Cleaning Products: Helpers or Harmful?

Myth 1: All cleaning products are safety tested Many of us believe that advertised products cannot be harmful to health. However, synthetic surfactants (SAS), water softeners, solvents, preservatives, and fragrances, as well as many other components of modern cleaning agents, are not always harmless! Soap has been known to people for 4000 years, while liquid detergents have appeared just over 100 years ago. In 1913, Belgian chemist Reichler first discovered the cleaning properties of certain synthetic surfactants. Since then, humanity has actively created new products that promised to “leave no dirt a chance,” including the most aggressive anionic surfactants. These substances indeed make cleaning easier by reducing the surface tension of water and helping it mix effectively with contaminants. However, anionic surfactants can negatively affect the stratum corneum of the skin, causing what is known as the Wash-Out Effect, or “the effect of washing out one’s own lipids.” With prolonged exposure, they penetrate the epidermis and destroy the membranes of the cells responsible for lipid production in the skin, making it drier and more vulnerable. Myth 2: I use regular products and nothing bad has happened to me Dishwashing detergents promise to save time by quickly removing grease from plates. But manufacturers remain silent about the fact that to completely rinse the product off the dishes, each plate needs to be rinsed in hot water for 5-10 minutes. Otherwise, residues of the product containing anionic surfactants can enter the stomach and negatively affect health. Eco Tips Check the labels! When purchasing cleaning and dishwashing products, choose those with a content of aggressive anionic surfactants not exceeding 5%. It is better to prefer products with non-ionic surfactants, which fully decompose in the environment and are safe for health and the planet. Such products are usually labeled with bio or eko. Use alternatives Instead of aggressive chemicals, choose steam generators or natural products with natural antiseptics, such as essential oils of tea tree, fir, and eucalyptus. Don’t forget about “grandma’s recipes” - homemade remedies based on vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, and ammonia. And always clean while wearing gloves! Kristina Molodtsova.