With concerns over COVID-19 and other illnesses, keeping your home clean and disinfected is more important than ever. However, many conventional cleaning products contain harsh chemicals that can be bad for your health and the environment. As someone who cares about wellness and sustainability, I want to keep my home as safe and eco-friendly as possible. In this article, I’ll discuss some of the best green cleaning and disinfecting strategies I’ve discovered.
Dangers of Conventional Cleaning Products
Before we get into the green solutions, it’s important to understand why conventional cleaners can be problematic. Here are some of the main concerns:
Toxic Chemicals
Most traditional cleaning products contain ingredients like ammonia, chlorine, formaldehyde, and bleach. Exposure to these chemicals can cause or exacerbate:
- Asthma
- Allergies
- Respiratory issues
- Headaches
- Other health problems
Some chemicals like phthalates are endocrine disruptors that can interfere with hormones. Studies suggest links between these substances and fertility issues, neurological effects, cancer, and more.
Pollution and Harm to Wildlife
When we wash chemicals down the drain or release them into the air, they end up in the environment. Products containing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) contribute to indoor and outdoor air pollution. Runoff pollutes our waterways and poses dangers to fish and other wildlife.
Overuse of Natural Resources
Many conventional cleaners require petroleum, phosphates, and other natural resources to manufacture. Overuse of these materials depletes limited reserves.
Clearly, typical cleaning agents come with many downsides. So what are the greener options?
Greener Ingredients for Cleaning and Disinfecting
Fortunately, you can get your home spotless using natural, non-toxic products. Here are some of the best eco-friendly cleaning ingredients:
Baking Soda
Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, makes an effective natural cleaner for countertops, sinks, tubs, and more. Simply sprinkle it on surfaces and scrub with a wet sponge or cloth. Baking soda cleans and deodorizes without any harsh fumes.
White Vinegar
The acidic white vinegar breaks up dirt and kills bacteria and mold. Fill a spray bottle with undiluted vinegar and use it to clean surfaces. The strong smell of vinegar dissipates as it dries.
Hydrogen Peroxide
As a powerful oxidizing agent, hydrogen peroxide can blast away grime and disinfect surfaces. Use a 3% solution, available at any drugstore.
Lemon Juice
Like vinegar, lemon juice provides antimicrobial cleansing action. The vitamin C in lemons also helps brighten surfaces.
Castile Soap
Plant-derived castile soap makes an outstanding natural all-purpose cleaner. Dr. Bronner’s and other brands work well for washing counters, floors, and laundry.
Essential Oils
Many essential oils like tea tree, eucalyptus, thyme, and lemon provide cleaning and disinfecting properties. Just add a few drops to your DIY cleaners. The oils also provide natural fragrance.
DIY Green Cleaning Recipes
Armed with these safe, eco-friendly ingredients, you can make your own non-toxic cleaners at home. Here are a few of my go-to recipes:
All-Purpose Cleaner
- 1⁄2 cup water
- 1⁄4 cup vinegar
- 1⁄4 cup baking soda
- 10-15 drops essential oil (optional for scent)
Mix the ingredients into a spray bottle. Use on all washable surfaces.
Tub & Tile Cleaner
- 1⁄2 cup baking soda
- 1⁄4 cup liquid castile soap
- 1⁄4 cup water
- 5 drops tea tree oil
Mix together in a squirt bottle and use to scrub tile, fiberglass, stainless steel, and porcelain. Rinse thoroughly.
Disinfecting Wipes
- 1 cup water
- 1 Tbsp castile soap
- 10 drops tea tree oil
- Paper towels or reusable cloth
Combine the ingredients in a bowl. Dip and wring out paper towels or cloths. Use to wipe surfaces and disinfect.
Other Green Cleaning Strategies
Aside from using eco-friendly products, there are other green tactics for keeping a clean, hygienic home:
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Microfiber cloths – The ultra-fine fibers trap and remove germs without chemical cleaners.
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Steam mops – The heat kills germs without any added cleansers. Great for floors.
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HEPA air purifiers – HEPA filtration removes nearly 100% of pollutants from the air.
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UV-C disinfection – UV wands and cases use ultraviolet light to kill viruses, bacteria, and mold.
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Simple soap & water – For some areas like countertops, plain soap and hot water can remove up to 80% of germs.
By using natural cleaning recipes and techniques, I’ve successfully eliminated harsh chemical cleaners from my home. My family breaths easier without toxic fumes and I feel good knowing I’m not polluting the environment. These green cleaning best practices make for a safe, eco-friendly, and healthy home.
