For many people, the harsh smell of chemicals found in many commercial cleaning products can be off-putting. For Devin Burns, the chemicals from which those smells emanate made her physically ill. Because of that, she switched to using natural cleaning products at home, and hopes to see the same switch at Goodwill of the Finger Lakes.
“We’re exposed to a lot of chemicals every day, and I want to lower my family’s exposure,” says Burns, a guest-relations assistant at Goodwill. “I just slowly started switching out products around the house as I found replacements.”
More than six years ago, Burns began her quest to switch cleaning products in her home to those made from natural products. She says castile soap replaced standard hand soap; vinegar and hydrogen peroxide replaced bleach and tile cleaners in the shower; and denture cleanser tablets replaced bleach tabs in the toilet.
“Vinegar and baking soda are a power duo,” she says. “When I need to clean the microwave, I just zap a cup of vinegar in it for a few minutes and whatever horrible crust has built up just wipes away. Burnt-on food on our gas stovetop are easily cleaned by sprinkling baking soda and spraying with vinegar so it fizzes.”
Since making the switch to natural products, the headaches she experienced from the commercial-product fumes have diminished. Additionally, Burns says she’s pleased with how effectively the natural products clean.
When Burns decided to go green at home, she started slowly by replacing a few products at a time. The birth of her son, Felix, in 2014 sped up the process. While the odor of the chemical cleanerswas bothersome, Burns was concerned for the safety of Felix, 2, and her 6-month-old daughter, Hazel.
“My children are a big inspiration for continuing to switch over,” she says. “Having chemicals around are a huge safety concern. If they get into our cleaning products, I’d rather they drink vinegar than (Formula) 409.”
But there is a cost concern when it comes to using natural products, Burns says. Commercially available, pre-made natural cleaning products are almost always more expensive, she says, which is why she prefers making her own products. They work just as well, and are safer for her family and easier on her wallet.
“I try to make as much on my own as a can, partially so I can control the ingredients, but also to reduce the cost,” Burns says. “I also try to use the same product for multiple applications, so I can buy in bulk.”
For people looking to make the switch to natural cleaning products — candidates might include members of the the new Goodwill of the Finger Lakes Green Team — Burns said it’s important to conduct some research ahead of time before buying or making natural products. Don’t take the label of “organic” or “natural” for granted. It’s important to read the ingredients of each product before buying, Burns said.
“Read the ingredients and make sure you’re okay with what is listed. Some companies are trying to jump on the green product train and are marketing items as ‘made with natural ingredients’ or ‘plant-based formula,’ but they’re still mixing in chemicals too,” Burns said. “Make small changes and ones that will work for you and your family. Just because something works for me, doesn’t mean it will work for you.”
In addition to the natural cleansers, Burns added that she also uses washable flannel cloths for regular cleaning tasks and a stainless-steel chainmail scrubber for tough dishes, ceramics and glassware.
