and river systems where they contribute a heavy nutrient load allowing toxic algal blooms to occur. Once an algal bloom dies, the decomposing algae robs large amounts of oxygen from the water and mass fish and plant deaths usually occur as a result, having a major impact on the ecology of the waterway.
Optical brighteners are used in washing powder to give the illusion of whiteness by attaching themselves to fabrics to reflect white light. They are derived from petrochemicals, can cause rashes and skin irritations and are also detrimental to aquatic life once they reach our waterways.
Surfactants such as Linear Alkyl Sodium Sulphonate (LAS) and AlkylphenolPolyethoxylates (APEs) are used to reduce the surface tension of water and dislodge ingrained soil, dirt and grime. These petrochemical-based, synthetic surfactants are slow to biodegrade and can damage animal, plant and marine life.
Nonylphenols, the breakdown products of APEs are considered xenoestrogens or endocrine disruptors. Once introduced into the body, they bind with and activate oestrogen receptors. They can mimic the action of oestrogen produced normally in cells or alter the hormone’s activity. Prenatal exposure can potentially lead to abnormal reproductive development in the foetus. They could possibly increase the risk of reproductive system abnormalities such as testicular and breast cancer, undescended testes, urinary tract defects and lowered sperm counts.
Even though plant derived surfactants are derived from natural plant materials, most of them would have undergone extraction with solvents and reaction with chemical reagents making it more like a ‘synthetic’ rather than a ‘truly natural’ ingredient.
Chlorine was used as an agent of chemical warfare in World War II. After the war ended, there was an abundance of this cheap chemical. In the name of huge profits, it was added to our water supply, marketed for use in our swimming pools and many cleaning products such as bleaching agents, toilet cleaners and dishwashing liquids.
Chlorine releases toxic fumes that can cause headache, respiratory illnesses and irritation to skin, mucous membranes and eyes. Ingestion can cause oesophageal damage, stomach irritation, nausea, vomiting, pulmonary oedema (fluid in the lung) and coma. It damages natural fibres such as wool and silk and also undermines the bacterial action that helps break down sewage in septic systems and sewage treatment plants.
Chlorine creates toxic substances such as organochlorines when broken down. Organochlorines have been linked to many cancers including breast cancers. Chlorine products should not be mixed with ammonia or acid-based cleaners as they form chloramine, a very toxic gas that causes long term damage to the respiratory system.
In the last two decades, there has been an increasing number of biological laundry detergents containing enzymes such as proteases, amylases, lipases, cellulases and genetically engineered enzymes. The race to build the most effective detergent has led to formulations containing multiple enzymes.
Enzymes have been considered a miracle cleaning agent as they direct the natural, cleaning ability of water to remove protein stains. They are effective in cleaning heavily soiled fabrics without the need for hot water, thus saving energy consumption. However, there are concerns that enzymes could potentially cause skin irritations, allergic reactions and asthma. There is little information available on the long term effects of these enzymes on our environment.
Fabric softeners can contain chemicals such as chloroform, formaldehyde, benzylacetate, pentane and many more dangerous chemicals.
Perchlorethylene is a dry cleaning agent derived from petrochemicals and can cause skin rashes, headaches and dizziness. It is also potentially toxic to the brain, liver, kidneys, reproductive and nervous system and possibly carcinogenic. Even the dry cleaners’ bag that carries the cleaned garments can carry this toxic chemical into your home.
Choose safer laundry detergents made from natural ingredients such as pure soap, baking soda, washing soda or soap nuts. If you live in a hard water area, add baking soda to minimise the re-deposit of dirt on clothes. Baking soda also acts as a water softener and natural fabric softener. Add half a cup of soda to the water in your washing machine and let it dissolve prior to adding your clothes.
Soap nut is the fruit of the Ritha, a tree found primarily in India and Nepal. It is completely natural, renewable and biodegradable. The shell contains saponin, a natural surfactant. Put six to eight half shells into a cotton bag and place in your washing machine. They should last four to six washes. When they look darker and soft, remove them and put on your compost heap. Soap nuts can also be ground to make washing powder.
Remove stains prior to wash by soaking clothes in baking soda solution. It is great for removing blood, chocolate, mud, coffee, mildew and urine stains. Lemon juice and vinegar can be applied to fruit and vegetable stains. To remove egg stains, gently scrape off as much egg as possible with a dull blade and soak in lukewarm salty water. Soak any blood-stained fabric in cold salty water while the stain is fresh as salt will break down the albumin protein in blood. Chocolate stains can also be removed with lukewarm soapy water.
Natural bleach made from percarbonate (soda and oxygenated water) is the environmentally responsible alternative to chlorine based bleach. It effectively removes stubborn stains, brightens colourfast fabrics and naturally whitens whites. A better option would be to use one cup of lemon juice in a half bucket of water and soak overnight to whiten whites and brighten colours.
‘We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children.’
Native American Proverb
References:
Interview
Dr Lok: How and why was Clean Conscience formed in the first place?
Tracey: My partner Andrew and I started Clean Conscience in 2003 when I was first diagnosed with multiple chemical sensitivities. My body was suffering from chemical overload. I had to cut down on chemical exposure in my everyday life.
We were forced to find alternatives to all the chemical-laden products in and around our home. Up until this point, I had never really read any ingredients label or tried verify the company and its claims. Learning what was actually in the food I was eating was a shock!! I could not believe the amount of chemicals that are allowed to be put into the food we eat.
I then turned my attention to cleaning products. These used to give me instant headaches and nausea, a clear indication that something was not good for me. I have since learnt about the poisons contained in these cleaning products.
Frustrated and disappointed with the amount of ‘greenwashing’ being spruiked by so called “companies you can trust”, I turned my attention back to basic ingredients such as bicarbonate soda, vinegar, castile soap and essential oils.
I could not believe how well they cleaned and all my symptoms disappeared. With a lot of mixing, blending and testing, I came up with a couple of fantastic products. Wanting to share these with friends and family, I handed them out and waited for the verdict. Reactions were very enthusiastic. Word of mouth spread and Clean Conscience was born.
Dr Lok: What is your business philosophy?
Tracey: We believe in the honesty and simplicity of our products. We believe in using basic ingredients, most of which have been around for centuries. There is little need to test our ingredients as they have already withstood the test of time.
We thoroughly research both the ingredients used in our products and the companies that supply them. We believe in a rigorous process of scrutiny to ensure we deliver a genuine, ethical and trustworthy eco-cleaning product. My conscience is attached to every product sold.
Dr Lok: How did the company get off the ground?
Tracey: I approached the first health food store about a year after we registered the business. To be honest, it was not so hard to convince stores to give a Tasmanian brand a go. Tasmanians are a proud and close knit bunch and most stores I approached were happy to stock our range. That was six years ago and all of these stores still stock our products. They have all grown with us.
We also did a lot of hard yards attending festivals, fairs and markets around Tassie. We then ventured to a larger expo in Melbourne. From this expo we received an enquiry from one of the most respected online eco stores in Australia who was keen to stock our products. This was our big break. Once they took us on, others followed.
We have slowly and steadily grown since then and in 2008 I left my full time position as a fire-fighter with the intent of taking Clean Conscience to its full potential. We now have stockists Australia wide and have also received orders from overseas.
Dr Lok: What were the major obstacles to start with?
Tracey: Probably my biggest obstacle was not having experience in running a business. Dealing with issues like cash flow, account systems, bulk purchasing, manufacturing and pricing represented a big challenge for me in the beginning.
Dr Lok: Tell us about the products you produce under the Clean Conscience brand?
Tracey: Our range of cleaning products includes multi-purpose sprays, creamy cleanser, window cleaner, dishwashing liquid and laundry powder. Soon we will be adding air freshener and hand & body wash to our range of products.
Our laundry powder is the first in the world to be palm-oil free. It is made from certified organic soap nut powder, bicarbonate soda, soda ash and eucalyptus oil. It is extremely economical as it only costs 11 cents per wash!
Dr Lok: What is it that is special about your products?
Tracey: The use of basic and simple ingredients, most of which can be found in your kitchen cupboard, makes us unique compared to all other so-called eco-products in the marketplace. Our products do not have any harmful chemicals, synthetic surfactants, fillers, enzymes or palm oil.
We give our customers the power to make an informed decision by displaying full ingredient disclosure on our labels and website. We do not hide behind false and misleading words. What you see is what you get… simple, safe and effective cleaning products.
Our products are produced locally in Tasmania, with minimal processing to achieve the least environmental footprint possible.
Dr Lok: What is your philosophy when it comes to product development?
Tracey: We believe our ingredients must be safe for humans and the environment. They must not be tested on animals and definitely do not contain palm oil. We strongly believe animal testing is barbaric and unnecessary.
We believe less is best; a long list of ingredients does not deliver a better clean. The more ingredients in the bottle, the more will be washed into our environment. Many cleaning products contain fillers to bulk them out, we only use the necessary active ingredients needed to get the job done.
We do not believe in the use of “green chemistry” which is plant derived surfactants used by most “green” cleaning products today. “Plant based” or ingredients derived from plants might have a catchy environmental ring to it and yes those ingredients may have started out as a natural plant but the processing involved to turn it into a cleaning agent is far from environmentally friendly. At the end of the day the finished product is just another synthetic ingredient. Most of these plant based ingredients are made from palm oil which have huge negative environmental impacts on sensitive ecosystems and habitats.
Dr Lok: Where do you obtain your raw ingredients?
Tracey: We source all of our ingredients in Australia except for our soap nut powder, which is manufactured in India. We are more than comfortable with this choice as soap nuts have amazing environmental credentials along with their fantastic cleaning ability. They are grown wild without the use of chemical fertilisers, are sustainable, certified organic and fair trade.
Dr Lok: Why would I choose your product compared to those of a chemical based range?
Tracey: Evidence has shown that it is cheaper and quicker to add chemicals to the manufacturing of cleaning products. Hence, most large companies tend to go down this path. At Clean Conscience we are ruthless in our manufacturing process – it may take us longer and be more labour intensive but it ensures our products stand up to our rigorous ethics and standards.
Dr Lok: Are your products completely natural?
Tracey: I quite dislike the use of the word ‘natural’ for products in today’s’ market, as it is used in many different shapes and forms. Aggressive marketing has totally manipulated this word and reinvented a new meaning without telling the general public.
When the word ‘natural’ appears on any product these days, that product is allowed by law to contain only a minimum of 1% of its ingredients derived from natural sources. It is extremely important to understand when choosing a product, the word ‘natural’ does not have the same meaning that we were all taught at school when we grew up.
Spring water, essential oils and soap nut powder are about the closest to natural, unprocessed ingredients you will find, all of which we use for this reason.
Dr Lok: Do you use any preservatives in your products?
Tracey: We do not use any synthetic preservative, instead we use essential oils as the natural preservative system. Our products have a shelf life of 12 to 14 months. We also produce smaller batches more frequently to ensure freshness at time of delivery.
Dr Lok: What is your vision for the future?
Tracey: My vision is to make people more aware and inspire them to make better choices when purchasing truly ‘green products’. ‘Greenwashing’ is so prevalent in today’s market and companies are cashing in on uneducated and misguided consumers with savvy marketing campaigns and claims of so-called ‘natural’ products.
The use of palm oil in cleaning products is dominant and it is the cause of many atrocities such as deforestation, human right issues, live pet trade and the pending extinction of many beautiful species whose homes have been destroyed. I am certain the average person would choose not to support this if they only knew of the destruction caused.
Dr Lok: Who would you say has inspired you in the past?
Tracey: My late grandmother has always been my source of inspiration. She was beautiful, wise and like so many others of her era, she was happy with the simple things in life. She taught me how to clean with bicarbonate soda and vinegar. I think she would be very proud of the path I have chosen.
Dr Lok: How can people find out more about your products?
Tracey: Visit us at www.cleanconscience.com.au or give us a call on (03) 6265 8466.