Natural Cleaning Solutions For a Fresh and Green Home

Why Natural Cleaning Solutions?

Cleaning our homes regularly is important for health and hygiene. However, many conventional cleaning products contain harsh chemicals that can be harmful to our health and the environment. Using natural cleaning solutions is a great way to effectively clean your home while avoiding these chemicals.

There are many benefits to natural cleaning:

• Natural ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and essential oils are safe and non-toxic. They break down quickly and don’t persist in the environment.

• Avoid irritation & allergies. Harsh chemicals in conventional cleaners can cause irritation, allergies, and asthma. Natural cleaners are much gentler.

• Environmentally friendly. Natural cleaners don’t contain ingredients that pollute waterways or harm wildlife.

• Cost effective. Simple homemade cleaners using natural ingredients are very affordable compared to commercial products.

• Peace of mind. You can feel good knowing that what you clean with in your home is safe for your family.

Top Natural Cleaning Ingredients

Here are some of the best natural cleaning solutions and ingredients:

Vinegar

Vinegar is acidic and helps dissolve grease, soap scum, and mineral deposits. It’s also a natural antibacterial agent and deodorizer. White distilled vinegar is best for cleaning.

• Mix with water in a spray bottle for an all-purpose cleaner.
• Removes stains and odors from carpets. Just spray and let sit before blotting.
• Mix with baking soda and water to make a scrub for tiles, bathtubs, showers.

Baking Soda

Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, is a mild abrasive that lifts dirt, grease, and stains. It also neutralizes odors.

• Sprinkle on surfaces before wiping down.
• Make a paste with water to scrub sinks, tubs, ovens.
• Deodorize carpets by sprinkling baking soda, letting sit, and vacuuming.

Lemon Juice

The acidity in lemon juice cuts through grease and provides antibacterial action. The scent also acts as a deodorizer.

• Wipe down countertops with a mix of lemon juice and water.
• Add lemon slices to your dishwasher for fresher dishes.
• Remove stains from plastic containers by rubbing with lemon halves.

Essential Oils

Many plant essential oils have natural disinfecting qualities. Popular choices are tea tree, eucalyptus, lavender, peppermint.

• Add a few drops to a spray bottle diluted with water for an antibacterial cleaner.
• Deodorize by adding drops to a damp cloth and wiping surfaces.
• Add to baking soda and water for an abrasive scrub.

Castile Soap

Castile soap is made from vegetable oils like olive, coconut or hemp. It’s gentle, versatible, and biodegradable.

• Dilute in water for an all-purpose spray cleaner.
• Add to vinegar and water spray for windows and mirrors.
• Gently cleans floors, counters, tiles and more.

DIY Natural Cleaning Recipes

Try making your own natural cleaning products at home. Here are some easy recipes to get you started:

All-Purpose Cleaner

Ingredients:

• 1⁄2 cup white vinegar
• 1⁄4 cup baking soda
• 1 tsp liquid castile soap
• Warm water

Instructions

1. Mix ingredients in a spray bottle. Fill remainder with warm water and shake.

2. Spray on surfaces and wipe clean with a cloth.

Tub & Tile Scrub

Ingredients:

• 1⁄2 cup baking soda
• 1⁄4 cup liquid castile soap
• 10 drops essential oil (eucalyptus, lemon, etc.)
• 1⁄4 cup white vinegar

Instructions:

1. Mix baking soda, soap and essential oil in a bowl.

2. Apply paste to surface and scrub with a brush or sponge.

3. Spray vinegar and wipe clean with wet cloth.

Window & Glass Cleaner

Ingredients:

• 2 cups water
• 1⁄4 cup white vinegar
• 1 tbsp corn starch
• 10 drops lemon essential oil

Instructions:

1. Mix ingredients in spray bottle. Shake before each use.

2. Spray onto glass surface and wipe dry with a lint-free cloth or paper towels.

Tips for Green Cleaning

Here are some additional tips for greening your home cleaning routine:

• Open windows regularly to circulate fresh air. Let sunlight in.

• Limit use of antibacterial products. Regular cleaning with simple soaps and detergents is sufficient.

• Use reusable rags and cloths instead of paper towels.

• Clean with microfiber cloths – they pick up dirt without chemicals.

• Buy cleaners and sprays in concentrate form and dilute at home. Less packaging.

• Look for cleaners and soaps with plant-based, biodegradable ingredients. Avoid phosphates.

• Limit bleach – chlorine is highly toxic. Opt for hydrogen peroxide instead.

• Be sure to properly ventilate when cleaning, especially with vinegar, citrus, and essential oils.

Conclusion

Cleaning with natural ingredients is an easy way to have a fresh, healthy home without exposure to harsh chemicals. Simple, homemade cleaners using ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and plant oils get the job done at a fraction of the cost of commercial products. Try out some of these DIY solutions and tips to go green with your home cleaning routine. Your body and the environment will thank you!