People used to clean their homes with eco-friendly products before WW2. These products were mild yet effective for cleaning every surface and did not leave any negative impact. After WW2, there was a sudden increase in synthetic chemical-based cleaning solutions that were not properly tested. These products rigorously rip away the dirt from surfaces, leaving every surface clean but causing a lot of health issues.

The dangerous chemicals Trichloroethylene (TCE) and perchloroethylene (PCE) were banned by the Environmental Protection Agency for causing serious illnesses, such as cancer, respiratory problems, and long-term damage to vital organs.

So, what chemical-free cleaning products should you use for a safer and healthier cleaning environment?

Let's discover chemical free cleaning alternatives or green cleaning recipes that will keep your homes safe and toxin-free.

What are Perchloroethylene and Trichloroethylene?

Trichloroethylene, known as ethylene trichloride, trichloroethene, or trichlor, is a colorless, nonflammable liquid used as a cleaning agent in a wide range of industries. On the other hand, perchloroethylene, also called tetrachloroethene or perc, is a commonly used solvent for cleaning and degreasing operations. Both TCE and PCE are regarded as carcinogens, according to various studies conducted by the EPA. 

Health Risks Associated with TCE and PCE

Prolonged exposure to TCE and PCE  is linked to various health problems. It can lead to:

  • Kidney cancer
  • Non-Hodgkin lymphoma
  • Cardiac defects
  • Bladder cancer
  • Leukemias
  • Non-Hodgkin lymphoma
  • Liver cancer
  • Eye defects
  • Low birth weight
  • Fetal death
  • Major malformations

Hygiene Quality of Surfaces

 

Surface Cleaning Type RLU(Relative Light Units)
Sterile Surfaces and Food Preparation Areas Ultra Clean 0-10
High-Risk Touch Points Very Clean 11-30
Floor Standards and Typical Microfiber Efficiency Good Clean 31-80
Surfaces require cleaning and are at risk of contamination by disease-causing bacteria Somewhat Dirty 81-200
Surfaces need cleaning and have a moderate risk of contamination by disease-causing bacteria Dirty 201-500
Surfaces need cleaning and are at moderate to high risk of contamination by disease-causing bacteria Very Dirty 501-1000

What Chemical-Free Alternative Can You Choose Over TCE and PCE?

Cleaners and degreasers that include harsh chemicals like Trichloroethylene (TCE) and Perchloroethylene (PCE) are prohibited by the Environmental Protection Agency. While the benefits of green cleaning products make them a safer option, chemical-free cleaning offers even more advantages and promotes a healthier environment. Fortunately, there are plenty of chemical-free alternatives available that are safe and have great cleaning capabilities.

Here are some of the top chemical free cleaning solutions to keep your home sparkling:

Activated Water

Activated water is electrochemically treated to transform regular tap water into a disinfectant by passing it through an electrical current. This process creates a highly effective cleaner that breaks down dirt, grime, and bacteria without any harmful residues. 

  • Spray activated water on countertops, tables, shelves, glass, mirrors, tiles, laminates, hardwood floors, stoves, fridges, and cabinets. 
  • Let the solution sit for a few seconds on the surface. 
  • Use a microfiber cloth to wipe down the surface for better outcomes. It won’t leave any residue or streaks, absorb moisture, and lift dirt effectively.

Note: Activated water may not work well on heavy grease, rust, mold, mildew, or hard water stains and cleaning electronics or screens, as moisture can cause damage. 

Deionized Water

Deionized water is the purest type because reverse osmosis and filtering eliminate all positive and negative ions. It has outstanding cleaning effects and removes dirt, germs, and microbes swiftly. It is safe for the environment, families, and pets. 

  • Use deionized water with a microfiber cloth for different cleaning purposes in your house. 
  • Lightly spray deionized water onto surfaces, such as sinks, countertops, shower walls, toilet seats, electronic equipment, cabinets, drawers, and high-touch areas. 
  • Let it sit for a moment to loosen the sticky residue. 
  • Wipe down the surface using a microfiber cloth to trap and lift particles effectively.

Note: Deionized water should not be used on delicate surfaces like wood, leather, or rusted areas, as it can cause damage and worsen corrosion.

Liquid Ozone‍

A naturally occurring element in the atmosphere, ozone is one of the best disinfectants. Ozone is released from the chemical-free solution into a water-based solution. 

  • Spray liquid ozone over surfaces to disinfect and break down pollutants on countertops, tables, shelves, mirrors, windows, sinks, showers, tiles, furniture, and other places.
  • Lightly wipe the surface with a microfiber cloth. 
  • Let the liquid ozone dwell for 10-15 minutes for persistent spots.
  • Wipe the surface so that the grime breaks down and neutralizes unpleasant odors.

Note: Liquid ozone should not be used on delicate fabrics and sensitive surfaces.

Steam Vapor‍

Steam cleaning involves heating water to high temperatures in the steam mop to produce steam vapor. 

  • Start by steaming your floors, kitchen surfaces, bathroom surfaces, windows, glasses, upholstery, and fabrics in small sections. 
  • Let the steam vapor dissolve the dirt, filth, oil, and germs as you slowly move the mop over the surface. 
  • Use a dry microfiber cloth to wipe away any extra moisture for optimal results.

Note: Steam vapor should not be used on sensitive electronics, unsealed wooden surfaces, or delicate fabrics, as excessive moisture can cause damage. Always test a small area before use.‍

Microfiber Cloths

‍The small, thick fibers of microfiber towels efficiently capture dust, grime, and germs. Microfiber cloths can reduce bacteria by up to 99%, according to several studies. Floors, counters, and other high-touch surfaces may be cleaned with the microfiber cloth without leaving any chemical residue behind.  

Note: Do not use microfiber cloths on rough or abrasive surfaces, as they will damage fibers and reduce effectiveness. 

Air Purifying Plants‍

Some indoor plants have air-purifying qualities, including Ferns, Peace Lilies, English Ivy, Mums, Philodendrons, Chinese Evergreens, Leopard Lilies, Ficus, Mauna Goa, Pothos, Spider Plants, Chrysanthemums, Bamboo Palms, and Gerbera. These plants absorb formaldehyde, benzene, and carbon monoxide from the indoor environment and maintain air quality in your home.

Note: Do not overwater air-purifying plants, as it can lead to mold growth.

UV-C Light‍

UltraViolet-C (UV-C) light is a powerful disinfectant to kill bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens. It sterilizes surfaces without the use of chemicals and makes them germ and bacteria-free. 

  • Use a UV-C handheld wand or UV-C light sterilizer.
  • Move it over the kitchen surfaces, bathroom surfaces, HVAC systems, phones, laptops, and tablets for the recommended exposure time mentioned in the manual. 
  • The UV-C light eliminates bacteria and reduces germs from spreading over surfaces without the need to use severe chemicals for cleaning.

Note: Do not expose UV-C light directly to skin or eyes, as it can cause serious harm, including eye damage.

HEPA Filter Vacuum Cleaners and Air Purifiers

HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) certified vacuum or air purifier traps harmful airborne particles to reduce the buildup of dust and particulate inside your home. This leaves a cleaner and healthier environment for people with allergies.

Note: Do not use HEPA vacuum cleaners to clean big areas, surfaces, or water. They don't work well if they're old or clogged.

Conclusion

Trichloroethylene and perchloroethylene were both utilized as efficient cleaners in the past. However, their negative effects on the environment and human health led the Environmental Protection Agency to prohibit its use in cleaning products. As an alternative, you should look for the best non toxic cleaning products and green cleaning services that are safer for the environment and humans. Green cleaning solutions utilize safer, greener chemicals like baking soda, vinegar, and more to detach dirt from surfaces. Chemical-free cleanings use physical processes like DI water, steam vapor, liquid ozone, and more to remove dirt from the surface without relying on even greener chemicals. Utilize chemical-free cleaning solutions as they do not cause any harm to the environment or your health.

If you need cleaning services and have time constraints, think about choosing companies like Fresh Tech Maid that utilize eco-friendly and chemical-free cleaning solutions.