We didnt put out Daughter (Pearl) in her room for a few months so, im thinking (hoping) the major gas toxins were gone by then.

Great questions. I personally use vinegar in my kitchen after a good scrub with soap and water. This resonated with me:

“When it comes to cleaning house we need to remember to keep it simple, says Professor Peter Collignon, an infectious diseases physician at the Australian National University’s Medical School. Rather than concentrating on disinfecting or killing the bugs, we should focus on cleaning with hot soapy water and good old-fashioned elbow grease to physically scrub away organic material. “You’ve got to clean the surface first and that’s usually enough. Then you have to ask yourself whether you need to disinfect at all,” he says. “For the kitchen sink, for example, you probably don’t need anything except cleaning.” However, that dirty chopping board might warrant disinfecting – but only after you’ve given it a good scrub with hot, soapy water. It’s only the act of rubbing and scrubbing a dirty chopping board that can break down the slimy matrix around certain types of salmonella, allowing the disinfectant to then get to work. As for commercial cleaners, Collignon says we don’t always need the level of disinfection in the home that these products provide. “We over-use chemicals,” he says. “Instead of using one unit, we use 1000 units, and the benefits are marginal.” “All of us would like to use a magic potion so that we don’t have to use the elbow grease. But that’s a false premise.” -http://www.abc.net.au/health/talkinghealth/factbuster/stories/2012/02/02/3407024.htm#.UbIN-kCTh8E

I don’t stress too much about germs and focus rather on a clean home, clean food, and nutrient dense food to build an immune system.

As for the mattress: Right now we don’t have anything too special. We “air” out mattresses when we get them on our deck for a couple days to help gas-off the major stuff. There are covers to help. Mommypotamus had a great article that broke down some options. Go to mommypotamus.com and do a search for toxic mattresses.

Good luck!

1. i am into making some non toxic kitchen cleaner, however, as i research, it seems the non toxic stuff wont kill off any meat or animal related germs. The vinegar and baking soda kills flu and cold bugs, but not meat bugs like salmonella and those fun ones. Any suggestions for natural non toxic cleaners that are proven to kill these types of germs?

2. What type of mattress do you use? And for your little one? As well, do you know of any mattress covers i could get that are safe? Buying a new infant mattress is out of the question so perhaps a protective cover could work? My babe is now 10 months. I had no idea toxins in mattresses were even a thing. Wish i knew!

Also, know that you are a good mom… life is about balance. Don’t let the stress of healthy living affect your health or your relationships. You can do it!