Did you know, some cleaning products that are very common in most households may not be healthy for your family or your home?

Most household cleaners contain harsh chemicals such as bleach, ammonia, and chlorine. These chemicals are very strong and can break down the surface they're being used on over time. For example, while using a spray cleaner to clean your kitchen countertops might seem like an easy way to get them sparkling again in just minutes, it's actually breaking down the surface of the countertop and causing it to become worn.

It doesn't stop at your kitchen counters; these strong chemicals are used in laundry detergent, dish soap, glass cleaner, oven cleaners, and more, and can linger in your home 24 hours a day.

Many people are also unaware that these strong chemicals have health risks to both adults and children! Some of the health risks from these strong cleaners include eye and skin irritation, difficulty breathing, headaches, nausea/vomiting, and lung damage.

It's important to remember that these chemicals are also bad for your indoor air quality. As the bleach water dries on surfaces in your home it creates a chemical gas that can cause respiratory problems like wheezing or asthma attacks in children.

The best way to avoid this is by using natural cleaning products; they're better for you AND the environment!

With the boom of green marketing and healthier alternatives to everyday products, the market of cleaning supplies has quickly added a wide variety of natural, organic, healthy, or 'green' products to store shelves.

Natural cleaning products break down into three groups: organic, biodegradable, and non-toxic. Organic cleaners are made from plant ingredients that have the ability to decompose in a landfill without releasing toxic methane gas or other harmful substances such as benzene. Biodegradability means they will not pollute waterways, leach chemicals into the soil, or cause other environmental problems. Non-toxic cleaners are made with ingredients that won't harm humans, pets, and plants when used as directed.

Natural cleaning products come in a variety of forms: liquid, powder, bar soap/detergent, citrus cleaner (made from lemon juice), natural wipes for surfaces such as kitchen counters and bathrooms, or natural sprays for surfaces.

Here are some natural cleaning products every home should have:

• Tea tree oil - an all-purpose cleaner that can be used on countertops as well as in a spray bottle to clean other surfaces around the house
• Vinegar/water solution - this is an excellent surface cleaner and can be diluted with water to clean your toilet
• Baking soda - this is a great cleaner for sinks, drains, and ovens
• Dish soap/detergent that contains only natural ingredients such as coconut oil or palm fruit extract
• Bleach alternative (citrus juice) - to remove tough stains like coffee or juice
• Lemon essential oil - this is a great cleaner for removing germs in your kitchen and bathroom
• Natural wipes - these are perfect to quickly wipe down surfaces or use as a surface cleaner (such as wiping off countertops)

Transitioning into using natural cleaning products can be a daunting process, but it's not as hard as you might think!

Start by using natural cleaning products in one room or surface of your home at a time. Once you get comfortable with them and see the difference they make for your family and the environment - I'm sure that other surfaces will follow suit!

If you’re interested in a cleaning company that also cares about using natural products in your home, call Sponge & Sparkle today to schedule a cleaning service! Sponge & Sparkle uses products that are made with all-natural, non-toxic ingredients that are environmentally friendly so you can be assured your home is being cleaned safely.

You can call Sponge & Sparkle at (404) 633-9652, or book a service online.

Sponge & Sparkle services the Atlanta area, including Brookhaven, Buckhead, North Druid Hills, Midtown, Decatur, Chamblee, Tucker, and Virginia Highlands.