Southern Ontario has basked in summer-like temperatures for the last few weeks...which has inspired me to get into Spring Cleaning, perhaps a bit earlier than last year.
Air inside our homes can be more toxic than outdoor air, believe it or not. Due to improved sealing around windows and doors, our "airtight and energy efficient" homes retain whatever we use in them. Avoid chemical cleaning products. This is easier said than done, as commercial products are not required by law to list their ingredients. Instead, formulations are considered "proprietary" information, and are allowed to remain "trade secrets." I find it interesting that even so called "green" cleaners may tell you what is NOT in a product...but seldom states what IS in the product! And many of these so-called "natural" or "eco-friendly" products contain warning icons, that suggest corrosion, flammability, or some other toxic reaction.
The Ontario Lung Association has some tips on how to clean, yet, improve the air quality in your home.
*Make your own furniture and floor polish by mixing one part lemon juice with 2 parts of vegetable oil
*Use a tablespoon of vinegar in the automatic rinse dispenser in your front loading washer, instead of synthetic fabric softener. This has the added benefit of keeping the "musty" smell out of your washer
*Remove mould in the bathroom with a solution of baking soda and water
*Pour vinegar into toilets and let stand overnight as a disinfectant. Swish clean with a brush.
