What detergents are safe to use in the kitchen?

The choice of detergents for the kitchen should be approached carefully and consciously. Especially when it comes to the tool that comes in contact with the dishes. Scientists have found that every year a person eats up to 0.5 kg of household chemicals. It is important that the gel or powder cope well with its intended purpose, and also be safe for health. This is especially necessary if a small child is in the house.

Before the advent of modern specialized tools, more primitive methods were practiced among the people. For washing dishes, nettle, mustard, and even sand were used. With the advent of the first representatives of modern household chemicals, housewives massively switched to their use, not tire of praising thick foam and a pleasant aroma.

However, over time, changes occurred in the minds of housewives. Many have thought: are chemical components harmful? How to make cleaning safer? Despite the variety of household products intended for use in the kitchen, some women are switching to “grandmother's” cleaning methods. Knowing everything about modern household chemicals, doing this is not at all necessary.

A variety of detergents for the kitchen

If we talk about household chemicals for the kitchen, the first thing that comes to mind is a dishwashing detergent. However, this is not the only representative of household chemicals that helps to facilitate cleaning in the kitchen. Besides him, this category includes:

• gel for washing plates;
• liquid or gel for mopping;
• aggressive means of scale and rust;
• spray for microwave or oven.

All types of household chemicals are characterized by a degree of aggressiveness. The most “harsh” are powders and gels for removing rust from kitchen plumbing. In second place are powders for removing plaque and carbon deposits that remain inside microwave ovens or ovens. Scale powders close the top three aggressive products, which help restore pots and the kettle to their original shine.

Release form

Depending on the purpose, each product has a specific form of release.

1. Powder. In the kitchen, powders are used to clean the surfaces of sinks, tables, tiles or utensils. This is one of the most popular forms of household cleaning products. It is strictly forbidden to use powders for washing the glossy surface of a gas or electric stove. Abrasive particles can leave very noticeable scratches. Also, "grains of sand" get stuck in cracks on the dishes, and then enter the body with food.
2. Gel. The second most popular form of release. In the form of a gel, a dishwashing detergent, gas stove, tile, plumbing and other surfaces is produced. There are two types of gel: with abrasive and without abrasive. The first type is not suitable for removing contaminants from shiny surfaces such as taps and gas stoves. Abrasive particles may leave small scratches that will damage the coating.
3. Spray. In the form of sprays, rust and old fat products are available. The first type is applied to plumbing elements, after which it is washed off with cold water. Rust disappears literally before our eyes. The second type is designed to remove splashes of fat from the inner surfaces of the oven or microwave oven.
   

   Tip

   It is strictly forbidden to use aggressive products without rubber gloves.

4. Liquids. By "liquid" is meant a product whose consistency is not thicker than water. For cleaning in the kitchen, they are used only for mopping (tile or laminate). As a rule, they are available in the form of concentrates.They are used in diluted form (1 cap of concentrate per 5 l of water).

Composition

The greatest concern is the composition of all the funds on the household chemicals market. Manufacturers strongly recommend wearing gloves and avoiding skin contact. What are kitchen cleaners made of and how safe is their use?

The composition of almost any household chemicals includes components that contribute to:

• fat corrosion (surfactant, betaine, alkali, mineral salt, sodium laureth sulfate, citric acid, etc.);
• skin care (aloe extract, glycerin, pH regulator, etc.);
• maintaining a viscous consistency (thickeners, DEA cocamide, sodium chloride);
• the destruction of fungi and bacteria (formic aldehyde and other antibacterial substances);
• giving a pleasant aroma (flavorings, fragrances, natural plant extracts, perfumes);
• colorization (natural or chemical dyes);
• foaming (sodium laureth sulfate and stabilizers);
• long-term storage (preservatives).

The composition of an average chemical detergent is described here. Unfortunately, the list of natural ingredients is very stingy, which makes you think about the safety of the product. However, environmental remedies have come to replace that can boast of the absence of surfactants and phosphates in the composition and a richer arsenal of natural components. Amway and many other manufacturers can offer such tools.

Green cleaning

If you are seriously concerned about your health and the environment, you should switch to harmless ways to keep your home clean. This can be done by acquiring environmental cleaners or by completely abandoning store-bought goods. Everything you need for cleaning can be found at home.

You can use baking soda to remove a layer of old fat in the oven. Spray water on the walls and ceiling of the oven, sprinkle wet surfaces with soda and spray a little water again. In this condition, the oven should stand for the night. The next morning, all dirt will be removed with a normal rag.

You can get rid of scale with citric acid, lemon juice or vinegar. Acid perfectly copes with the corrosion of fat, soot, plaque and other contaminants. Can be used for stainless steel utensils. Soda works well with scum. It is enough to boil a soda solution in the affected kettle for about half an hour.

Homemade Dishwashing Detergent Recipe

To be sure of the safety of the funds and not spend large amounts on its purchase, it is better to approach the issue more seriously and prepare a home-made product. For this you will need:

• bar of baby soap;
• water;
• mustard;
• Castor oil;
• coffee grounds.

Grate the soap and add a little water to the chips. Place the container in a water bath and melt the soap to the consistency of honey, gradually adding some water. The resulting foam must be removed. Then add one tablespoon of mustard and castor oil and 2 tablespoons of coffee grounds. For flavor, you can add a few drops of your favorite citrus oil, and for antibacterial properties - 1 tbsp. alcohol solution of calendula.

Any conscious housewife should be careful about the state of their own kitchen. However, maintaining sterile cleanliness should not endanger your family and the environment.