Dr. Lam Author of
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Household Cleaners
Michael Lam, MD, MPH
www.DrLam.com
Commercial household cleaning products are highly toxic and environmentally unfriendly. Here is a list of some common, safe, and environmentally friendly products that you can use around the house.
- Baking Soda - Able to clean, scour, deodorize and even soften water
- Borax - Also known as sodium borate, it works like baking soda and can even clean wallpaper and painted walls.
- White Vinegar - Excellent remover of grease, mildew, odors, stains and wax build up
- Citrus Solvent - good for removing oil and grease. Can clean paint brushes as well.
- Lemon - Effective against many bacteria found around the house.
- Isopropyl Alcohol - Excellent disinfectant.
- Washing Soda - Also known as SAL( sodium carbonate decahydrate) soda. Good for washing restroom tiles, sinks, and tubs. Do not use it on aluminum and use caution as it can irritate mucous membranes.
- Cornstarch - Shampoo carpets and rugs. Also used to polish furniture.
Keeping so many products can be a handful, try this all-purpose cleaner out: mix a quarter cup of baking soda with half a cup of vinegar into a half gallon of water. This mixture can be stored for a while. It is useful for bathroom cleaning such as removal of water deposit stains on and around shower stalls, windows, mirrors, and chrome fixtures.
Your home floors are often in direct contact with the soles of your feet, use these floor cleaners and polishes to keep your body safe:
wood: use a 1 to 1 ratio of vinegar and vegetable oil. Apply a thin coat on floor and rub in well.
painted wood: mix 1 teaspoon of washing soda with 1 gallon of hot water and clean.
brick and stone tiles: mix 1 cup of white vinegar with 1 gallon water and clean. proceed by rinsing with clear water.
Most of us have a can of Pledge® stored in our storage closet for furniture polishing. Next time, try this formula instead:
Varnished wood: add a couple drops of lemon oil into a half cup of warm water. Pour into a spray bottle and shake well. Spray onto cloth and wipe. Finish by wiping furniture again with a dry soft cotton cloth.
Unvarnished wood: mix 2 teaspoons of olive oil and 2 teaspoons of lemon juice and apply using wide strokes
Clean your clothes with a safer alternative: mix 1 cup of Ivory soap or Fels Naptha soap with half a cup of washing soda and half a cup of borax. Use 1 tablespoon for lighter loads and 2 tablespoons for heavier loads.
Bathroom mold is a big health concern and a very common problem. try this formula out: 1 part 3% hydrogen peroxide (3%) with two parts water in a spray bottle. Spray on affected areas and wait for 1 hour before rinsing.
For those pesky carpet stains, try this safe concoction out: Use equal parts white vinegar and water and mix in a spray bottle. Apply directly on stain and let sit for several minutes before cleaning with a brush and warm soap water. For those real tough stains, mix a quarter cup each of salt, borax and vinegar. A paste forms. Rub the paste into carpet and leave for a couple hours before vacuuming.
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About The Author
Michael Lam, M.D., M.P.H., A.B.A.A.M. is a specialist in Preventive and Anti-Aging Medicine. He received his Bachelor of Science degree from Oregon State University, and his Doctor of Medicine degree from Loma Linda University School of Medicine, California. He also holds a Masters of Public Health degree and is Board Certification in Anti-aging Medicine by the American Board of Anti-Aging Medicine. He has authored numerous articles and the following books: The Five Proven Secrets to Longevity, How to Stay Young and Live Longer, Estrogen Dominance - Hormonal Imbalance of the 21st Century, and Beating Cancer with Natural Medicine.
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