Develop healthier cleaning habits with help from Watkins!
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Just Say No to Clorox Bleach 
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The common household disinfectant cleaner 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 its production. 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, you just wasted 30 minutes for nothing!
Take into consideration the recent rise in antibiotic-resistant bacteria (believed to be linked to the over-use of bleach and other antibacterial products) and the risks are simply not worth it.
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 clean up dirt, you will be refreshed with the natural scent of Lavender, Aloe & Green Tea or Lemon. (Canadian Products Link)
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: Better yet, use a clean microfiber 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. (Canadian Link)
In the summer use Mother Nature to your advantage, good old fashioned sunlight offers the same whitening power as bleach and it's free!
Next time you take a soak in the tub, consider this - residue from your cleaning products can leach into your bath water. Eww!
Many of the cleaning agents we use to clean our homes are listed with the EPA as "household hazardous wastes." Make sure you dispose of all your cleaning products correctly. Contact your local recycling center.
BY: LYNNE MICKLEY
Posted: Monday, June 02, 2008
Household & Laundry Care
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