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A lot of the chemicals that are on the market are not safe for children. They are filled with harsh chemicals, skin irritants, and VOC’s (Volatile Organic Compounds). As parents, we want to keep our littles safe and keep our homes clean. Many parents are always on the lookout for kid-safe cleaning products. They want cleaning supplies that will not harm their kids, while still getting the job done. Twin Cities Kids Club has a list of kid-safe cleaning products that you can incorporate into your cleaning routine. Join the club for access to exclusive discounts throughout the Twin Cities. Chemicals to Avoid in Your Cleaning Products Bleach VOC’s Parabens Sodium Laurel Sulphate Phthalates Sodium Hydroxide Glycol Ethers Triclosan Environmental Working Group (EWG) has a comprehensive list of chemicals found in everyday cleaning products and their harmful effects. EWG has a search option where you can look-up your usual household cleaners. They help you decode the product’s ingredient list and give the products individual health scores. Kid-Safe Cleaning Products Hot Water Using hot water can help aid you with your cleaning process. Just make sure it is not so hot you can’t stand to use it. Using water to clean can help you to collect dust, dirt, and any allergens that can be left behind on a surface. However, most hot water does not kill bacteria. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), water begins to boil at 212 degrees Fahrenheit and must be boiled for at least one minute to kill pathogenic bacteria, protozoa, and viruses. The common household water heater is only capable of reaching a temperature of 120-140 degrees Fahrenheit. While 212 degrees is scalding and not possible to use a rag and your hands to clean with, a steam mop might be the solution. Spruce has an informative article about using steam mops. If using hot water or steam to clean your home, make sure your child is not around. Children have even more sensitive skin than adults and are prone to burning easier. Vinegar Vinegar is a natural disinfectant that is food safe and can be used as a multipurpose household cleaner. Vinegar is a solution of water and acetic acid, typically anywhere from 5-8% by volume. It scores well on the EWG list. Vinegar can clean bathrooms, microwaves, most solid surface countertops, and can unclog drains- the list goes on. A few things to avoid using vinegar on: Wood furniture Granite, marble, and soapstone counters Kitchen cutlery Clothes iron When using vinegar, it is usually best to dilute it with water. Vinegar can cause some skin irritation. Therefore, it’s best to keep the vinegar out of reach from your child. Baking Soda Baking soda is another product that not only scores well on the EWG list but is highly versatile. It can be used as a toilet bowl cleaner, deodorizer, air freshener, and drain de-clogger. You can sprinkle baking soda on your carpets to help remove any lingering pet odors. Remember mixing baking soda and vinegar in science class? These two used in tandem can help make a safe and healthy multipurpose household cleaner. Baking Soda boosts the cleaning effect of your water while helping eliminate the unpleasant smell of vinegar. Dr. Bronner’s Liquid Unscented Soap Dr. Bronner’s soap is a miracle cleaning product. It is so gentle that you can use it on your baby but can also be used around the house diluted with water to get rid of any dirt and grime around the house that you might find. It also contains plenty of skin-healthy oils, so it will leave your hands feeling clean and soft. Dr. Bronner’s is a must-have for every cleaning cupboard. Salt Not everyone thinks about this pantry staple when they think of cleaning their home. However, salt and vinegar are also known as a powerful cleaning duo. Used on its own salt is great for scouring surfaces. The granular shape of salt won’t scratch your beloved pots and pans but is great for stuck dried foods and absorbing excess grease. You can use a mixture of salt and vinegar to remove those pesky water stains from your stemware. Olive Oil Olive oil can be used to give floors an extra shine or helpful at reviving wood furnishings within the household. You will revive your dull floors while having the peace of mind that it is safe for your family. The DIY Route With anything else, make sure that you are doing your research before mixing any two substances together to make your own household cleaner. A DIY cleaner can be much safe and contain fewer chemicals than store-bought cleaners. However, if you are not interested in concocting your household cleaners, there are safe and conscious premade cleaners. Aunt Fannie’s Vinegar Wipes These wipes are powered by vinegar and plant-based cleaners. They receive a score of an A on the EWG website. The wipes are safe for surfaces that come in contact with food as well as biodegradable and compostable. These are convenient for the busy, conscious mom who’s looking for a safe alternative. Biokleen Laundry Detergent Biokleen is an Eco-friendly, non-toxic, plant-based detergent that is free of artificial colors, fragrances, and preservatives. It cleans tough stains and leaves no residue, odors, or harsh scent. Puracy All Purpose Cleaner Concentrate Puracy is an all-purpose cleaner that is safe on all household surfaces. It is non-toxic, hypoallergenic, gluten-free, vegan, and biodegradable. Because it is a concentrate, you can mix up the amount that you plan to use and causes less plastic waste. Watch for Greenwashing Greenwashing is the process of conveying a false impression or providing misleading information about how a company or its products are environmentally sound. There are many cleaning agents on the market that appear to be non-toxic, chemical-free, and safe for the environment. The best way to avoid this as a consumer is to do your research. A genuine company won’t skimp on the details and tend to back up their claims with facts and research. Keeping Your Kids Safe Whether using DIY cleaners or premade, it is important to keep all cleaning agents out of your child’s reach. These are safer options, but they are still not meant to be ingested or safe for a child to play with. Never leave your cleaning products unattended when children are present. Keep cleaners in a locked cabinet out of your child’s reach. Don’t let older children see how to unfasten the lock. When you return cleaning supplies to the cabinets ensure that nozzles are turned to “off” position, and lids are tightened. If you want some tips on getting your kids to help out cleaning, check out how to create a cleaning schedule that works for your family. Join Twin Cities Kids Club free membership. Our goal is to provide your family access to exclusive discounts and events! Stay clean, safe, and healthy!