All-purpose cleaners are popular because they make the difficult chore of cleaning house easier. However, the trade-off for less effort isn’t always worth it. Commercial all-purpose cleaners are loaded with chemicals, and "natural" products can be very expensive. Instead, try using vinegar as an environmentally friendly, inexpensive cleanser.
What’s In That Cleaner?
Many of the chemicals contained in household cleaners are known to be dangerous. According to the article “Hazards of Commercial Household Cleaners” by Dan Hilborn, a group of chemicals called ethoxylated nonyl phenols, often found in household cleaners, can have particularly scary effects on the body.
Hilborn states, “Also known as endocrine disrupters, these chemicals are called "gender benders" by environmentalists because they are believed to cause reproductive problems for some animals.” Shockingly, the companies responsible for producing these products are not currently required to list the ingredients on the bottle. So the average consumer might never know what sort of toxins they are exposing themselves to.
A MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) for the popular all-purpose cleaner Fantastik states, in reference to one of its ingredients that “…animal studies clearly demonstrated dose-related adverse effects on the central nervous system, blood-forming tissues, blood, kidneys and liver…” If inhaling chemicals that can do so much damage to the body, or using them to clean surfaces that may be used in food preparation, is not appealing, natural cleaners provide an alternative.
“Natural” and Eco-Friendly Cleaners
“Natural” is not a regulated term in Canada, so its use can be misleading. Method, makers of “natural and naturally-derived” cleaning products, state on their website Methodhome.com that they "use natural and naturally derived materials from renewable or abundant sources wherever [they] can.” Method never claim their products to be 100% natural, but having the word "natural" emblazoned all over the brand’s packaging and website might lead consumers to believe it.
The cost of these products is worth consideration as well. A bottle of Method all-purpose cleaner currently retails for $4.99 CAD for 828 mL at Canadian Tire stores in the GTA. Retail prices for white vinegar vary, but a 3L jug can be found at most grocery stores for less than $5.00. Three litres of cleaner would cost almost $20.00! Considering that the vinegar will be diluted 50% with water for cleaning –stretching it twice as far – the savings are substantial.
Why Vinegar?
Because of its high acid content, white or “distilled” vinegar is able to kill mould, mildew, bacteria and germs. It can deodorize even the strongest smells, and cuts grease as well as commercial products. And of course, it is chemical-free and safe enough to eat. To make an effective all-purpose cleaner, simply fill a spray bottle with 1-part vinegar to 1-part water, and use as much as required throughout the home.
For more tips on cleaning with vinegar, visit Cheap Eco-Friendly Detergent Alternatives.
Distilled white vinegar is an all-natural, eco-friendly cleaner that costs less than commercial cleaning products. Using vinegar as an all-purpose cleaner is an easy way to be both more frugal and more environmentally-conscious. And when the cleaning is done, the vinegar tastes great on French fries!
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