Switching things up and doing a series this month regarding “A Few of My Favorite Things” when it comes to health & wellness.
First up, coming off the heels of Earth Day, my current favorite low-chemical cleaning staple items.
We’ll even kick off this article with getting straight to the point on how this relates to wellness and why it matters.
Why It Matters
Liver Burden
As I wrote about in my Earth Day inspired article we’re discovering more and more that the toxic chemicals we’ve been using are overburdening our liver. Our liver can’t keep up with all of the chemical exposure in our lives these days and as a result the toxic chemicals can accumulate and manifest in disease. Limiting our chemical exposure is one way we can give our liver a hand and reduce the toxic load it has to work through.
Microbiome
Another hot topic in health & wellness lately is the microbiome. I have always been a germaphobe, hypochondriac, and can be very particular about sanitization and cleaning. Because of this, I was always overly sanitizing things and using harsh chemicals to do so. Never realizing that this can be as problematic as being unsanitary.
The TL;DR of how we’ve begun to discover that our over-sanitization was actually problematic is as follows: our microbiome is made up of “good bacteria” and in our attempts to eliminate “bad bacteria” our overly sanitized lives were reducing the “good bacteria” we need to properly and healthily function. This isn’t to say that we need to start being unsanitary. There’s a way to stay clean and keep our “good bacteria” at the levels we need them to be while still being sanitary. For example, scientists who study microbiome are encouraging us to be literally playing in the dirt, but they’re not saying don’t wash your hands before you eat. It’s a little bit of a balancing act and a mindshift from our modern society, but the more educated we become on the topic the better we can move forward in knowledge.
I don’t think I’ll ever stop my obsession with sanitization, however in learning more about biodegradable cleaners and how soap washes away germs I am more keen and on board with getting away from harsh chemical cleaners.
Anecdotally…
Anecdotally, I’d like to note that since switching to lower chemical cleaning alternatives I’m surprised at the difference it’s made in my life. I still use disinfecting products from time to time with heavier duty cleans that are difficult to clean with soap and water and require some heavier duty disinfection. However, I’ve noticed that now my body can just “tell” when the chemicals are too high.
It’s kind of like that headache you get walking by Bath & Body Works. No hate to Bath & Body Works, I used to be a big Bath & Body Works girlie. Unfortunately now, I understand that headache when you walk by from that aversion you have to heavy fragrances after being fragrance free or switching to “clean”, low chemical fragrances.
Before I digress further, the point is, cleaning with lower chemical products has actually turned out to be even more enjoyable because the results are just as good and my body isn’t so averted to the heavy fragrances and toxic chemicals.
Another bonus in of itself: these low chemical cleaners are typically very concentrated so we can be just as clean & use less! As someone who is a clean freak and germaphobe, I’m surprised at how effective these non-harsh cleaners are and the results are just as good. If not better. It still requires a mindshift on my end using less product for the same amount of cleaning power. But who doesn’t love a “less is more" moment?
My Favorite Products
Okay, now onto the stars of the show that make my Sunday morning cleaning routine an absolute thrill and something I genuinely enjoy and look forward to. (It’s wild the things that begin to excite us as we get older, isn’t it?)
Dr. Bronner’s Sal’s Suds
I’m probably the biggest spokes girl without a sponsorship deal from Dr. Bronner’s because discovering this product has rocked my world and I will not stop telling everyone and anyone who will (and won’t) listen how obsessed I am with this product. It blows my away with its efficacy and multi-use capabilities. It’s now my favorite laundry detergent, stain remover, & all purpose cleaner.
Zero Plastic Dishwasher Detergent Powder - Fragrance Free
I’ve been very impressed with Seventh Generation’s cleaning products. Finding effective low chemical “clean” dishwashing detergents took some trial and error. Maybe there’s some variation between dishwashers, but I’m continually shocked at the efficacy of this powder. Huge bonus is that it comes in a tin and no scoop so you’re reducing plastic even further by being able to recycle the tin and using one of your spoons you can just throw it into the dishwasher load you’re about to do anyways. I get mine from Thrive Market, but I’ve seen these at Target too!
Bon Ami
This allstar just entered my life and I am IMPRESSED. Like, genuinely shocked, thrilled, and blown away by the efficacy of this product and the stellarly low price point. I used to use Comet (similar to the Bar Keeper’s Friend) and the bleach in that was just so overpowering and you could just tell the side effects lingered. But then I discovered Bon Ami which is just as, if not more, effective and odorless! I used it on Sunday in my shower because my typical shower cleaner spray wasn’t cutting it to get the dirt stains up. I sprinkled this superstar on, gave it a little scrub, and my bathtub literally looks brand spanking new. Next I’ll use it on my stainless steel sink and I’m sure it’ll be sparkly and shiny as it was with Comet, without the headache from the high bleach fumes.
Thrive Market’s Rosey Cleaner Concentrates
So these have really impressed me. First of all the bundle with the spray bottle is a delight, but also these last a decent amount of time and most importantly are impressive effective. I wasn’t expecting to be shocked at their efficacy, but I ended up coming back to these cleaning concentrates after exploring some other “clean” cleaning products. My favorites are the shower cleaner (although the fumes can be a little strong for my preference) and the odorless mirror/window cleaner. I bought these when I first signed up for Thrive Market and I have zero regrets and zero plans to stray away for the foreseeable future. If you want an extra discount when you sign up you can use my link!
Vinegar & Baking Soda
Last, but certainly not least: vinegar & baking soda. When I first started getting into getting away from harsh chemicals and balling on a budget, my research led me to the myriad of ways these powerhouses can be used. I mean, our grandmothers used these two for everything and they turned out wonderful! In my last newsletter (sign up here if you aren’t already getting my newsletters!) I included this Martha Stewart ’s article and have also shared this Better Homes & Gardens article for some ideas. But actually putting these into practice, I’m stunned by the efficacy, love the accessibility because vinegar and baking soda are available in so many stores & kind to my wallet.
Not Sponsored & Not Trying to Greenwash, But These Are Game Changers
I’m not sponsored or affiliated (yet 🤞…a girl can dream, right?) by any of these products or companies, but I share this because learning about this has really changed the game for me. I am not exaggerating when I say I can tell it’s already improved my health & wellness. And since I’m balling on a budget, my wallet has loved the efficacy & cost-effectiveness of these switches.
I know Greenwashing can be toxic in itself, but I do think it’s important to pass on what I’ve my knowledge around how these better for me, better for the environment choices have genuinely improved my health & wellness. My first & foremost priority here is to be an advocate for wellness!