Household

Clean Home, Healthy Living

household
household

Have you ever taken a close look at the labels on your everyday household products? You might have noticed something alarming: Poisonous! Warning! Flammable! Plus, a string of tongue-twisting chemicals that leave you baffled.

What are they made of?

Chances are, your ordinary laundry liquid, air freshener, cleaning supplies, and hand soap all share this ominous warning. What's worse, these products often harbor a complex mix of chemicals that pose risks to both human health and the environment. In fact, a study by the UK's National Health Service (NHS) revealed that household cleaning products can be as detrimental to your health as smoking 20 cigarettes daily. That's right, as bad as smoking.

It might astonish you to learn that the workers producing these products need head-to-toe protective gear, as the chemicals are so potent. So, the same chemicals that demand careful handling during production somehow end up in our homes, in the air we breathe, on our skin, and even on the dishes we eat from.

Household chemicals contain not only toxic substances but also endocrine disruptors, carcinogens, and disruptors of the reproductive system, impacting both human and animal health. It's a puzzling scenario, isn't it?

The Afterwards is worse

But the troubling facts don't end there. Many cleaning products contain phosphates, which are used to soften water and tackle dirt. Sounds good, right? However, when these phosphates find their way into waterways, they trigger excess algae growth, depleting oxygen levels in the water. This is disastrous for ecosystems as oxygen is vital for life.

Oh my... And what can I do?

So, what's the solution? Many people turn to 'eco-friendly' products in an attempt to reduce their chemical exposure. But here's the catch: 'Eco-friendly' can sometimes refer to just one ingredient, leaving the rest a mystery.

So, what can you actually do?

The answer lies in making your own natural cleaning products, and the good news is that it's incredibly simple, quick, and budget-friendly!

At Iknyte, you'll discover a treasure trove of sustainable solutions to keep toxic chemicals at bay. We provide step-by-step guides that walk you through creating:

  • Natural cosmetics and personal care items like natural deodorant, makeup wipes made from natural aloe vera, olive oil, essential oils, and recycled fabric, and olive oil soap.

  • Cleaning products, laundry liquid, and powder using simple ingredients like vinegar, vodka, and essential oils.

  • A delightful, non-toxic air freshener.

You can also connect with the creators for additional tips and alternatives or join live workshops where creators guide you through the process, answering any questions you might have.

While making your own products is the ideal way to steer clear of chemicals, we understand that not everyone has the time (even though most DIYs take just 5 minutes) or easy access to materials. That's why we've curated a list of recommended products you can trust, so you can confidently embrace the 'eco' label.

Sounds good?

Ready to share your own homemade cleaning or household product and help others transition to a chemical-free home? We'd love for you to share it on Iknyte. Add your solution here or get in touch with us directly atat [email protected] or [email protected] Together, we're on a mission to make homes healthier and the planet happier. 🌿🏑


Disclaimer: Iknyte does not assume responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or suitability of the information provided in this blog post nor the solutions posted by users. The content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice. Always consult with experts or professionals in the respective fields for specific guidance and recommendations, specially for those with allergic syndromes. As any DIY product, please use at your own safety and discretion.Β 

This article was updated on 3 October 2023

Eller Everett

Eller Everett

Hi everyone!Β 

I am a PhD researcher focused on developing sustainable development strategies in companies using permaculture. I have been working on social impact and sustainability projects around the world for over nine years and I do sustainable development consultancy using concepts such as the circular economy and permaculture to maximise social impact, sustainability and innovation.Β 

In 2015 I was volunteering in a children’s home in Malawi and, with the aim to create long lasting impact I taught the foster mothers how to make a solar cooker. I realised that, there are so many amazing sustainable solutions around the world but many people don’t know about them or where to find them. This is why I cofounded Iknyte, to create a platform with practical sustainable solutions created by people all around the world and made accessible to everyone everywhere.Β 

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