In today’s economy, saving a few bucks can go a long way! Keeping a clean and tidy house is not only pleasing when you have company over, but it can potentially improve the overall health for you and your family. Especially if you have tile floors, they can easily become dingy and dirty. But, it’s not always necessary to purchase store-bought cleaning products. Many of these cleaners you purchase at your local grocery contain harsh chemicals, and pollutants that are not always safe for the entire family. The American Association of Poison Control Centers (AAPC) has found that many exposures to household cleaning products were serious enough to require treatment in a healthcare facility. Children, adults, and your pets are all at risk.  Majority of all “green” products are environmentally safe and non- toxic, but they typically are a little bit pricier than regular cleaners.

Ammonia is among one of the most common components found in household cleaners.  It’s also a very versatile chemical that is widely used for different industries. Ammonia exposure can lead to serious health concerns. It causes irritation and burning to the eyes, nose, and throat. If an individual has prolonged exposure to ammonia, it can result in chemical burns on the skin, lungs, and permanent scarring of the cornea. Ingestion of high traces of Ammonia can corrode the stomach, mouth, and throat. Also, you never ever want to mix Ammonia with Bleach, since this produces a deadly Chlorine Gas. Chlorine Gas was used as a chemical warfare agent in World War I & II. Poison Gas was first used by the Germans at the Second Battle of Ypres in April 1915.

Another harmful, yet common chemical found in many cleaners is Bleach. Bleach is a highly strong corrosive material. From just inhalation alone, it can cause irritation to the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract. When household Bleach is ingested orally, it can cause a coma, vomiting, or pulmonary edema. A fairly common household accident that occurs is when someone adds toilet bowl cleaner, and sub sequentially, another person will unconsciously add Bleach. In this instance, the creation of the poisonous fumes can potentially be fatal.

Creating a safe homemade tile cleaner is effortless, and only uses 3 common household items! All you need is 1 gallon of hot water, ½ a cup of vinegar, and a few drops of lemon juice (scent). Vinegar acts like a naturally disinfectant cleaner, and is amazingly cheap. But, do not use straight vinegar to clean your tiles because the tough acids will eat the tile grout.  Also, lemon juice can dissolve sticky residues that are caked onto tile floors. To use, simply mop over the dirty tile areas for a clean surface. If you’re concerned about the vinegar aroma, there is no need to worry. Once the tile floors dry, the scent will vanish. Only use this homemade cleaner on tile floors, and never on marble. By creating an easy homemade cleaner, you know exactly what ingredients you are using.