Category: Green Living

A new study from the American Academy of Pediatrics involving children and household cleaners has found children ages 1 to 3 account for 72% of cleaning product poisonings, with 40% of poisonings coming from cleaners in spray bottles. Chemicals in bleach, dish soap and window cleaner (to name a few) can be deadly if ingested. Colorful packaging and fruity smells of some of these products can make them all the more appealing to your little ones.

If you must use these toxic chemicals, make sure they are tightly sealed and locked away from curious little fingers. Keep cleaners in their original containers so you know exactly what they are. It may be tempting to place them in pretty containers but confusion is less likely to occur if you know exactly what is in the bottles.

The better option is to stop purchasing these items and start using things like baking soda, vinegar and lemons to brighten your laundry, clean your sinks and wash your windows. These are all things that you have around your house and you won’t have to worry about calling poison control if your toddler starts sucking on a lemon. The great thing is that you can also get your kids involved with cleaning around the house. Don”t know how to make your own cleaners? Well, Google is only one click away. Almost 200,000 results popped up when I typed in “make your own non-toxic cleaners.”

Our facebook fan page had a great post about many different ways you can use baking soda, from brushing your teeth to cleaning your floors. Do you have any green tips for house cleaning?