Safe ways to clean the nursery
Toxic Chemicals: Always remember that the toxic effects of chemicals hit a baby or young child harder than they do adults because they are so small. Keeping a baby safe from the effects of toxic cleaners yet their room clean requires a bit of diligence and know how.
Disinfect:Never disinfect baby furniture or other items with bleach or standard disinfectants. Disinfectants other than food grade distilled white vinegar and hydrogen peroxide are laden with toxic chemicals that cause far more serious ailments than the germs they supposedly kill.
Make sure the vinegar you use is food grade distilled white vinegar otherwise it is made from petroleum. Vinegar has been proven to kill more germs than bleach. Mix 1 part vinegar per 5 parts water to clean baby furniture and surfaces in the nursery. If anyone in your family has a cold or flu wipe these surface with hydrogen peroxide to kill any lingering germs. Don't even think of outsmarting my system and mix the vinegar and peroxide together. The two mixed together neutralize the germ killing ability of the other.
Mix one part vinegar per 4 parts water adding a bit of baking soda to clean and disinfect diaper pails and changing tables.
Always date your peroxide when you purchase it. Any peroxide more than six months old has deteriorated past its prime. Use old peroxide to remove spit up off baby's clothes or instead of bleach in your washer.
Essential Oil: When cleaning baby's room with the vinegar solution add a drop of Pine or Rosemary essential oil. They are excellent cleaners as well as deodorizers, disinfectants and antiseptics. When you purchase essential oils buy only organic, Therapeutic, cold-pressed oils. Make certain they don't contain filler oils and store the remaining bottle in the refrigerator in a closed container. For more information on essential oils and cleaning tips, grab a copy of my book "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Green Cleaning"
This article may only be reprinted giving full credit to Mary Findley and her website at www.goclean.com. Copyright @2009 All rights reserved worldwide.