Safe and Organic Cleaners

Natural alternatives to toxic chemicals

Although many parents love to teach kids to tidy up after themselves, the heavy-duty cleaning of play surfaces is usually best left to parents. And for good reason.

Take a peek in the cleaning agents aisle at your local supermarket or peer under the average household sink and you will usually discover a slew of toxic chemicals that pose a threat to our health and the environment. Kids are particularly susceptible to these cleaning agents, many of which are commonplace around the average home.

Consider these dangerous chemicals:

Ammonia

Benzene

Chlorine

Lye

Phenol

Ethanol

Cresol

Formaldehyde

They may seem like chemicals from a science lab, but believe it or not, these are all ingredients found in ordinary home cleaning products.

These products are not the kinds of cleaning agents that should be used for children's areas, especially children's tables and chairs, where kids spend so much of their time. Why subject your children to these poisons when there are safe and organic alternatives readily available?

Alternative, effective cleaners

The great news is that you probably already own many of the organic alternatives for highly effective cleaning. These non-toxic substances will not only keep your children safe, but they're much better for the environment (and your wallet).

Vinegar, baking soda, borax (washing soda), citrus peels, lemon juice, fruit surfactants, olive and linseed oils, salt, and toothpaste can all be used in your all-natural arsenal for cleaning up dirt, stains, and odors.

The use of non-toxic agents is a must for cleaning your children's high-traffic areas. Common messes such as crayon marks on nearly any surface, including the plastic, wood, and foam materials typically used for children's tables and chairs, can be easily wiped out with a simple paste of baking soda and water.

You can use rubbing alcohol to virtually erase marker stains. Another awesome substitute for industrial cleaners are baby wipes. Keep a container of them on-hand for spot-cleaning and lifting food stains from your children's clothes and carpet.

A 1:1 solution of white vinegar and water is strong enough to use as an all-purpose cleaner in your children's high-activity areas as well as the rest of your house. Vinegar kills mold, bacteria, and neutralizes foul odors. Borax mixed with water is an also a great germ killer.

Baking soda and salt is an effective substitute for scouring powders, or sprinkled into carpet to eliminate odors.

To give wooden furniture that revitalizing shine, use olive or linseed oil mixed with vinegar, or crushed raw nuts for an especially brilliant shine.

For a fresh clean scent anywhere, a few drops of lemon juice works wonders.

Despite all these health-conscious alternatives, there is no substitute for child supervision and responsible storage. Clearly label your homemade solutions and tightly reseal the lids on every container after use. A lock is a good investment to safely store all cleaners, both toxic and non-toxic, so your kids can't get into them.

Although the corporations might tell you different, you do have the power to create a safer home for you and your children by choosing organic cleaners. There is a wealth of information available in bookstores, libraries, and online concerning child-conscious alternatives to dangerous chemicals.

How you clean your children's space is your choice. Just learn to clean responsibly for the sake of your family.

More information on childrens table and chairs