Pre-Pesach: Use safe cleaning products

Pre-Pesach Tikkun Tip: Use environmentally friendly and safe cleaning products.

Shalom and welcome to a pre-Pesach edition of Tikkun Tips!

Well, it's that time of the year again when we fret about the tinniest piece of bread that may have found its way to the most inconspicuous of places in our homes. We move furniture, scrub the floors, clean out the garage and tape up the cabinets that will remain forbidden during the week of Pesach. That's right, we are entering the intense season of pre-Pesach cleaning as we look to rid ourselves, both physically and spiritually, of all impurities. Over time people have taken to understand chametz to symbolize the impurities in our lives. The exodus story is one of nation building; a story in which we left the chains of slavery to become an "am kedushim," a holy nation. So, it is fitting that on Pesach the chametz we seek to destroy represents more than just the forbidden leavened bread. This year, take the opportunity to rid your life of some of its impurities. An easy and appropriate way to do that is...

***Use environmentally friendly and safe cleaning products.***

This season of cleaning many people will unknowingly allow harmful toxins into their homes while they strive to accomplish the very opposite. Countless commonly used household cleaners contain very damaging ingredients. The following, taken from the Seventh Generation (a company that sells safe cleaning supplies) website, provides detailed information about the problems surrounding household cleaners.

These days the word "organic" has become associated with things natural and good - as in "organic foods." With chemicals, this is not always the case. Any chemical that contains the element carbon is called an "organic chemical." The amino acids and proteins that are the basis of all life on Earth are organic chemicals. So, too, are the chemicals made from the versatile petroleum hydrocarbons. However, these are synthetic organic chemicals, also called "petrochemicals," and they include some of the most valuable medical and industrial substances ever known, they also include some of the most hazardous substances ever made.

The reason some synthetic organic chemicals are so dangerous involves some serious chemistry, but it boils down to this: in nature, each natural compound (and there are millions) is balanced by an associated natural enzyme that can break it down and cause it to harmlessly decompose. However, many synthetic organic chemicals don't occur in nature and no natural enzymes exist to break them down. As a result, many petrochemicals remain in the environment for a long time. And, because some are also extremely toxic, that means they cause serious problems.

Petrochemicals are everywhere. The average household contains 63 different synthetic organic chemical products which total approximately 10 gallons of potentially hazardous petrochemicals. And even more surprising is the form which these toxic household substances take. While we may point to that old can of paint or jug of antifreeze, in reality most hazardous chemicals are found in an unlikely place - common household cleaners. Most of today's household cleaners are based on petrochemicals.

Before the "petroleum revolution," people used natural ingredients like vegetable oils and minerals to make soaps and cleaning solutions. Once scientists learned how to manipulate hydrocarbon molecules, they realized they could create cheaper chemicals from crude oil that would do the same job with less manufacturing effort. Within a generation of this discovery, plant-based cleaners were replaced by mass produced petrochemical products.

If you're using common household cleaners, you're likely to encounter the following chemicals (among many others), and the following effects, while cleaning:

* Chlorinated phenols found in toilet bowl cleaners are toxic to respiratory and circulatory systems.

* Diethylene glycol found in window cleaners depresses the nervous system.

* Phenols found in disinfectants are toxic to respiratory and circulatory systems.

* Nonyl phenol ethoxylate, a common surfactant (or detergent) found in laundry detergents and all purpose cleaners, is banned in Europe, and biodegrades slowly into even more toxic compounds.

* Formaldehyde found in spray and wick deodorizers is a respiratory irritant and suspected carcinogen.

* Petroleum solvents in floor cleaners damage mucous membranes.

* Perchloroethylene, a spot remover, causes liver and kidney damage.

* Butyl cellosolve, common in all-purpose, window and other types of cleaners damages bone marrow, the nervous system, kidneys and the liver.

However, there are several alternatives to these toxic cleaners. First, there are several companies, like Seventh Generation, that produce safe and environmentally sound cleaning supplies. Look for them in your local health food stores. Alternatively, you can make your own cleaning agents that are mild yet effective. A couple of months ago I send out a Tikkun Tip urging people to eliminate Household Hazardous Waste. In that message was the recipes for several homemade cleaners. Here are some of those recipes reprinted for your convenience...

* All-Purpose Cleaner: In one quart of warm water, mix one teaspoon of liquid soap, boric acid (borax), lemon juice and/or vinegar. If you need a stronger solution, use less water.

* Glass Cleaner: Mix one tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice in one quart of water. Spray on and use newspaper to wipe dry.

* Drain Cleaner: Pour boiling water down drain once a week. Use a plunger or snake.

* Oven Cleaner: Clean spills as soon as the oven cools using steel wool and baking soda; for tough stains, add salt. DO NOT use this method in self-cleaning or continuous-clean ovens.

* Toilet Cleaners: Use a toilet brush and baking soda or vinegar.

* Furniture Polish: Wipe with a mixture made from one teaspoon of lemon oil in one pint of mineral or vegetable oil.

* Rug Deodorizer: Deodorize dry carpets by sprinkling liberally with baking soda. Wait at least 15 minutes and vacuum. Repeat if necessary.

I hope that these suggestions will help us all have truly clean homes this year and a happy, healthy, peaceful and kosher Pesach!

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