BLEACH…Yuck!

The common household disinfectant cleaner that many of us
have come to rely on can make us sick - who knew? The
fact is bleach can damage eyes, skin and lungs and is registered
with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as
an antimicrobial pesticide. That’s right, a pesticide. Not
only is bleach considered a pesticide, it also releases dioxins
and mercury into the environment during production of it.

Yuck! Research is showing that while bleach might whiten
whites, it doesn’t always disinfect surface areas like countertops
and fixtures. In fact, in order for bleach to disinfect
these areas, it needs to sit for 30 minutes, and if the area is
dirty or hasn’t been cleaned in advance those 30 minutes
you just wasted letting it sit are for nothing! Take into consideration
the recent uprising in bacteria that are anti-biotic
resistant (believed to be linked to the over use of bleach and
other anti-bacterial products) and the risks are simply not
worth it.

Bleach Alternatives

Disinfecting Surfaces
Minimize dirt on hard surfaces with frequent mini-cleanings
using a naturally derived cleaner, like Watkins Natural All-
Purpose Cleaner. Not only will you limit bacteria accumulation
and clean-up dirt, you will refresh your soul with the
natural scent of Lavender, Aloe & Green Tea or Lemon.
Here are some other ways to limit bacteria in your home -
beware of the sponge:
• Clean your cleaning tools: Regularly wash your kitchen
sponge in the dishwasher or zap it in the microwave for
about 10 seconds and let it dry.
• Drop the sponge: Use a clean micro fiber cloth to wipe
down countertops and other hard surfaces - using a
sponge will just redeposit the bacteria you are trying so
hard to clean-up.
• Keep it clean: Before and after you prepare food on a
hard surface, use a good all-purpose cleaner, like Watkins
Natural All-Purpose Cleaner, and a clean cloth to
wipe down the area.

Laundry
Remove stains, whiten whites and conserve the environment
at the same time with Watkins Lemon Liquid Laundry Detergent.
The three times concentrated power makes this detergent
a Green alternative to many major brand detergents
& bleaches and it reduces waste by using less than half the
plastic of traditional 100 oz. bottles.
• Pre-treat stains with Watkins Liquid Laundry Detergent.
• In the summer use Mother Nature to your advantage,
good old fashioned sun-light offers the same whitening
power as bleach and it’s free!