Eczema Friendly Cleaning Alternatives

Cleaning products such as soaps and detergents can cause a flare up of eczema. Eczema is a reoccurring inflammatory skin condition generally characterized by scaling, flaking and    thickening of the skin. It can be relatively itchy, red and may have blood or a watery liquid oozing from the rash. It is most commonly seen behind the knees, ears and inside the elbows (Osiecki, 2006, p.473-477).

Even if ezcema is not a concern these alternatives are also a great replacement for chemical cleaning products.

Toilet Cleaner

• Pour ¼ cup of baking soda into the toilet bowel as well as a drizzle of vinegar.
• Let in sit for 30 minutes.
• Scrub and flush.

Dishwasher Rinse

• Add 1 cup of vinegar to the rinse compartment of your automatic dishwasher.
• Wash dishes as usual

Dishwashing Detergent

• Warm water is normally sufficient
• OR add a small amount of bicarbonate soda, a pinch of salt and a little bit of lemon juice for a fresh smell to warm water
• Add white vinegar to rinse water to give glasses that extra shine.

Pots and Pans

• To clean a greasy pan easily, soak it in water then add 1-2 teaspoons of baking soda.
• For burned and crusted on foods soak or boil a solution of 2 tablespoons of baking soda per cup of water in each pan. Let it stand until the particles are loosened, then wash as usual.

Fabric Softener

• Add 1 cup vinegar or ¼ cup baking soda during the final rinse. To reduce static cling in tumble-dried clothes, dampen your hands when folding or line dry instead.

Bathroom Cleaner

• Make a paste of 2 parts bicarbonate soda to one part of lemon juice
• Apply with a damp cloth and leave for 10 minutes before wiping clean.
• For mild mildew leave for a couple of hours.

Drain Cleaner

• Make a solution with 1 part bicarbonate soda to 4 parts vinegar
• Leave overnight

Window Cleaner

• Mix 2-3 tablespoons of vinegar in 3 Litres of warm water
• Dry with crumpled up newspaper to shine

Floor Cleaner

• Mix 8 tablespoons of vinegar per 3 litres of hot water

Wooden furniture and floor cleaner

• One part olive oil to one part lemon juice
• Rub in
• Shine with a soft dry cloth

Air purifiers

• Use an oil burner with essential oils
• OR
• Mix 8 tablespoons of bicarbonate soda in a bowel with some essential oils. This will absorb any unpleasant smells

Oven cleaner

• Avoid caustic oven cleaners.
• Wipe the oven down while still warm with a soapy cloth.

Surface Cleaner

• Use bicarbonate of soda on a damp cloth to clean bench tops, sinks, windows and your refrigerator or freezer surface.
• Boiled water is also extremely useful in wiping down surfaces that aren’t noticeably dirty

Carpet cleaner

• Sprinkle bicarbonate of soda on carpet before vacuuming to deodorise.

Mirror cleaner

• Apply eucalyptus oil with a wad of newspaper to prevent mirrors from fogging.
• Even water works a treat!