Counter Intuitive: Make your own toxin-free kitchen cleaner

story byLeah R. TroianoIf you’re using typical household cleaning products to tidy your kitchen, chances are you’re also using some highly toxic chemicals. In an independent, peer-reviewed study by Silent Spring Institute, a public interest organization, more than 200 products were analyzed for hazardous chemical content. Nearly all the products tested, including many marketed as “green” or “nontoxic,” were found to have one, if not multiple, hazardous chemicals. These chemicals, such as phthalates, parabens and bisphenol A (BPA), are linked with asthma and reproductive hormone problems. What’s worse is that these chemicals can end up in your lungs or, if the food or your fingers touch the “cleaned” surface, ingested. The best way to avoid these chemicals? Stop buying cleaning products and start making your own.

How to Make Your Own Kitchen Counter Cleaner

You will need:

clean spray bottle
water
white vinegar
10 drops lemon essential oil
10 drops cinnamon essential oil
10 drops tea tree essential oil

Directions:

Fill the spray bottle halfway with water. Fill the rest with white vinegar, leaving about a half inch at the top. Add essential oils to the bottle. Shake before every use. Spray on and wipe off with a damp cloth. (Be sure to test all surfaces prior to use.)

The white vinegar does most of the heavy cleaning, but the essential oils offer a great smell as well as anti-fungal and anti-bacterial qualities. This product leaves counter tops and sinks shiny and clean. Since all products are edible, don’t worry if food comes in contact with a clean countertop.

 Baking Soda for Stubborn Stains
Use baking soda for stubborn stains and dried spills. Simply shake baking soda over the problem area and then, use the spray cleaner to wet the baking soda. You will see bubbles working to loosen the dirt. With a damp towel, scrub the spray/baking soda combo to remove the stain. If needed, give the spot a few extra squirts of spray cleaner to remove any leftover baking soda.

Leah R. Troiano, a certified cancer support educator, works with people who have cancer or would like to prevent cancer. Lowering toxicity is just one of many ways to get your body in cancer-fighting shape. For more information, visit CancerHealthandWellness.com or e-mail [email protected].