Introduction
Going green with your home cleaning can feel daunting. Where do I even start? What products work best? Is it more expensive? Ultimately, green cleaning comes down to using products with plant-based and non-toxic ingredients. With some simple swaps and DIY solutions, you can eliminate harsh chemicals from your home cleaning routine. Not only is it better for your health, but it’s also kinder to the environment. I made the switch to squeaky green cleaning a few years ago, and let me tell you – it’s easier than you think! Here’s my guide on how to get your home sparkling clean without using harmful chemicals.
The Problems with Conventional Cleaners
Before we dive into the solutions, it helps to understand why conventional cleaners can be problematic. Here are a few of the main concerns:
Exposure to Toxic Chemicals
Many conventional cleaners contain ingredients like ammonia, bleach, formaldehyde, and phthalates. Exposure to these chemicals has been linked to issues like:
- Asthma
- Allergies
- Hormone disruption
- Cancer
Repeated exposure over time, especially in indoor spaces, can be very harmful.
Environmental Impact
Chemical cleaners get washed down our drains and end up polluting waterways. Many conventional cleaners also come packaged in single-use plastics that end up in landfills. All of this contributes to environmental degradation.
Expense
Specialty cleaners can get pricey. And because they’re disposable, you have to buy them over and over.
So in summary, chemical cleaners can negatively impact our health, environment, and wallets!
The Benefits of Green Cleaning
Green cleaning products avoid these downsides by using plant-based, non-toxic ingredients. Here are some of the benefits:
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Safer for Health: Green cleaners are non-toxic and avoid ingredients that cause allergic reactions or long-term health issues. This keeps your home a healthy haven.
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Kinder to Environment: Ingredients biodegrade quickly without contaminating waterways. Reusable bottles and containers also reduce plastic waste.
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Cost Savings: DIY cleaners made from basic pantry staples are very affordable. Concentrated cleaners in reusable bottles also save money.
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Effective Cleaning: Plant-based ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and castile soap are powerful cleaners that get the job done!
Tips for Stocking a Green Cleaning Kit
The foundation of green cleaning is having the right eco-friendly products on hand. Here are some tips for stocking your cleaning kit:
Look for Plant-Based Ingredients
Seek out products made with ingredients like:
- Vinegar
- Lemon juice
- Baking soda
- Castile soap
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Essential oils
Avoid anything with ammonia, bleach, formaldehyde, and phthalates.
Buy Concentrates
Concentrated cleaners contain very little water, which reduces plastic packaging waste. Look for concentrates that you can dilute at home.
Reusable Bottles
Skip disposable spray bottles and buy reusable ones you can refill. Glass and stainless steel are durable options.
Microfiber Cloths
Microfiber cloths are reusable, ultra absorbent, and better for cleaning than paper towels.
DIY Ingredients
Basic pantry staples like vinegar, baking soda, and Castile soap make excellent DIY cleaners. Stock up on these multi-use items.
DIY Green Cleaning Recipes
One of the best parts about green cleaning is making your own DIY cleaners. Here are a few of my favorite recipes:
All-Purpose Cleaner
- 1⁄2 cup vinegar
- 1⁄4 cup baking soda
- 1 tsp Castile soap
- 2 cups hot water
Mix ingredients together in a spray bottle. Shake gently before each use. Spray and wipe down surfaces.
Tub & Tile Scrub
- 1⁄2 cup baking soda
- 10 drops tea tree essential oil
- 5 drops lavender essential oil
- 1⁄4 cup Castile soap
- 1⁄2 cup vinegar
Mix baking soda and essential oils in a bowl first. Slowly stir in Castile soap, followed by vinegar. Use immediately to scrub bathroom surfaces.
Glass Cleaner
- 1⁄4 cup vinegar
- 1 tbsp rubbing alcohol
- 2 cups water
Combine ingredients in a spray bottle. Shake before each use. Spray and wipe down windows and mirrors for streak-free shine.
Swapping Out Harsh Chemicals
With your eco-friendly supplies ready, it’s easy to replace harsh chemicals in your cleaning routine. Here are some simple swaps:
Instead of: Conventional All-Purpose Cleaner
Use: DIY Vinegar-Based Cleaner
Instead of: Bleach-Based Disinfectants
Use: Hydrogen Peroxide or Vinegar
Instead of: Ammonia-Based Glass Cleaners
Use: 50/50 Vinegar and Water Solution
Instead of: Antibacterial Cleaners with Triclosan
Use: Castile Soap and Essential Oils
Instead of: Drain Cleaners with Caustic Sodium Hydroxide
Use: Baking Soda and Vinegar Treatment
Start making these simple swaps, and you’ll notice cleaner air, surfaces, and environmental impact right away.
Answering Common Questions
If going green with your home cleaning sounds intimidating, you’re not alone! Here are answers to some common questions:
Are green cleaners as effective?
Yes! Ingredients like baking soda, vinegar, and Castile soap are very effective cleaners. With a little extra scrubbing elbow grease for tougher jobs, they get the job done.
Is it more expensive?
Not necessarily. Concentrated cleaners and DIY solutions last a long time for the price. And you save money by not repeatedly buying disposable bottles.
Is it more work?
Maybe a little. Making your own DIY cleaners takes a bit more effort. The tradeoff of having a healthier home is well worth it though!
Where do I find green cleaning supplies?
Online or health food stores. Specialty retailers like Grove Collaborative are a great option. Or check the natural section in stores like Target or Walmart.
Going Green Has Never Been Easier
While the thought of green cleaning may seem daunting at first, the switch is easier than you realize. Simple DIY cleaners, reusable bottles, and plant-based ingredients make it super simple to get squeaky clean without all the harsh chemicals. Not only is your home healthier, but you also save money and help the planet. Give some of these tips a try – I think you’ll be amazed by how simple green cleaning can be!
