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Storms and high winds can cause tree damage that needs to be addressed immediately, but don't skip checking licensing and qualifications. (Dreamstime/TNS)
When storms roll in, damage trees and drop heavy branches in your lawn, you need to address the problem as quickly as possible. This is even more important if a storm-damaged tree poses an imminent threat to your home or property (or someone else’s!)
Experts recommend you follow three steps when storms cause tree damage:
1. Make sure everyone in the house and around it is safe.
2. Contact your insurance company for guidance. Your agent can explain how your policy covers tree damage and if they have specific steps you must take to be covered.
3. Contact a tree service company to do the work as quickly as possible.
Even if you don’t have a fallen tree, you could have a dangerous situation when a storm hits. Once high winds have died down, take a walk around your property and inspect the trees for telltale signs of damage. Check carefully for dead wood, deep splits in the bark, signs of decay and weakened branches. If you see something that concerns you, contact a professional.
Fortunately, many tree service companies offer emergency service and 24-hour phone lines, so you should be able to reach someone quickly. Different states and cities have their own regulations regarding who can work on trees, and some areas have no regulations at all. Make sure whoever you hire holds all the licensing needed to do this work. In an emergency, it can be tempting to hire the first person who returns your call. But with trees and branches, a poorly executed job can be more dangerous than no job at all.
In addition, accreditation with the International Society of Arboriculture or the Tree Care Industry Association demonstrates a company or individual who takes their work seriously.
Most tree removal jobs cost between $400 and $1,200. Larger and more complicated jobs might come closer to $2,000. Several factors will impact this cost. Tree size is the most important, followed by how much space your pro has to work. If they have to work around nearby power lines or close to the home, it will take longer to complete the job.
This cost doesn’t always include stump removal, which can run between $100 and $400 on its own.
Of course, depending on the problem, you might not need to remove the tree entirely. If a tree has been seriously damaged but remains standing, a tree professional can reinforce it with bracing or carefully trim damage to preserve the tree’s main body.
One more thing: Insurance and legal liability can get extremely fuzzy when a tree or branch falls from one property into a neighbor’s yard. In many cases, the property owner where the tree actually landed might be liable for damages and removal unless the tree fell due to negligence on the part of the property owner. When this happens, talk to your insurance company immediately so they can help you sort out the matter.
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Tweet your home care questions with #AskAngi and we’ll try to answer them in a future column.
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Ask Angi: How to handle emergency tree service
Deman // Shutterstock
The smells of cleaning products, disinfectants, and laundry soaps for many people are hallmarks of a clean home. While the overpowering aroma of furniture polish or laundry soap may evoke certain pleasant associations or childhood memories, those familiar scents are mostly toxic. They are comprised of everything from reproductive disruptors to phthalates and allergens. Air fresheners alone release more than 100 chemicals and create adverse health effects in an estimated one-fifth of the U.S. population. Lysol aerosol sprays send corrosives and respiratory irritants airborne that can cause developmental problems, harm vision, and pollute waterways.
The sodium hydroxide in most commercial drain cleaners eats through the very pipes it’s intended to clear while burning all organic matter along the way. And a 2018 study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found the toxins in household cleaners can lead to childhood obesity. Nevertheless, toxic cleaning chemicals are ubiquitous in supermarket aisles and big box stores—and people keep buying them. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards are known for being lax, and greenwashing or subpar “green” products has left consumers with limited options.
Using ratings from the Environmental Working Group (EWG), scientific studies, and other authoritative sources, Stacker compiled a gallery of 10 toxic cleaning products and their natural alternatives. All the natural items listed are highly accessible and utilize as little waste as possible, keeping in mind that many containers for cleaning products don’t get reused or recycled. Furthermore, plastic waste ending up in landfills does not biodegrade.
Keep reading to learn more about 10 toxic cleaning products, their natural alternatives, and how people can make their own cleaning products that are safe for their home, family, and backyard.
You may also like: Environmental impact of 20 foods
Deman // Shutterstock
The smells of cleaning products, disinfectants, and laundry soaps for many people are hallmarks of a clean home. While the overpowering aroma of furniture polish or laundry soap may evoke certain pleasant associations or childhood memories, those familiar scents are mostly toxic. They are comprised of everything from reproductive disruptors to phthalates and allergens. Air fresheners alone release more than 100 chemicals and create adverse health effects in an estimated one-fifth of the U.S. population. Lysol aerosol sprays send corrosives and respiratory irritants airborne that can cause developmental problems, harm vision, and pollute waterways.
The sodium hydroxide in most commercial drain cleaners eats through the very pipes it’s intended to clear while burning all organic matter along the way. And a 2018 study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found the toxins in household cleaners can lead to childhood obesity. Nevertheless, toxic cleaning chemicals are ubiquitous in supermarket aisles and big box stores—and people keep buying them. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards are known for being lax, and greenwashing or subpar “green” products has left consumers with limited options.
Using ratings from the Environmental Working Group (EWG), scientific studies, and other authoritative sources, Stacker compiled a gallery of 10 toxic cleaning products and their natural alternatives. All the natural items listed are highly accessible and utilize as little waste as possible, keeping in mind that many containers for cleaning products don’t get reused or recycled. Furthermore, plastic waste ending up in landfills does not biodegrade.
Keep reading to learn more about 10 toxic cleaning products, their natural alternatives, and how people can make their own cleaning products that are safe for their home, family, and backyard.
You may also like: Environmental impact of 20 foods
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Ask Angi: How to handle emergency tree service
calimedia // Shutterstock
Chlorine was discovered in 1774 by Swedish-German chemist Carl Wilhelm Scheele; a year later, chlorine-based bleaches were released throughout Europe for whitening fabrics. Bleach was being used as a disinfectant and deodorizer by the 1820s, leading to its widespread use for sanitizing and cleaning.
Despite its uses for cleaning and disinfecting, bleach can become toxic very quickly. Inhaling bleach odors can harm the respiratory system, particularly so in those with allergies or other respiratory conditions. Bleach that winds up in soil or waterways raises pH levels significantly and can kill plant and animal life. The cleaning agent is also corrosive, capable of burning skin or eating away at stainless steel or fabric. Bleach rarely causes any significant issues if used in well-ventilated areas and in small doses. However, frequent use of bleach (like cleaning the bathroom with it every day), inhaling it, mixing it with ammonia or vinegar, or disposing of bleach by pouring it down a drain or on the lawn outside can cause extensive physical and environmental damage.
calimedia // Shutterstock
Chlorine was discovered in 1774 by Swedish-German chemist Carl Wilhelm Scheele; a year later, chlorine-based bleaches were released throughout Europe for whitening fabrics. Bleach was being used as a disinfectant and deodorizer by the 1820s, leading to its widespread use for sanitizing and cleaning.
Despite its uses for cleaning and disinfecting, bleach can become toxic very quickly. Inhaling bleach odors can harm the respiratory system, particularly so in those with allergies or other respiratory conditions. Bleach that winds up in soil or waterways raises pH levels significantly and can kill plant and animal life. The cleaning agent is also corrosive, capable of burning skin or eating away at stainless steel or fabric. Bleach rarely causes any significant issues if used in well-ventilated areas and in small doses. However, frequent use of bleach (like cleaning the bathroom with it every day), inhaling it, mixing it with ammonia or vinegar, or disposing of bleach by pouring it down a drain or on the lawn outside can cause extensive physical and environmental damage.
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Ask Angi: How to handle emergency tree service
Alexander Oganezov // Shutterstock
Since its discovery in 1818, hydrogen peroxide has been used widely around the world as a natural disinfectant and bleach. Its first commercial use was as a bleaching agent for hats and to restore paintings. Mixed with vinegar or used on its own, household-strength (3%) hydrogen peroxide makes for a powerful, all-purpose cleaner. It can clean glass without streaking. It can be mixed with hot water for cleaning floors (one gallon hot water, one cup peroxide), and it can be used on its own to clean toilet bowls, bathtubs, showers, and countertops.
Where to buy: Amazon, from $14 for 1 gallon
Alexander Oganezov // Shutterstock
Since its discovery in 1818, hydrogen peroxide has been used widely around the world as a natural disinfectant and bleach. Its first commercial use was as a bleaching agent for hats and to restore paintings. Mixed with vinegar or used on its own, household-strength (3%) hydrogen peroxide makes for a powerful, all-purpose cleaner. It can clean glass without streaking. It can be mixed with hot water for cleaning floors (one gallon hot water, one cup peroxide), and it can be used on its own to clean toilet bowls, bathtubs, showers, and countertops.
Where to buy: Amazon, from $14 for 1 gallon
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Ask Angi: How to handle emergency tree service
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Ask Angi: How to handle emergency tree service
anythings // Shutterstock
Vinegar is nothing more than an acetic acid solution derived from diluted alcohol (whether from beer, rice, or wine, among other products). The acetic acid is what gives vinegar its taste and smell—and also what makes vinegar a great all-natural cleaning product and germ-killer. It can be used alone or spruced up with essential oils. Vinegar works equally well on just about any cleaning job, save five. Never use vinegar on stone, ceramics, pearls, computers, or phones—and don’t mix vinegar with bleach (the combination creates a toxic, chlorine gas).
Where to buy: WebstaurantStore, from $7.99 for a case of four—or find out how to make your own vinegar here.
anythings // Shutterstock
Vinegar is nothing more than an acetic acid solution derived from diluted alcohol (whether from beer, rice, or wine, among other products). The acetic acid is what gives vinegar its taste and smell—and also what makes vinegar a great all-natural cleaning product and germ-killer. It can be used alone or spruced up with essential oils. Vinegar works equally well on just about any cleaning job, save five. Never use vinegar on stone, ceramics, pearls, computers, or phones—and don’t mix vinegar with bleach (the combination creates a toxic, chlorine gas).
Where to buy: WebstaurantStore, from $7.99 for a case of four—or find out how to make your own vinegar here.
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Ask Angi: How to handle emergency tree service
Canva
Most popular, disinfectant cleaning wipes contain quaternary ammonium compounds (“quats”), which can irritate the respiratory tracks, harm the skin, and have been linked to cases of asthma, reproductive issues, birth defects, and antimicrobial resistance. Cleaning wipes are also often not biodegradable and can cost more—and be less effective—than their alternatives.
Canva
Most popular, disinfectant cleaning wipes contain quaternary ammonium compounds (“quats”), which can irritate the respiratory tracks, harm the skin, and have been linked to cases of asthma, reproductive issues, birth defects, and antimicrobial resistance. Cleaning wipes are also often not biodegradable and can cost more—and be less effective—than their alternatives.
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Ask Angi: How to handle emergency tree service
Inna Tarnavska // Shutterstock
Microfiber cloths do as well as wipes for buffing out smudges, general cleaning, and disinfecting, and they don’t smudge glass. But ultimately, microfiber cloths are made from (hopefully recycled) plastic, which means they’re ultimately not biodegradable even if they save water throughout their use.
Cloth diaper inserts are eco-friendly, highly absorbent, and can withstand years of use. They can also be tossed in with any regular load of laundry, saving cash and water throughout their use. To use, spray the area with vinegar or 3% hydrogen peroxide, and wipe clean. For those who would rather make their own cleaning wipes and cleaning solution, it’s easy to do with some isopropyl rubbing alcohol, essential oil, vinegar, and old towels.
Where to buy: Amazon, from $24.99 for a pack of 12
Inna Tarnavska // Shutterstock
Microfiber cloths do as well as wipes for buffing out smudges, general cleaning, and disinfecting, and they don’t smudge glass. But ultimately, microfiber cloths are made from (hopefully recycled) plastic, which means they’re ultimately not biodegradable even if they save water throughout their use.
Cloth diaper inserts are eco-friendly, highly absorbent, and can withstand years of use. They can also be tossed in with any regular load of laundry, saving cash and water throughout their use. To use, spray the area with vinegar or 3% hydrogen peroxide, and wipe clean. For those who would rather make their own cleaning wipes and cleaning solution, it’s easy to do with some isopropyl rubbing alcohol, essential oil, vinegar, and old towels.
Where to buy: Amazon, from $24.99 for a pack of 12
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Ask Angi: How to handle emergency tree service
Daniel Jedzura // Shutterstock
The fragrance chemical galaxolide present in many surface cleaners such as Pledge, Windex, and Scrubbing Bubbles has been found to be a contaminant in waterways as well as an endocrine disruptor. A 2015 study published by the Journal of Hazardous Materials found extended exposure to galaxolide caused cellular, tissue, and genetic damage to zebra mussels. SC Johnson, purveyor of the aforementioned brand names as well as Glade, Shout, and OFF!, in 2018 set a three-year window to phase galaxolide out of its products.
Sudsing agents diethanolamine (DEA) and triethanolamine (TEA) are skin-penetrating toxins also present in many cleaning agents.
Daniel Jedzura // Shutterstock
The fragrance chemical galaxolide present in many surface cleaners such as Pledge, Windex, and Scrubbing Bubbles has been found to be a contaminant in waterways as well as an endocrine disruptor. A 2015 study published by the Journal of Hazardous Materials found extended exposure to galaxolide caused cellular, tissue, and genetic damage to zebra mussels. SC Johnson, purveyor of the aforementioned brand names as well as Glade, Shout, and OFF!, in 2018 set a three-year window to phase galaxolide out of its products.
Sudsing agents diethanolamine (DEA) and triethanolamine (TEA) are skin-penetrating toxins also present in many cleaning agents.
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Ask Angi: How to handle emergency tree service
Michelle Lee Photography // Shutterstock
Distilled water, vinegar, and sprigs of fresh herbs or drops of citrus-scented essential oils are all it takes to make your own, nearly free, DIY all-purpose cleaner. Store the solution in a vessel from a used-up cleaning bottle (or buy a glass jar with a sprayer that you can use over and over). Just remember—never spray marble or granite with vinegar.
Where to buy: Amazon, from $18.99 for three-pack of glass bottles with sprayers
Michelle Lee Photography // Shutterstock
Distilled water, vinegar, and sprigs of fresh herbs or drops of citrus-scented essential oils are all it takes to make your own, nearly free, DIY all-purpose cleaner. Store the solution in a vessel from a used-up cleaning bottle (or buy a glass jar with a sprayer that you can use over and over). Just remember—never spray marble or granite with vinegar.
Where to buy: Amazon, from $18.99 for three-pack of glass bottles with sprayers
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Ask Angi: How to handle emergency tree service
Canva
Toilet bowl cleaners are among the most toxic of home cleaning products. Many name brands contain eye and lung irritants (phosphoric acid, sulfates) and are highly corrosive. Because these products go directly down the drain, they are also highly contaminating for groundwater, soil, and highly toxic for plants and animals. Nutrients from cleaners like this can also wash into water bodies, contributing to toxic algal blooms.
Canva
Toilet bowl cleaners are among the most toxic of home cleaning products. Many name brands contain eye and lung irritants (phosphoric acid, sulfates) and are highly corrosive. Because these products go directly down the drain, they are also highly contaminating for groundwater, soil, and highly toxic for plants and animals. Nutrients from cleaners like this can also wash into water bodies, contributing to toxic algal blooms.
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Ask Angi: How to handle emergency tree service
Alexander Ruiz Acevedo // Shutterstock
To clean a toilet bowl naturally with practically zero elbow grease and at almost no financial cost, sprinkle baking soda into the bowl, add vinegar, close the lid, and walk away for 30 minutes. After half an hour has passed, use a toilet brush to scrub away stains.
Where to buy: Amazon, from $29.99 for 1 gallon of baking soda
Alexander Ruiz Acevedo // Shutterstock
To clean a toilet bowl naturally with practically zero elbow grease and at almost no financial cost, sprinkle baking soda into the bowl, add vinegar, close the lid, and walk away for 30 minutes. After half an hour has passed, use a toilet brush to scrub away stains.
Where to buy: Amazon, from $29.99 for 1 gallon of baking soda
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Ask Angi: How to handle emergency tree service
Canva
Air fresheners far and away top the list of toxic home cleaners. One reason for this is ingredients like “fragrance” can mean virtually anything, as companies are not required to provide every fragrance ingredient on labels. Fragrances can trigger allergies and act as hormone disruptors—not to mention their harsh effects on waterways, skin, and organic matter. Even the EPA acknowledges that the majority of air fresheners contain a toxic cocktail of formaldehyde, aerosol pollutants, petrochemicals, and more.
The global air freshener market by 2023 is expected to reach $12 billion, according to a 2018 report by Allied Market Research.
Canva
Air fresheners far and away top the list of toxic home cleaners. One reason for this is ingredients like “fragrance” can mean virtually anything, as companies are not required to provide every fragrance ingredient on labels. Fragrances can trigger allergies and act as hormone disruptors—not to mention their harsh effects on waterways, skin, and organic matter. Even the EPA acknowledges that the majority of air fresheners contain a toxic cocktail of formaldehyde, aerosol pollutants, petrochemicals, and more.
The global air freshener market by 2023 is expected to reach $12 billion, according to a 2018 report by Allied Market Research.
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Ask Angi: How to handle emergency tree service
Nanako Yamanaka // Shutterstock
If houseplants aren’t doing the trick, an essential oil diffuser will work the same way as an air freshener plug-in but without the harmful chemicals. It’s important to use 100% essential oils or oil blends to ensure the diffuser doesn’t get clogged.
Alternatively, leaving out baking soda or dry coffee grounds will absorb smells from the air rather than mask them the way most air fresheners do. For an air-freshening spray, combine half a cup of distilled water with 30 drops of your favorite essential oils.
Where to buy: Amazon, InnoGear Essential Oil Diffuser, from $14.99
Nanako Yamanaka // Shutterstock
If houseplants aren’t doing the trick, an essential oil diffuser will work the same way as an air freshener plug-in but without the harmful chemicals. It’s important to use 100% essential oils or oil blends to ensure the diffuser doesn’t get clogged.
Alternatively, leaving out baking soda or dry coffee grounds will absorb smells from the air rather than mask them the way most air fresheners do. For an air-freshening spray, combine half a cup of distilled water with 30 drops of your favorite essential oils.
Where to buy: Amazon, InnoGear Essential Oil Diffuser, from $14.99
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Ask Angi: How to handle emergency tree service
Canva
Many drain cleaners by design contain sodium hydroxide, a highly corrosive chemical that can burn and permanently injure human flesh and other organic compounds in addition to opening up stubborn clogs. These cleaners can ruin the drain itself if left in a drain long enough, and they can also damage anything it comes in contact with downstream.
Canva
Many drain cleaners by design contain sodium hydroxide, a highly corrosive chemical that can burn and permanently injure human flesh and other organic compounds in addition to opening up stubborn clogs. These cleaners can ruin the drain itself if left in a drain long enough, and they can also damage anything it comes in contact with downstream.
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Ask Angi: How to handle emergency tree service
nito // Shutterstock
A reusable drain snake is a simple way to unclog drains. For plugs further down the pipes, try a mix of half a cup of baking soda followed by half a cup of vinegar.
Where to buy: Amazon, Snake Drain Clog Remover, from $6.99
nito // Shutterstock
A reusable drain snake is a simple way to unclog drains. For plugs further down the pipes, try a mix of half a cup of baking soda followed by half a cup of vinegar.
Where to buy: Amazon, Snake Drain Clog Remover, from $6.99
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Ask Angi: How to handle emergency tree service
Dmitry Naumov // Shutterstock
Soft Scrub with Bleach Cleanser gets a solid F rating from the EWG for its corrosive properties, toxicity for water bodies, and irritants to the skin and respiratory systems. Meanwhile, Comet has somewhere around 150 undisclosed ingredients; known chemicals in many powdered cleaners are formaldehyde, benzene, and chloroform.
Dmitry Naumov // Shutterstock
Soft Scrub with Bleach Cleanser gets a solid F rating from the EWG for its corrosive properties, toxicity for water bodies, and irritants to the skin and respiratory systems. Meanwhile, Comet has somewhere around 150 undisclosed ingredients; known chemicals in many powdered cleaners are formaldehyde, benzene, and chloroform.
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Ask Angi: How to handle emergency tree service
Geo-grafika // Shutterstock
Geo-grafika // Shutterstock
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Ask Angi: How to handle emergency tree service
OLEH SLEPCHENKO // Shutterstock
The synthetic scents in laundry detergent are often derived from petroleum and widely rank as the most toxic chemicals in any cleaning product. A 2008 study from the University of Washington found dozens of toxins in leading laundry soap brands, and many of those ingredients are still present in laundry soap today.
Laundry soap, like drain cleaner, goes directly into waterways, whether septics, sewers, streams, lakes, or oceans, making them one of the chief contributors to harmful algal blooms that result from an overload of nutrients in the water.
OLEH SLEPCHENKO // Shutterstock
The synthetic scents in laundry detergent are often derived from petroleum and widely rank as the most toxic chemicals in any cleaning product. A 2008 study from the University of Washington found dozens of toxins in leading laundry soap brands, and many of those ingredients are still present in laundry soap today.
Laundry soap, like drain cleaner, goes directly into waterways, whether septics, sewers, streams, lakes, or oceans, making them one of the chief contributors to harmful algal blooms that result from an overload of nutrients in the water.
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Ask Angi: How to handle emergency tree service
iva // Shutterstock
To make homemade powdered laundry detergent, all it takes is one grated bar of soap (Fels-Naptha, or Dr. Bronner’s for a vegan version), two cups of Borax, and two cups of washing soda. Mix the ingredients (along with half a cup of OxiClean for brightening and stain removal, if desired). Use one or two tablespoons for each load of laundry. A box of washing soda, two bars of grated soap, and a box of Borax will cost less than $25 and last most households a year or more.
Where to buy: Amazon
- from $4.12 for 55 ounces of washing soda
- from $21.95 for 65 ounces of Borax
- from $9.99 for two bars of Dr. Bronner’s Soap
iva // Shutterstock
To make homemade powdered laundry detergent, all it takes is one grated bar of soap (Fels-Naptha, or Dr. Bronner’s for a vegan version), two cups of Borax, and two cups of washing soda. Mix the ingredients (along with half a cup of OxiClean for brightening and stain removal, if desired). Use one or two tablespoons for each load of laundry. A box of washing soda, two bars of grated soap, and a box of Borax will cost less than $25 and last most households a year or more.
Where to buy: Amazon
- from $4.12 for 55 ounces of washing soda
- from $21.95 for 65 ounces of Borax
- from $9.99 for two bars of Dr. Bronner’s Soap
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Ask Angi: How to handle emergency tree service
Stokkete // Shutterstock
Lemon-scented Old English Furniture Polish gets an F rating from the EWG because of the harm it does to the respiratory system, skin, and environment. It has also been linked to increased cancer risks. Ingredients like petroleum gases, mineral spirits, unknown fragrance sources, silicone fluid, and kerosene are known for their threat to soil, waterways, and all other organic matter.
Stokkete // Shutterstock
Lemon-scented Old English Furniture Polish gets an F rating from the EWG because of the harm it does to the respiratory system, skin, and environment. It has also been linked to increased cancer risks. Ingredients like petroleum gases, mineral spirits, unknown fragrance sources, silicone fluid, and kerosene are known for their threat to soil, waterways, and all other organic matter.
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Ask Angi: How to handle emergency tree service
carballo // Shutterstock
Equal parts vinegar and olive oil (and, optionally, a few drops of essential oil) are all it takes to make your own all-natural furniture polish. Combine the ingredients in a jar, close the lid, and shake well before applying to furniture with a clean, dry cloth.
Where to buy: Amazon, from $9.99 for two Mason Jars
carballo // Shutterstock
Equal parts vinegar and olive oil (and, optionally, a few drops of essential oil) are all it takes to make your own all-natural furniture polish. Combine the ingredients in a jar, close the lid, and shake well before applying to furniture with a clean, dry cloth.
Where to buy: Amazon, from $9.99 for two Mason Jars
