Cleaning our homes with harsh chemicals can be damaging to our health and the environment. More people are choosing to go green and use the power of plants for natural cleaning. Here’s an in-depth look at how you can ditch toxic cleaners and harness the cleaning properties found in nature.
Why Go Natural?
There are several reasons why natural cleaning is preferable to using synthetic chemical cleaners:
Health Benefits
Many conventional cleaning products contain toxic ingredients like ammonia, bleach, formaldehyde, and artificial fragrances. Exposure to these chemicals has been linked to asthma, allergies, respiratory issues, endocrine disruption, and even cancer. Cleaning with natural ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and plant oils eliminates this health risk.
Environmental Impact
Harsh chemical cleaners get washed down our drains and end up polluting waterways and groundwater. They also require fossil fuels for manufacturing. On the other hand, natural cleaners are biodegradable and sustainable. Choosing plant-based ingredients reduces your carbon footprint.
Cost Savings
You may be surprised to learn that natural cleaning ingredients like lemon, salt, and soap are very affordable compared to brand-name cleaners. Making your own from scratch slashes cleaning costs. It also reduces plastic waste from empty cleaner bottles and packaging.
Simplicity
With just a few simple ingredients from your pantry and garden, you can quickly whip up effective homemade cleaners. Avoid the hassle of running to the store and trying to decipher ingredients on cleaner labels. Go natural for simplicity.
Best Natural Cleaning Ingredients
Here are some of the best plant-based ingredients to use for cleaning different areas of your home:
Vinegar
The acidic nature of vinegar makes it a powerful degreaser, disinfectant, and glass cleaner. Distilled white vinegar works best. Use it diluted with water for cleaning floors, kitchen counters, bathrooms, windows, and more.
Baking Soda
Baking soda is a gentle abrasive that cleans and deodorizes without scratching surfaces. Make a paste with water to scrub away grime on appliances, countertops, pots and pans, and bathtubs. It’s also great for freshening carpets and mattresses.
Lemon Juice
Like vinegar, the citric acid in lemon juice cuts through grease and grime. It also leaves a streak-free shine on hard surfaces like countertops, stainless steel, or bathroom fixtures.
Hydrogen Peroxide
As a mild bleach, hydrogen peroxide is perfect for whitening and disinfecting the bathroom. Make a spray to clean sinks, tiles, tubs, and toilets.
Castile Soap
Castile soap made from plant oils can replace harsh detergents for general cleaning tasks. Dilute with water in a spray bottle to quickly clean counters, floors, and other areas. It’s also great as an all-purpose hand soap.
Essential Oils
Add a few drops of essential oils like lemon, lavender, or tea tree oil to your natural cleaners for extra antibacterial power and a light, fresh scent.
Recipes for Natural Homemade Cleaners
Here are a few simple tried-and-true recipes to get you started making your own natural cleaners:
All-Purpose Cleaner
- 1/2 cup vinegar
- 1/4 cup baking soda
- 1/2 gallon warm water
- 10-15 drops essential oil (optional)
Dissolve the baking soda in the water first. Add vinegar and essential oil if using. Store in a spray bottle and use on kitchen counters, appliances, bathrooms, floors, walls, etc.
Glass and Mirror Cleaner
- 1/4 cup vinegar or lemon juice
- 1 quart warm water
Mix ingredients in a spray bottle. Spray directly on glass or mirrors and wipe clean with a microfiber cloth or newspaper for a streak-free shine.
Tub and Tile Cleaner
- 1/2 cup baking soda
- 1/4 cup liquid castile soap
- 10 drops tea tree oil
- 1 cup vinegar
- 2 gallons hot water
In a bucket, mix the baking soda, soap, and tea tree oil with 1 gallon of the hot water to make a paste. Let sit for 5 minutes. Add the vinegar and remaining 1 gallon of hot water. Scrub surfaces with paste mixture and rinse clean.
Tips for Natural Cleaning Success
Switching to natural cleaners is easy with these handy tips:
- Start slow by replacing one traditional cleaner at a time
- Label your homemade cleaners clearly in reusable containers
- Wear gloves to protect your hands while cleaning
- Never mix vinegar with bleach or ammonia
- Use microfiber cloths to reduce waste
- Ventilate the area and work in sections to allow surfaces to air dry
With just a few basic ingredients, you can save money, avoid toxins, and reduce waste by taking control of your cleaning routine. The power of plants provides an effective, eco-friendly way to keep your home sparkling clean. Give natural cleaning a try – your body and the planet will thank you!
