Kick Chemicals To The Curb: How To Make Healthy Natural Cleaners For Your Home, by Claire Bowman

[Note: This book was provided free of charge in exchange for an honest review.]

This book is the first of three books completed (at least two more are in progress) by one of my new roommates who have brought a great deal of natural and chemical free cleaning supplies into our condo. Although cleaning is not even remotely one of my favorite activities, as someone who has a fair amount of sensitivities and allergies [1], this book is of interest largely in its approach to seeking low-cost natural alternatives to the chemical-rich cleaners that we have all around us. As cleaners are some of the most hazardous products in our homes, they are among the most important to replace if one is seeking to avoid the harmful side effects they bring while simultaneously seeking to perform tasks to the same degree of excellence and success. This is certainly not an easy task, but this book reminds us that it is not as difficult as we might think, either.

In terms of structure, this book is elegant and simple, and very short, coming in at 73 pages in the version I read. The book opens with introductory material, including a testimonial about the author’s struggle with health issues related to chemicals, and also a testimonial about her husband, to whom this book is thoughtfully dedicated. After this material comes a list of the most essential supplies for natural cleaners, including borax, kosher salt, essential oils, washing soda, baking soda, various types of natural soaps (including Dawn), hydrogen peroxide, olive oil, and rubbing alcohol along with a short list of comments on preparing to use the recipes that follow. Then comes a list of cleaning supplies that reads like a humorous recipe book, with three parts to most recipes–a list of ingredients, directions on how to make the cleaner, and some humorous commentary about the limitations, performance, and other requirements and uses for the given product. Often several different recipes are given for the various types of cleaners–including at least four laundry soaps, one of which is borax free, and several different types of laundry softener in addition to this. This sort of thoughtful attention to providing multiple options and letting the reader experiment to see which they like the best is an excellent approach.

Ultimately, there are two reasons why this short volume (and presumably its companion volumes, to be reviewed quickly, I hope) is a worthwhile read to many. First, it offers advice on how to limit the chemicals in our lives in such a way that simultaneously gives us some degree of control over the cleaners that we have in our lives, as well as a better understanding of how they can work in such a way that does not threaten our own well-being. The other reason to read this book, though, is that it is genuinely hilarious, and that is always a good reason to appreciate a book. Here, for example, is the commentary for “The Best Scouring Powder Ever:”

“Yes it is. The BEST EVER. Baking soda doesn’t scratch, so it’s ideal to scrub with. I use the term “scrub” loosely, because with this mix you’ll be wiping gently most of the time. The first time I used this on my stainless steel sink I nearly cried tears of joy. Scouring powders have been a staple under my sink since the beginning, perfect for tubs and sinks, and they cleaned pretty well. This mix puts all those powders to shame, and it is an excellent germ, bacteria, (and every other yucky thing) killer. It can be safely used on natural stone and tile, Formica, painted surfaces, ceramics, metals….. well, you get the idea. You also only need a very small amount, as compared to commercial powders. I like to use a damp sponge, and store my powder in a resealable spice shaker. Top off, sprinkle a dash, top on. Wipe with sponge. The surface of the sponge will pick up the powder, turning the entire surface of your sponge into a lean, mean grime cutting machine. Sorta like a magic eraser, but better because it kills germs. Scrub gently ladies, this is powerful stuff. Make sure you rinse after scrubbing to eliminate any residue which may be left. It leaves very little, but you’ll be feeling guilty that the job got done so fast, so go ahead and give it an extra wipe. Warning: if you use this product in your bathroom beware that the shiny, bright results may cause eye fatigue and positive comments from your mother-in-law.” (p. 29)

Humble this book is not, but it is a good one nevertheless.

[1] See, for example:

https://edgeinducedcohesion.wordpress.com/2014/09/28/no-food-is-worth-that-kind-of-trouble/

https://edgeinducedcohesion.wordpress.com/2011/05/17/grandmas-thai-recipes/