Cleaning Your House Could Be BAD For Your Health!

19 February 2018, 12:09 | Updated: 19 February 2018, 12:12

We've found the best alternative cleaning products that won't damage your health but will still get rid of grime and stains!

You can clearly tell when something has been recently cleaned - not only does everything look tidy, but there's generally a strong smell of disinfectant or cleaning spray to confirm that someone's been working hard.

However, it is the fumes from cleaning products that experts are now claiming could be as harmful to your lungs as smoking 20 cigarettes a day.

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With these liquids strong enough to get even the most stubborn stains off a kitchen unit, it kind of makes sense that our lungs might also feel the wrath.

READ MORE: You CAN Afford Your First Home And Here's How!

A study that was published in the American Thoracic Society's American Journal Of Respiratory And Critical Care Medicine took information from over 6000 participants and tracked their health for 20 years.

The experts found that there was a correlation in the decline of lung function in women working as cleaners (or regularly using cleaning products) and those who smoked around 20 cigarettes a day over the course of 10-20 years.

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These females who were regularly exposed to cleaning chemicals were also more likely to develop asthma.

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Experts have advised to avoid anything with harsh chemicals, and stick to using hot water and a microfibre cloth, or something like a steam cleaner.

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If you feel yourself starting to wheeze and cough, maybe these natural cleaning products should find their way into your shopping basket sooner rather than later:

Distilled vinegar:
Distilled vinegar is made up from the fermentation of corn, which is then diluted to produce 5-7% acetic acid. As well as having many health benefits, it also works wonders with:

• Getting rid of mould
• Cleaning windows
• De-clogging drains
• Working as a fabric softener
• Removing rust
• Getting rid of grease
• Removing wallpaper
• Killing germs

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• Disinfecting worktops
• Decontaminating laundry
• Removing the smell from food and rubbish bins
• Killing mould and mildew
• Insect repellant
• Watching machine cleaner 

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Hydrogen Peroxide:
This is often linked to working as an antiseptic for cuts and grazes. Many also associate it with whitening your nails and helping to clear up acne. You can also use it in your home for:

• Cleaning the toilet bowl
• Disinfecting worktops and Tupperware
• Cleaning grout
• Removing soap scum
• Washing fruit and veg
• Cleaning your fridge
• Whitening laundry
• Removing the musty smell from fabrics, carpets and clothes
• Cleaning dehumidifiers

Credit: Getty