Building Biology has opened my eyes to a lot of hidden hazards in our daily lives, and one of those includes our cleaning products. It is important to note that just because a product is on our supermarket shelf, does not mean it is safe for you, or that it has been tested for safety on human health. As the good ol’ saying goes “when we know better, we do better”. Just like in so many aspects of our lives, we have a choice. I urge you to make the healthy one and opt for better products for yourself and the planet.
TIPS FOR CHOOSING HEALTHY CLEANING PRODUCTS
Contrary to what people may think, a “healthy home” does not necessarily mean a “germ-free” home where we drench everything with strong anti-bacterial sprays and biocides, such as bleach. In fact, it is quite the opposite. The human body contains more bacteria than cells (National Institutes of Health, 2016), and it is important for our gut microbiome that we expose ourselves to a variety of bacteria. The lack of microorganisms that children are exposed to is one of the theories for the increase in allergies in our children today (AAAA, 2022). This is known as the “Hygiene Hypothesis”. If our children have limited time playing outdoors in the dirt and we create environments such as sterile homes, surely, we can’t be helping these allergy rates!
Of course, we still need to remove dirt, dust, and grime from our lives and that’s why I love the power of Natra-Kleen products that are safe for human health and won’t kill my child if she drinks it!
Natra-Kleen products have been scientifically tested for safety and efficacy by independent bodies. Although individual ingredients are sourced far and wide, I love that I am supporting businesses in my local Northern NSW region.
I sat down with Steve Hall, the owner, manufacturer, and distributor of Natra-Kleen to find out all about his life and what lead him to his rewarding business. Steve provides the domestic and commercial market with safe, plant-based, non-toxic cleaning products. There is nothing better than finding cleaning solutions that help to remove toxins from our homes and workplaces, whilst caring for our environment. I feel every business should be using products like these, especially childcare centers, cafés, hotels, and the like.
It is important to take into consideration the synergistic effects of all the chemicals in our homes – cleaning products, synthetic air fresheners, perfumes, personal care products, laundry detergents, etc. This build-up of exposure over time causes some individuals to become so sensitive, it throws their bodies into overload, and they crash and fall in a heap. Some of my clients cannot step foot inside a shopping center because of the intense smells of perfumes, candle shops, or the smell of fresh paint. Their lives become debilitating. Steve was all too familiar with this feeling. Not just a headache or a cough, but days where he could not get out of bed. After many years of farm chemical use – sheep drenching and paddock spraying with glyphosate, Steve was diagnosed with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity Disorder and Chronic Fatigue. When I met Steve, he reminded me of my Father; a man from the bush just trying to make a living off the land but had to use tons of chemicals in the process. In Steve’s case, his adversity led him to find his new calling.
I love that Natra-Kleen All-Purpose cleaner is highly concentrated, so it goes a long way, plus you can buy in bulk (up to 15L). It is made up of coconut oils, sugar syrup, and other biodegradable ingredients. The crisp green colour is achieved by adding food dye, and the smell is created using pure essential spearmint oil. Spearmint oil also aids in cleaning prowess. This can however be emitted for those who are sensitive to all fragrances and choose not to have any scent at all. Personally, I love it. It is fresh and not overpowering. There are so many ways to use the concentrate, from putting it in your dishwasher and washing machine to cleaning leather furniture, floors, and toilet seats.
Occasionally I will get a house cleaner in to do some larger jobs that I like to avoid. When I supplied my cleaner with some Natra-Kleen “Powa Paste” to help clean the oven, she texted me the same day with the following message:
“BTW, that product Natra-Kleen is amazing! Brilliant stuff and no harsh smells. I’m going to purchase some for personal use and for client’s who want limited chemical cleans. It’s bloody great!”
I smiled and laughed – I couldn’t be happier to hear this and spread the word.
As Steve puts it… “you don’t need that toxic cocktail under your sink”. If you don’t know the ingredients in your cleaning products (which is not uncommon, as companies are not required to disclose them) and they make your eyes water, or you find yourself gasping for air then DING DING DING…this is a pretty good warning sign. THESE PRODUCTS ARE DANGEROUS!
“You don’t need that toxic cocktail under your sink”
To read more about Steve’s story and check out the product range visit www.natrakleen.com.au.
At this point in time, Steve does not market his product to Coles and Woolworths, and the like. Sometimes you must search for the good stuff! It is a hidden gem, and I am glad that I stumbled upon it in my quest for healthy home products. If you have any further questions, you can reach out to Steve at [email protected]
Lakula does not receive any kickbacks, payments, or benefits from reviewing this product.
References
National Institutes of Health, 2016. NIH Human Microbiome Project defines normal bacterial makeup of the body. Genome sequencing creates first reference data for microbes living with healthy adults.
American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, 2022, Increasing Rates of Allergies and Asthma, (Online). Available: https://www.aaaai.org/tools-for-the-public/conditions-library/allergies/prevalence-of-allergies-andasthma#:~:text=A%20leading%20theory%20behind%20the,between%20harmless%20and%20harmful%20irritants
