Author: Dr. Jeff Styba
Top 8 Toxic chemicals found in household cleaners:
1. Phthalates:
Found in most products with a fresh aroma; air fresheners, soap, surface cleaners, laundry detergent. You will never see the word phthalate on the product label. Phthalates are disguised as the word “fragrance.” Phthalates are endocrine disruptors and damage male and female sex organs as well as our thyroid glands.
2. Perchloroethylene or “PERC”
Found in furniture cleaners/polish, stain removers, and dry-cleaning solutions. PERC is most often toxic by inhalation. You have experienced this if you have ever had your carpets cleaned, it is the lingering aroma for days after a deep cleaning. The smell of a freshly dry-cleaned shirt is PERC. PERC is a known neurotoxin and carcinogen. So bad that the EPA has ordered residential buildings to phase-out PERC machines by 2020, and California is eliminating all use of PERC by 2023.
3. Triclosan:
A known carcinogen and human gene destroyer, Triclosan is found in antibiotic hand cleaners, and anything labeled “antibacterial.”
4. QUATS, Quarternary Ammonium Compounds:
Found in household cleaners labeled “antibacterial,” also in fabric softeners and dryer sheets. We NEVER use dryer sheets; otherwise, we will be breathing in QUATS all day long through our clothing. Many cases of dermatitis and respiratory disorders have been traced back to QUATS. QUATS have been detected in over 40% of antibacterial products under review.
5. 2-Butoxyethanol:
Found in surface cleaners, kitchen cleaners, and window cleaners. This molecule is a glycol ether, which is linked to severe liver and kidney damage, pulmonary edema and narcosis. When cleaning your bathroom, for example, the levels of airborne 2-butoxyethanol can rise higher than workplace safety standards.
6. Chloroform:
A suspected human carcinogen found in bleach containing products that can escape in the fumes and enter our lungs through inhalation.
7. Sodium Borate:
Found in many cleaning supplies, sodium borate is added as an enzyme stabilizer for longer shelf life. This molecule is linked to the disruption of the human hormone system and also may lead to breathing problems.
8. Benzene:
Many household cleaning products contain this dangerous molecule benzene which has been linked to leukemia, anemia, and bone marrow damage.
The SOLUTION, what Dr. Jeff and Megan clean their entire house with!
Davinci was quoted saying, “Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.” This applies to our cleaning products. Wouldn’t it be nice to have one cleaning solution for every toilet, surface, furniture, etc in your home? Below we have the answer, an all-in-one cleaning solution that is beneficial when you breathe in the aroma and has zero health-harming chemicals, and it works.
What is required:
1. One gallon glass container (to mix up a batch of cleaner)
2. One 15ml bottle of each: Clove essential oil, Melaleuca essential oil, Lemon and Orange essential oil.
3. 1/2 cup of white vinegar.
Directions: First pour each bottle of essential oil in the 1-gallon container, then add 1/2 cup of white vinegar, and fill the rest of the container with either tap or distilled water. Shake up the container to mix in the essential oils and pour into a smaller glass spray bottle for use. Before spraying onto surfaces or carpet, make sure to shake up the bottle to mix in the essential oils as they will float to the top after sitting for a few minutes.
xoxo,
Dr. Jeff and Megan Styba