Volatile organic compounds, or VOCs for short, are harmful chemicals that can emit gas from things like building materials, beauty products and chemical-based cleaning products. When we’re exposed to VOCs frequently, this can be devastating to our health. Commonly experienced symptoms include things like headaches, nausea, inflammation in the body, hormone disruption and more. The good news is that you can keep your home clean without compromising your indoor air quality and health. Let’s look at some of the organic items you can use from your pantry and fridge to clean your home.
Lemon
The natural acidity of lemon makes it the perfect option for making a homemade household cleaner. Squeeze a little bit of lemon juice from your local health foods store into a spray bottle and dilute with water. Use for various surfaces like countertops and vanities. Not only will this get these surfaces clean, but they’ll smell fresh as well. Toss the peels into your garbage disposal to freshen and deodorize.
Baking Soda
Baking soda is an essential ingredient for baking, but it’s also ideal for absorbing odors that are lingering in your carpet or inside your fridge. It's an item you probably have on your health foods store list frequently. You can also use it as an abrasive agent when scrubbing your sinks or tubs.
White Vinegar
Vinegar is a tried-and-true natural product that disinfects, removes odors and even reduces streaking on your windows. Dilute white vinegar with water for a multi-purpose cleaner.
Olive Oil
Instead of using chemical-laden polishing products, olive oil does a great job of protecting real wood furniture like your kitchen table, coffee table, etc. You can even mix in a little lemon juice. When you're shopping at your local grocery store in Vancouver stick to a basic variety, not something that's infused with spices or other ingredients.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Head to your medicine cabinet for this organic disinfectant. Just make sure that you dilute it, and always perform a test to ensure you won’t damage areas like your countertops or grout. You can even use hydrogen peroxide to whiten and brighten your laundry.
If you’re looking to stock your refrigerator and pantry with items that can be used to keep your home clean in a healthy way, check out your local grocery store in Vancouver for natural multi-purpose items.
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