All-purpose cleaners are go-to products that many people use to wipe down everything from countertops to shower tiles and kids’ toys. These products are cheap, convenient, and versatile to use. But have you ever thought about what’s actually in them and how they might affect your health?
Here’s a closer look at what all-purpose cleaners really are and a couple safer and more natural alternatives to use in your home.
Ingredients in Chemical All-Purpose Cleaners
Many types of commercial all-purpose cleaners contain diethanolamine (DEA) and triethanolamine (TEA), which are sudsing agents. When these ingredients come in contact with nitrates, they can be carcinogens that affect the skin. Common ingredients in all-purpose cleaners have also been studied for their effects on the brain and nervous system.
Meanwhile, the fumes from chemically based cleaners can cause respiratory discomfort and damage over time. Other potentially harmful ingredients in all-purpose cleaners to look for and avoid for better health include alkyl phenol ethoxylates (APEs), glycol ethers, and artificial colors and fragrances.
Homemade Surface Cleaner Recipe
Fortunately, you don’t need those chemicals to keep your home clean! Vinegar is an essential part of any natural home and makes good DIY surface cleaner solutions. Try mixing a cup of white vinegar with a cup of distilled water, half of a juiced lemon, and about 10 drops of your favorite essential oil, such as peppermint or orange. Mix and pour the ingredients into a 16-ounce spray bottle, shake, spray, and store in the refrigerator between uses.
You can also leave out the fresh lemon juice and then no refrigeration in needed. If possible, keep your mixture in a reusable glass spray bottle to eliminate your exposure to potential BPA in plastic bottles.
Seagate Surface Cleaner
If you don’t have the time or interest in creating your own cleaning products from scratch, Seagate can help. Our Olive Leaf Surface Cleaner is 100 percent natural and washes away germs without using any chemicals or toxic ingredients. It contains just two ingredients, both of which you can pronounce: olive leaf extract (99 percent) and grapefruit seed extract (1 percent). We harvest and process our own olive leaves, which have powerful antimicrobial properties. Meanwhile, our grapefruit seed extract is another natural antimicrobial ingredient to add extra germ-killing power.
This is a great product to use on surfaces where you prepare food or that come in contact with kids and pets. That’s because it contains only food-grade ingredients that will cause no harm in case of accidental ingestion. Spray it onto countertops, baby high chairs, cribs, cell phone touch pads, pet bowls, toys, and other surfaces around your home. Our eight-ounce size is recommended for frequent home use, while our travel-size bottle that’s two ounces is perfect for killing germs while out and on the go.