The common household disinfectant cleaner that many of us have come to rely on can make us sick - who knew? The fact is bleach can damage eyes, skin and lungs and is registered with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as an antimicrobial pesticide. That's right, a pesticide. Not only is bleach considered a pesticide, it also releases dioxins and mercury into the environment during production of it. Yuck! Research is showing that while bleach might whiten whites, it doesn't always disinfect surface areas like countertops and fixtures. In fact, in order for bleach to disinfect these areas, it needs to sit for 30 minutes, and if the area is dirty or hasn't been cleaned in advance those 30 minutes you just wasted letting it sit are for nothing! Take into consideration the recent uprising in bacteria that are anti-biotic resistant (believed to be linked to the over use of bleach and other anti-bacterial products) and the risks are simply not worth it.
Bleach Alternatives
Disinfecting Surfaces Minimize dirt on hard surfaces with frequent mini-cleanings using a naturally derived cleaner, like Watkins Natural All-Purpose Cleaner. Not only will you limit bacteria accumulation and clean-up dirt, you will refresh your soul with the natural scent of Lavender, Aloe & Green Tea or Lemon.
Here are some other ways to limit bacteria in your home - beware of the sponge:
Clean your cleaning tools: Regularly wash your kitchen sponge in the dishwasher or zap it in the microwave for about 10 seconds and let it dry.
Drop the sponge: Use a clean micro fiber cloth to wipe down countertops and other hard surfaces - using a sponge will just redeposit the bacteria you are trying so hard to clean-up.
Keep it clean: Before and after you prepare food on a hard surface, use a good all-purpose cleaner, like Watkins Natural All-Purpose Cleaner, and a clean cloth to wipe down the area.
Laundry Remove stains, whiten whites and conserve the environment at the same time with Watkins Lemon Liquid Laundry Detergent. The three times concentrated power makes this detergent a Green alternative to many major brand detergents & bleaches and it reduces waste by using less than half the plastic of traditional 100 oz. bottles.
Pre-treat stains with Watkins Liquid Laundry Detergent.
In the summer use Mother Nature to your advantage, good old fashioned sun-light offers the same whitening power as bleach and it's free!
