Are your cupboards full of cleaning products from supermarket shelves? These seemingly innocent and friendly looking products harbor many chemicals and toxic substances. They are covered up with lovely fragrances, bight packaging and promises of easy cleaning, but at what cost?
The toxicity in many traditional cleaning products are astounding. There’s a wide array of soaps, detergents, bleaching agents, polishes, glass cleaners, and specialized bathroom cleaning products that disinfect and make things germ free but these contribute to indoor air pollution and are poisonous. Some cleaning agents can cause respiratory irritation, watery eyes, chemical burns and others have been associated with chronic, long-term effects such as cancer and respiratory illnesses.
Going green is a personal choice. It’s one that is embraced by individuals who become aware how harmful these toxic products can be. It’s embraced by those who want to live a longer healthier life, those who want to create a better environment for their family and pets and those who are concerned about our planet and want to make a difference.
At Bliss Home Care, we’re incredibly passionate about spreading the benefits of going green. In our own homes and our clients’ homes we only use green cleaning products.
You can dramatically improve the indoor air quality of your home by removing harmful toxins and pollutants. In particular, if you have young children or any family members who have respiratory ailments such as asthma this will be a breath of fresh air. You should also regularly open doors and windows for ventilation and add indoor plants to your living areas which help to reduce carbon dioxide levels and increase humidity.
Traditional and commercial cleaning products pose risks such as chemical burns to your skin and eyes. Always avoid any cleaning products that come with warnings on their labels – why would you knowingly bring these into your home and use them? Green cleaning products are not corrosive and must meet strict standards in Australia regarding inhalation toxicity, combustibility and skin absorption. Always choose green products to avoid harmful effects to your health.
You can save considerable amounts of money by mixing and using your own cleaning products. There are 3 simple products that you will mostly likely already have in your kitchen pantry that you can use to keep your home sparkly clean without the toxins – bi-carb soda, lemon and white vinegar. Take a look at our earth friendly cleaning blog for ways you can incorporate these into your cleaning regime for safe and effective earth friendly cleaning: https://blisshomecare.com.au/earth-friendly-cleaning/
You don’t need a whole arsenal of toxic products to keep your home clean. Tackle your cleaning with green products that you can either make yourself (as detailed above) or consciously make the decision to choose green cleaning products. Green cleaning products generally have multiple uses rather than having to switch between products for different areas of the home. For example, vinegar can be used to clean mould and mildew, as a window cleaner and toilet bowl cleaner just to name a few.
Choosing to use natural cleaning products means you will make cleaning safer - not just for yourself but also during pregnancy and when you young children. Kids love to help out and get involved and green cleaning products, particularly those you make at home, are safe enough for them to use. You won’t have to worry about gloves, you won’t have to lock up harmful cleaning products, you won’t have to worry about poisoning or toxic cocktails.
When you go green, you are reducing your carbon footprint. By reducing the amount of pollutants you use, you are reducing the amount of harmful toxins that get washed away into our waterways and environment. This will have a huge impact on the environment and will create a cleaner and brighter future for future generations and our planet.
Once you begin using green cleaning products and methods you will realise how effectively they work and how beneficial it is to your health and lifestyle. Don’t be shy about your green cleaning ways - spread the word! Tell those you care about how easy it is and how you do it. You’re setting a great example for others and also encouraging future generations to opt for a brighter and healthier planet.
Make a conscious decision to switch green cleaning products and practices in your home. Not only will you save time and money but you will dramatically improve the lifestyle for yourself, your home, family, pets and our planet.
Start by taking small steps to going green and you will make a BIG impact in the world.
With so many choices for vacuum cleaners on the market the choice can be difficult, particularly if you are seeking an environmentally friendly vacuum cleaner. Here we have prepared a list of things to help you pinpoint what you need to look out for when making your next vacuum cleaner purchase.
The purpose of a high performance vacuum cleaner is to get as much dirt and soil out of carpets to ensure your home is clean and fresh. During this process we should take note of the toll this may be having on the wider environment, our home environment and our lives, particularly if you are an allergy or asthma suffer or have family members who are.
These sucking machines consume energy in the form of electricity to operate efficiently. It’s important to note that corded vacuum cleaners are deemed more energy efficient than cordless/battery powered vacuum cleaners. This is due to batteries that require recharging which in the long run, increases your energy consumption. The batteries also increase the presence of toxic particles in the environment. So opt for a corded vacuum cleaner.
Let’s face it vacuum cleaners are dirt and dust collectors. Essentially that’s their purpose, however there are many vacuum cleaners that leak dust because they don’t have strong quality seals. If you suffer from allergies or asthma or someone in your home does, it can also increase the likelihood of health concerns if dirt and dust are being moved around in your home, rather than being eliminated. It’s also important to choose a vacuum cleaner that has a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter which will be the most effective at reducing particulate matter in the air.
Bagless vacuum cleaners create less waste and are most cost effective because you don’t have to replace the bags. They are also easier to clean however, it’s important to consider how and where you dispose of the waste that collects in the canister. We recommend you wear a mask when emptying the canister because of the dust that is released, particularly if you are an allergy or asthma sufferer. However there are pros and cons for both bag and bagless cleaners. You can read more about these at: https://www.choice.com.au/home-and-living/laundry-and-cleaning/vacuum-cleaners/articles/bag-versus-bagless
If you are using vacuum cleaners that have cloth bags, you may have noticed odours coming from the vacuum. This is due to improper maintenance or not servicing the vacuum cleaners. The odours are caused by bacteria or mould that grow inside the bag. It is important to empty the bags to keep the vacuum running efficiently, it is also important to keep it emptied to prevent bacteria and mould from growing and causing foul odour. It is also equally important to clean or replace the filters regularly. If you vacuum any food items, strongly recommended to empty or change the bag daily. You may also consider investing in vacuum cleaners that have sealed HEPA filtration system. This will keep odour-causing bacteria from escaping the bag.
We hope this guide helps you when it’s time to make your next vacuum cleaner purchase. Look for environmentally friendly factors that give the best results whilst also caring form our future and our health.
We all want our homes to be sparkly clean and want to do what’s best for ourselves, our family, our pets and the environment. Choosing environmentally friendly cleaning products can be a challenging task. Many off-the-shelf household cleaning products claim to be eco-friendly, however there are many hidden chemicals in these. Often many of these are toxic and can do harm to your health and that of your family.
Through a number of studies and research we know that household cleaning products can be linked to health conditions such as asthma, cancer, reproductive issues, lung damage, burns and more. The manufacturers claim that in small amounts toxic chemicals are not likely to pose any health problems, but when you are routinely using these it’s difficult to measure the risk to your health.
You may use an array of products including scents, soaps, detergents, bleaching agents, softeners, glass cleaners, bathroom and drain cleaners just to name a few. Let’s take a closer look at these and what their warning labels state: corrosive, may produce burns, vapour may be harmful, avoid contact with skin, contents can be harmful or fatal. So why do consumers continue to use these products?
Being aware of what’s in your cleaning products may help you understand why they can be so harmful used over a long period of time. Here are four common chemicals that are used in commercial cleaning products and how it may affect your health:
• Phthalates
Often found in fragranced household products such as air fresheners, dishwashing soap, scented soaps and event toilet paper. Phthalates are known to affect the reproductive system of men and women.
• 2-Butoxyethanol
Often found in glass cleaners, laundry stain removers and carpet cleaners. Sometimes also known as 2-BE or butyl cellosolve is known to be associated with blood disorders and may even cause liver and kidney damage.
• Ammonia
Often found in window cleaners, toilet cleaners, bathroom cleaners and all-purpose
cleaners. Vapours from ammonia can irritate the skin, eyes, throat and lungs. Asthmatics are particularly sensitive to the effects of breathing ammonia.
• Sodium Hydroxide
Often found in oven or drain cleaners. This product is extremely corrosive and can cause severe burns. When inhaled it can also affect your throat and respiratory system.
Replacing your cleaning products with a few simple ingredients such as water, baking soda, vinegar, lemon juice and clean sponges can be as effective as the toxic commercial chemical products. You may want to visit our Clean Home Pinterest board for inspiration on natural cleaning tips: https://au.pinterest.com/blisshomecare/clean-home/
Make wise choices and eliminate environmental toxins that are harmful to your health. Reduce your exposure to toxic chemicals by choosing safer, healthier options that also minimise the impact on our environment and keep you healthier, for longer.
When we established Bliss Home Care Services we decided we wanted to be an innovative cleaning company that uses only earth friendly cleaning products. The products, together with our proven earth friendly cleaning practices ensure the highest grade of cleaning for homes and offices which is not only safe for our environment but for families, pets and children.
One of our favourite cleaning products is Biological Cleaner. This product is a general purpose cleaner that contains active “good” bacterial ingredients and is the perfect alternative to harsh chemical solutions. The active bacterial ingredients means that it is able to effectively remove grease, grime, dirt and soap scum that is commonly found throughout all homes. The most important thing about this product, apart from the fact that it’s a highly effective cleaning product, is that it’s 100% chemical free, is biodegradable and non-hazardous.
This natural, earth friendly cleaning product is even effective enough to be used to keep bathrooms and restrooms free of germs and build up of unhealthy bacteria, mould and soap scum. It is often used to clean busy washrooms, urinals and toilets and is much safer for the environment and human health in comparison to chemical cleaning products.
When considering purchasing cleaning products please ensure you choose wisely and carefully to maintain and protect this beautiful planet we live on, now and into the future.
Earth Friendly Cleaning - Easier Than You ThinkAs consumers, we are constantly bombarded with new cleaning products that will save time and get things done better or faster. Using natural products and resources for earth friendly cleaning is not as difficult as it may seem.
With a spike in the number of adults and children suffering from allergies, asthma, sinusitis or bronchitis it's imperative for us to avoid using synthetic chemicals in our home environment. Using commercial products that are filled with chemicals, even when they claim to be 'natural' is introducing allergens and poisons into our homes.
By making a conscious decision to switch to earth friendly cleaning products and practices in your home, you will be saving money as well as improving the lifestyle for your home, family and pets. There are many inexpensive and easy to use alternatives that can used safely to replace chemical laden cleaning products.
Here are 3 powerful natural items, which you may already have in your pantry, that can easily be incorporated into your cleaning regime for safe and effective earth friendly cleaning:
This is a versatile product which can deodorise, soften water and scour away grease. It's safe to use in your kitchen so simply mix it with a little water to clean bench tops, stainless steel sinks, microwaves, range hoods, cooking utensils, the list is endless. You can also use it to wash fresh produce such as fruit and vegetables safely removing unwanted chemicals and wax on the outer layer. It is a great odour eater - simply place a small bowl in your fridge or sprinkle it into smelly shoes. It's also wonderful to have a relaxing bath in and leaves your skin clean and smooth.
Lemons are high in citric acid so it makes them one of the best natural cleaners due to its low pH and antibacterial properties. You can even use lemon juice in your laundry to replace bleach - it does a great job of whitening while leaving a fresh lemon scent.It's a great cleaner for bathrooms including taps, shower doors and build up of hard water deposits. And don't just throw away the peels once you've used your lemon! Use these in your spray bottles to create a citrus smelling cleaning spray.
White vinegar is an effective cleaner and is able to cut grease, remove mildew and odours. If you have persistent odours in your home, leave a little bowl of vinegar out overnight. You can also use it as a hand rinse to remove strong scents such as garlic and onion from your hands. You can also create an effective window cleaner by diluting vinegar with water and using this in a spray bottle and you can even use this spray along doorways, windowsills and bench tops to keep ants at bay.
Making small changes in your immediate surroundings and cleaning practices will help with the long term goals of protecting not only your home but our environment.
NOTE: do not use vinegar and lemon on natural stone e.g. marble.
If you're cleaning bathrooms the traditional way, you're probably using disinfectant cleaners, glass cleaners, and acid bowl cleaners. Although these products do a good job of cleaning, they can be toxic to the environment and to the people who use them. In addition, some cleaners are made from petroleum products, which is not a renewable resource, so using a product that is water based would be a "greener" alternative.
Many residential companies or home owners who clean in the traditional way also use white cotton cloths for cleaning surfaces. When using cotton cloths, you take a chance that you will cross-contaminate surfaces as they move from one area to the next.
Cleaning bathroom floors in the traditional way may include sweeping with a broom or dust mop, and then using a cotton mop, sponge mop, or cotton rag to clean the floors.
When you clean bathrooms using environmentally friendly products, tools and methods, you use safer cleaning products, and more efficient tools and cleaning systems. First, consider switching to products that are safer for the environment, aquatic life and human life. Check with your local distributor, as they should carry at least one environmentally friendly product line. Ideally, cleaning product is eco-friendly, non-hazardous and certified.
Bathroom cleaning involves disinfecting a number of different surfaces, so you want to avoid cross-contaminating surfaces. The best way to do this is to use color-coded microfiber cloths. Each color is used for a particular task. For example:
Cleaning floors using green cleaning equipment and methods means you'll use a good quality approved vacuum cleaner with HEPA filter to vacuum the floor, rather than sweeping, which spreads soil around and causes dust to become airborne.
Mopping floors using green cleaning equipment and methods means you'll use a microfiber mop instead of the traditional mop and bucket. Microfiber mops are lighter weight, use less water, and are able to trap more soil in the fibers than traditional mops. In medical facilities, you can quickly switch mop heads from room to room to avoid cross contamination.
As you can see, making a few simple changes in chemicals, equipment and cleaning methods can make a big impact. Not only will you be making a contribution to protecting the environment, but you'll also be protecting your family, pets and employees from toxic chemicals and outdated equipment that can cause unnecessary injuries.
The revolutionary environmentally friendly cleaning product is based on Bio-bacterial technology. It consists of billions of friendly bacteria that target and digest organic matter eliminating the source of cleaning problems rather than masking them.
Enzyme and bacteria cleaning products or in are composed of living bacteria and or enzymes that break down and softens organic soils like fat, proteins, carbohydrates and grease, while simultaneously eliminating bad odours.
Enzyme and bacteria cleaning products present an alternative to harsher chemical solutions, like solvents and strong acids or alkalis. They are more user-friendly than products with extreme pH.
The process by which enzyme and bacteria cleaners work is important to understand. When a bacteria product is applied, the microorganisms, which have been dormant, begin to grow and digest the waste that is present and is used as their food source; and the bacteria in turn multiply.
Since bacteria does not have a mouth, they breakdown and metabolize waste by producing enzymes. The waste that has been broken down is now small enough to be absorbed through the bacteria cell wall. Once the waste particles are inside the cell they can be broken down and used as a fuel and energy source, allowing the cell to reproduce again and again, thus repeating the process. As long as organic soils are available as a food source the process will continue.
Straight enzyme cleaners are products that contain only the enzymes, which have been separated from the bacteria that produce them. These products also breakdown soils like grease, starches, and proteins. Once the enzymes have done their job, they are used up and cannot reproduce themselves; in turn they will not be able to degrade any more waste.
This process guaranties natural way to treat common cleaning problems with no need for harsh chemical cleaners, making cleaning process simpler, healthier and environmentally friendly cleaning.
Eco friendly product rubber stamp.
Until recently and even at present time, most cleaning companies cleaned for appearance which is what their clients were looking for. However, more and more home owners are concerned with the chemicals that are used in their homes and are looking for better alternatives. Green cleaning is not only cost effective, but it is better for a home’s indoor air quality and making it better environment for families.
But with so many products on the market these days, how do you know which ones are truly "Green"? Here are some suggestions on what to look for when choosing green cleaning products:
Once you've decided to make the switch to green cleaning products, use this as your guide for making the right choices.
Microfiber is no longer a "buzz word" that is taking the cleaning world by storm. Most cleaning companies should be using them on a daily basis as a basic cleaning tool.
How to choose the right microfiber cloth for your all cleaning needs. There are different grades of Microfiber for different types of tasks and most manufactures will carry at least 3 different types of Microfiber cloths. The most common types are:
When purchasing for your Microfiber cloths, visit your local cleaning suppliers, as they more likely to supply high quality Microfiber cloths. You can usually tell a good quality Microfiber cloth by doing couple of tests. First, run the cloth across your hand. Does it seem to catch? This is caused by the dense fibers and indicates quality Microfiber. Next, put a small amount of hand lotion on mirror and then wipe your mirror cloth to see how many passes it takes to remove the lotion. A good quality Microfiber cloth will remove the lotion in only one or two passes.
Microfiber cloths come in variety of colours and the reason for that to prevent cross contamination. You certainly would not want to use to clean a toilet and then use the same cloth to clean your kitchen bench tops.
when washing microfiber cloths, it is best to wash and dry them separately from other laundry items such as cotton cloths, towels or clothing. If you don't wash them separately, they will pull the lint off these items and become so loaded it may make them useless. Avoid using bleach and fabric softener. Bleach will damage the fibers and fabric softener will reduce the static charge, which is an important part of what makes Microfiber cloth works so well.
when cleaning Microfiber, use about half the amount of laundry detergent you would normally use for a load of laundry. Microfibers release soil very easily when washed, so more is not better in this case. It is recommended that your water temperature not to exceed 95 Celsius. Microfibers can air dry (Microfiber cloths dry very quickly) or you can use a machine to dry them as long as you use a low heat setting and do not add a fabric softener sheet.
