More and More Reasons to Go Green

There is a growing trend toward eco-friendly cleaning and living. This is particularly true with regards to oven cleaning, as store-bought methods for obtaining a sparkling oven have very evident downsides; insufferable smells and countless toxic ingredients that we can’t even pronounce. We know that everyday cleaning products contain some fairly abrasive, harsh chemicals but do we really know the extent of their toxicity? Which ones are particularly dangerous and why? Knowing the intricacies of how these hazardous elements operate and how they impact your health is perhaps the best way to demonstrate why more and more people are going green.

Phthalates (fragrance ingredient)

Phthalates are regularly found in fragranced household products, including soaps, air fresheners and even toilet paper. They’re extremely common in everyday cleaning products, but they might not be clearly labelled on the back of the bottle. If you see the word ‘fragrance’ on the list of ingredients, it is likely that the product contains phthalates. Phthalates have been associated with a range of medical issues and are a known endocrine disruptor. Men with a substantial amount of phthalate compounds in their blood were found to have infertility issues. Given that phthalates can be absorbed through the skin, our bodies are unable to properly protect against them and they travel straight to our organs. Results from one study indicate that pregnant women should avoid phthalates, cautioning that it may result in the child’s IQ being stunted by an average of seven points. In fact, there have been health concerns over phthalates for over twenty years, and it has been linked to medical issues including, to name a few, ADHD, asthma, breast cancer, autism spectrum disorders and even obesity. To avoid these compounds, simply opt for fragrance-free product or use more natural essential oils.

Triclosan (antibacterial ingredient)

Triclosan is an antibacterial agent found in liquid dishwashing detergents and antibacterial soaps. This chemical has been linked to endocrine disruption in the thyroid glands and liver enzymes of animals. In human beings, triclosan has links to asthma, eczema and allergies. Worryingly, tests in Sweden even identified triclosan in the breast milk of 60% of the women involved. In order to avoid this chemical, opt for more natural detergents with ingredient lists that are short and simple.

Quaternary Ammonium Compounds (antimicrobial ingredient)

Quats are an antimicrobial found in fabric softener products and other everyday cleaners labelled as antibacterial. Despite the fact that we use this chemical to treat our clothes, the compound can actually seriously irritate our skin. It has also been linked to respiratory disorders such as asthma. To avoid Quat, consider replacing your fabric softener with white vinegar. It may sound like a bizarre suggestion, but vinegar is a natural fabric softener, it is completely non-toxic, removes soap residue and also helps to remove static cling. Vinegar deodorises without leaving behind it own scent, but if you find yourself missing the smell of your old fabric conditioner, feel free to add five drops of essential oil to each cup of vinegar.

Sodium hydroxide (caustic soda)

Sodium hydroxide, sometimes known as lye, is found in drain unpluggers and traditional oven cleaners. The reason sodium hydroxide works is due to the fact that it is incredibly corrosive. Contact with skin or eyes is very hazardous due to the fact that it can hydrolyse protein, resulting in serious burns. If breathed in, as it would be if it were to be utilised as an oven cleaning solution, it can cause throat irritation. There are many effective ways to clean ovens without toxic chemicals, and if you hire a professional ensure that they use only green products for the safety of you and your family.

Butyl cellosolve (neurotoxin)

Butyl cellosolve is a neurotoxin commonly found in window and all-purpose cleaners, as well as air fresheners, oven cleaners and carpet cleaners. Butyl cellosolve is toxic when inhaled or touched and, worryingly, it is regularly used in heavy concentrations. It has been linked to an array of medical issues impacting the liver, kidneys, nervous system, mucous membranes and bone marrow. Its use is fairly prolific, but to avoid it you have the option of either creating your own cleaning products or researching companies that take pride in producing products that are completely non-toxic.

For help with oven cleaning and repair, get in touch for a helping hand Contact Nottingham Ovencleaners, a company that prides itself on its non-toxic, family-friendly products.

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