
UPDATE: I recently read a report explaining the very stringent OSHA requirements for handling and disposing of chlorine bleach. We do not handle bleach in our homes with the same strict guidelines. Carefully consider these guidelines before using bleach in your home. You can read these instructions here.
Now, the alternative: I was recently horrified when I saw a commercial advertisement for a common brand of bleach instructing parents to soak their children's toys in a solution of bleach and water to disinfect them. No amount of rinsing will eliminate the harmful traces of chemicals left behind. Imagine what is happening to small children who still put their toys in their mouths! It is commonly believed that serious infectious diseases are only eliminated with chlorine bleach, but this is simply not true. There are so many alternatives that will leave your home safe--both chemical-free and germ-free.

In the dishwasher try making your own detergent! Read my post Step Three: The Alternatives for an excellent recipe, which is effective in getting dishes clean and money-saving by lasting forever. Fill the little rinse cup with distilled white vinegar--another cost-effective tip--instead of commercial rinse agents that contain, among other things, chlorine bleach.
So, what about those toys that need a good disinfecting once in a while? Well, throw them in the dishwasher. Seriously! You won't do this with dishes, but fill it with as many toys as will fit and run a cycle. Those wonderful ingredients in your homemade detergent will clean and disinfect, while that super-hot water sanitizes. For larger toys that won't fit in the dishwasher, fill a kiddy-pool with water, add a gallon of vinegar, 1/2 cup of lemon juice, and 1 tablespoon each of tea tree, eucalyptus, and cedar essential oils. Stir very well, add the toys, and leave in the sun for a couple of hours. Rinse them very well with the water hose and allow to dry in the sun.
Did you know the sun is a natural whitener/brightener and sanitizer? Try drying your whites in the sun and see how white they look. You do need to be cautious with drying your colors in the sun because they can get bleached out, so pick a shadier spot.
Good luck and healthy living!
Thanks for posting this. I LOVE to find natural ways to clean. Thank you for linking up!
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