Is Your Household Disinfectant Harming Your Health?

The last few years have given new life to disinfecting. And while killing germs that lurk on surfaces is always a good idea, you have to stop and ask yourself – what else might harsh chemical compounds be killing? The answer is your health!

A 20-year study conducted by The University of Bergen in Norway was published in 2018 and found that cleaning with bleach or quaternary disinfectants just once per week had the same effect on lung capacity as smoking a pack of cigarettes every single day! 

Think about that. Casually cleaning your home is just as damaging to your health as smoking.

But how can you fight off the germs that cause infections and viruses? The answer is with plant-based cleaning solutions that aren’t dangerous to you and your family. And while this may sound like a tall order, the fact is that cleaning products are already on the market that exceeds expectations for both effectiveness and safety.

If you’re still using Clorox or Lysol (which wouldn’t be surprising, after how difficult they’ve been to find in the last two years), it’s time to stop. You shouldn’t have to sacrifice your health for disinfected surfaces.

There are Better Solutions Available

Chances are that you’ve seen “clean” alternatives to bleach-based cleaning products at your local supermarket. Brands like Seventh Generation, Honest Company, Method, and Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day all offer plant-based cleaning solutions. The results are mixed from those cleaning products. But if you’re shopping on a budget (and most of us are), it can be very difficult to justify spending double or triple what you have been. For many of us, these prices are simply out of reach.

But don’t give up hope yet: Melaleuca manufactures a product named Sol-U-Guard Botanical Disinfectant at a price you can actually afford. As part of the Melaleuca EcoSense product line, this EPA-registered botanical disinfectant is powered by thyme oil and citric acid and still kills over 99.9% of common household germs. It is also concentrated 2x, which means it wins on price over every other brand mentioned in this article. Learn more about Melaleuca products in a recent Digital Journal article.

How to Know If a Product Should Be Considered

If you’ve grown up cleaning with bleach and ammonia, it can be hard to break old habits. And what chemicals are dangerous? We’ve become so accustomed to harsh smells and artificially bright-colored products and labels that it’s hard to know what to avoid and what to look for.

A basic rule of thumb is to avoid Chlorine Bleach, Ammonia, Formaldehyde, Phthalates, Abrasives, Phosphates, Parabens, and Quaternary Disinfectants, all of which can cause long-term health problems for you and your family. The truth is, if you can’t ingest it, you shouldn’t be breathing it in or letting it be absorbed into your skin.

Rather than rely on harsh chemicals, look for natural antimicrobials that disinfect instead. One such example is the essential oil Thymol, derived from Thyme. Others include garlic, parsley, sage, and lemongrass. So yes – your cleaning products should contain food-grade ingredients. After all, your toddler wouldn’t be the first to lick her breakfast directly off of the kitchen table – and she should be safe doing so.

Investing in Your Health Now Will Pay Off Later

Not only will investing in your health now ensure a longer, happier life, but you can also influence the future health of your children and grandchildren. A study done in 2020 found that more than 50% of Gen Z adults use the same products that their parents do – and that’s in spite of the billions of dollars spent advertising and influencing this age group!

Your children see and absorb your habits and preferred products, and are likely to follow in your footsteps. This is your chance to set a good example for them and leave a legacy you can be proud of.

Chances are that you’re already in the habit of cleaning and disinfecting your surfaces; now all you have to do is switch to a cleaning product that won’t harm your health. Luckily, you can do so without busting your budget.