Home Cleaning: Natural Cleaners vs Chemical Cleaners

GREEN COMMUNITY TAKE-OVER
It's Festive season and two excited vookified members of the Green Community are taking over the Blog this month. Let's join in on their conversation about festive prep and all that it takes to keep a home hygienic, sparkling and clean to make you the perfect host for all your festive gatherings happiness and peace.

Hello folks! It is finally refreshing to meet you after finishing up with our cleaning sessions for the festival season this year. Hope your festival cleanup is almost done. But in case you hadn’t started already, check the blog article here for insights on how to plan the grooming routine for your home, this festive season.

So last week Madhu (my wife, aka the know-it-all when it comes to home cleaning) and I were discussing Natural cleaners vs Chemical cleaners. And how they score against each other across different parameters. And we want to tell you that it is not a straightforward ‘This or That’ choice that can be made effortlessly. Understanding the differences and benefits of each of these categories of cleaning products is a must to help you make a good decision for a safer and cleaner home.

Natural Cleaners: Putting the Green in cleaning

Often referred to as eco-friendly or green cleaners, natural cleaning products have gathered great popularity in the recent decades. These are sourced from readily available and renewable resources, such as plants, minerals, and essential oils. Given here are some compelling reasons as to why you might consider natural cleaners for your home:

Safety: The most significant advantage offered by natural cleaners is safety. They’re relatively free from harsh ingredients, such as bleach or ammonia, which could irritate the skin, eyes, and the respiratory system. Natural cleaners are mostly non-toxic and are safe to use around children and pets.

Environmental Impact: It is quite obvious that natural cleaners make an environmentally responsible choice. They are broken down easily and are less harmful to aquatic life in lakes, rivers or oceans. Also, their production generates a lesser amount of greenhouse gases and minimises pollution of the environment.

Health Benefits: Sometimes, Natural cleaners have additional health benefits beyond their main goal of cleaning. Essential oils like lavender, tea tree, and eucalyptus are known for their antibacterial and antifungal properties, contributing to a significantly hygienic and sanitised indoor environment.

Lesser Allergens: Chemical cleaners are known to leave behind residues that trigger allergies or asthma. Natural ones on the other hand, tend to be less likely to cause these issues, making your home a more comfortable place for everyone.

Chemical Cleaners: When Cleaning needs intensity

Chemicals are known for their power and speed in getting down to action. They’re formulated for specific cleaning tasks and often contain strong ingredients that can quickly tackle tough stains and grime. Give below some reasons why chemical cleaners are preferred:

Efficiency: They are highly effective at removing dirt, grease, and stains & require lesser time and effort to achieve the desired results.

Wide Availability: They are found in most grocery and convenience stores in abundance. They come in various forms, such as sprays, wipes, and concentrates, making them convenient for various cleaning needs.

Disinfecting Power: Some are formulated to kill bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens, making them essential for sanitizing surfaces during cold and flu seasons.

Long Shelf Life: Many chemical cleaners have a better longevity when compared to natural alternatives, which makes it a viable option for those who want to stack up their supplies.

Going either natural or chemical comes down to which one appeals to you the most. In fact, if you can find the middle ground, then nothing can be better than that. But I would in personal opinion, lean towards Natural cleaners simply because of the following reasons:

Going either natural or chemical comes down to which one appeals to you the most. In fact, if you can find the middle ground, then nothing can be better than that. But I would in personal opinion, lean towards Natural cleaners simply because of the following reasons:

• I use them only for residential purposes so the scale of consumption is minimal.
• I am concerned about the health of my near and dear ones so it is not worth risking them with chemical cleaners no matter what edge they give.