Non-Toxic Products Calm New Mother’s Fears

The birth of my first child instantaneously turned me from a somewhat fatalistic risk-taker to someone who now recognizes the potential danger in items that the childless would find innocuous (I could probably consult with the prison systems about security – in my opinion, a wooden spoon is a deadly weapon!). Imagine my difficulty breathing when I read the statistics from The National Safety Council (http://www.nsc.org) stating that home poisonings are second only to auto accidents in accidental deaths! The Council continues on to recommend that household cleaners be stored either out of children’s’ reach or under childproof locks.

While that’s certainly a start, I knew early on that I would only stay off tranquilizers by taking extra precautions, since my son showed signs of innate Macgiverism with childproof locks since he was 14 months old. I began researching non-toxic household cleaners, repeating to myself that the extra expense would be worth my son’s safety. However, my digging yielded some ideas that are not only safe around the house, but beneficial to my wallet! Here are some safe, effective and inexpensive replacements for:

Multi-Surface Cleaners: Just mix equal parts white vinegar and water and store in a spray bottle. Use on everything but wood – fantastic for windows!

Mineral Deposit Removers, such as Lime-a-Way: Vinegar can be used full-strength for more heavily-soiled areas or for removing mineral deposits from sinks and shower-heads.

Wood Polish: Mix equal parts olive and lemon juice and store in a glass or plastic bottle. Pour a little bit on a clean, dry cloth and apply to even your nicest furniture.

Drain Opener: If drains run slowly, pour in �½ to �¾ cup baking soda, and run just enough hot water to get all of the baking soda into the drain. Let this sit overnight, and then flush with hot water in the morning.

Scouring Powder: Replace this entirely with pure baking soda. It is less abrasive, just as effective, and better smelling! Most grocery stores now carry baking soda in a shaker canister in the cleaning products aisle.

Toilet Cleaner: Mix equal parts of baking soda and lemon juice and clean the toilet with your regular brush. If the inside of the bowl has stains that don’t some off with this mixture, add 2 cups of full-strength vinegar to the bowl after you’ve flushed and let this sit in the bowl for as long as possible.

The shopping list for this project: white vinegar, olive oil, lemon juice, and baking soda – and short is how all new parents like shopping lists!