A Complete Guide to Pregnancy Safe Cleaning Products

Toxins lurk everywhere in cleaning products. Not only that, but some "natural" labeled cleaners are just as toxic (if not worse!) than many commercialized products. No matter if you're trying to conceive, are pregnant, or already have a baby or child at home, it’s always a good time to eliminate toxins from your home and replace them with safe cleaning products.

The evidence is clear: toxins in cleaning products are linked to fertility problems, birth defects, increased risk of breast cancer, asthma, and respiratory disorders, as well as hormone disruptions that may lead to morning sickness. But, what about cold and flu season? Shouldn't we disinfect thoroughly, especially during pregnancy or with a newborn at home? Of course, but remember this:

The truth is manufacturers have capitalized on media-driven consumer fears by producing stronger, more toxic, products to falsely ease our concerns. What they haven't told you is that the overuse of antimicrobials contributes to the growing problem of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, which leaves the public with fewer and fewer tools in the fight against infectious diseases and has an adverse impact on our immune system.

Reduce your family's risks during cold and flu season by cleaning often with safe and effective natural cleaners & frequent hand washing.

It doesn't have to be expensive or complicated. Actually, much simpler than you may think! Most people have all the items already in their house to make their own quick, effective and safe cleaning products.

Safe Cleaning Product Guide

In this guide, we will be replacing common cleaning supplies with effective, natural cleaners. There are many great safe household cleaners on the market that can be ordered online, but this guide was designed with what's readily available in local stores found all over East Tennessee in mind. To quickly check the toxicity rating of cleaning products, visit www. EWG.org. And, to check out the toxicity levels of beauty products and food while in stores, download the EWG app!

Related Post: Surviving Morning Sickness

1. All-Purpose Spray Cleaner

1. Seventh Generation Lemongrass Citrus Disinfecting Multi-Surface Cleaner

2. Whole Foods Market Surface Cleaning Wipes - Minty Fresh

3. Lysol Power and Free Multi-Purpose Citrus Sparkle Cleaner Spray, Bleach Free

DIY Recipe

• 32 oz. Glass Spray Bottle

• 2 Cups of Distilled Water

• 2 Cups of White Distilled Vinegar

• 20-30 Drops of Essential Oils (Lemon is my favorite!)

Mix all ingredients together in a glass bottle and store in a dark, cool place.

2. Hard Surface Scrubs

1. Baking Soda

2. Bon Ami Unscented Household Cleaner

3. Mrs. Meyer\'s Clean Day Surface Scrub Lavender

3. Floor Care

1. Simple Green Naturals Floor Care

2. Babyganics Floor Cleaner Concentrate

3. biokleen

Carpet & Rug Shampoo DIY Recipe

• 1 Upcycled Glass Jar with a Lid, Cleaned & Dried

• 1 Cup of Baking Soda

• 10 Drops of Your Favorite Essential Oil (Mine is lavender for this!)

Add baking soda to the jar and essential oil. Gently swirl to mix and store with the lid on tightly. Sprinkle onto the carpet as a deodorizer and let sit for 10 minutes, then vacuum as normal.

4. Toilet Bowl Cleaner

1. Seventh Generation Toilet Bowl Natural Cleaner, Emerald Cypress

2. 365 (Whole Foods) Everyday Value Toilet Bowl Cleaner, Lemon Zest Need link

3. Mrs. Meyer\'s Clean Day Lemon Verbena Toilet Bowl Cleaner

DIY Recipe

• 1/2 Cup of Baking Soda

• 2 Cups of Vinegar

Sprinkle baking soda into a flushed toilet and pour vinegar over it. Let soak for 20 minutes, then scrub with a toilet brush.

5. Drain Opener

1. Biokleen Bac-Out Drain Care Gel

2. Earth Friendly Products ECOS Earth Enzymes Drain Maintainer

DIY Recipe

• 1/2 Cup of Baking Soda

• 1/2 Cup of Vinegar

Pour baking soda on top of the drain, then follow with vinegar. Let sit for 20 minutes before running hot water down the drain for a few minutes.

6. Glass Cleaner

1. Biokleen

2. Whole Foods Market glass cleaner, unscented

3. method Glass + Surface Cleaner, Mint

DIY Recipe

• 1 - 16 oz. Spray Bottle

• 1/2 Cup of White Distilled Vinegar

• 2 Cups of Water

• 1 TBSP of Cornstarch (Trust me here)

Mix all the ingredients into the spray bottle and gently shake to mix. Use on windows, mirrors, and stainless-steel appliances.

7. Laundry

1. Seventh Generation Natural Laundry Detergent Powder, Free & Clear

2. Fit Organic Laundry Detergent, Free and Clear

3. Seventh Generation Free Clear Laundry Packs

4. Better Homes & Gardens Two pack Wool Dryer Balls

DIY Recipe

• 1 Half Gallon Glass Jar with Lid

• 1 Bar of Your Favorite Dr. Bronner Bar Soap, Grated

• 1 Cup of Baking Soda

• 1 Cup of Washing Soda

Mix together and store in an airtight glass container. Use 2 TBSP per load of laundry.

8. Dish Soap & Detergent

1. Ecos Dish Liquid, Free and Clear

2. Seventh Generation Dishwasher Detergent Packs, Free & Clear

3. Kirkland Signature Dishwasher Pacs, Lemon Scent

DIY Recipe

• 2-3 drops of dish liquid in dishwasher detergent cup

• Fill 2/3 of the way with baking soda

• Add salt until the cup is nearly full

Run dishwasher as normal.

9. Cleaning for Baby

1. BabyGanics - All Purpose Surface Wipes Fragrance-Free

2. Dapple Baby Stain Remover, Fragrance-Free

3. Molly's Suds Cloth Diaper Laundry Powder

It's time to clean out the endless toxic cleaners under the kitchen sink or tucked away in the cleaning closet. We are all just doing the best we can for our families, and cleaning shouldn't be any different. Natural products are just as effective at cleaning and are easy to find, and DIY recipes make them extremely economical. You and your family deserve this change

Namastè Friends