Cleaning our homes is an essential task, but many conventional cleaning products contain harmful chemicals and toxins. As we become more aware of the impacts of these chemicals, many people are seeking natural cleaning solutions that get the job done without compromising health or the environment.
Why Choose Natural Cleaning Products?
Conventional cleaning products often contain chemicals like bleach, ammonia, phthalates, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Exposure to these chemicals has been linked to asthma, headaches, eye and skin irritation, and other health issues. Some cleaning chemicals have also been identified as hormone disruptors, neurotoxins, carcinogens, and contributors to indoor air pollution.
Natural cleaning products provide a safer alternative by avoiding these hazardous ingredients. Natural cleaners are made from plant-based, non-toxic ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, essential oils, and plant soaps. Switching to natural products is an easy way to reduce your exposure to harmful chemicals and protect the health of your family.
Top 10 Natural Cleaning Ingredients
Luckily, Mother Nature provides us with all the powerful, eco-friendly cleaning solutions we need. Here are my top 10 natural cleaning ingredients to stock for a toxin-free home:
1. White Vinegar
A natural acid, white vinegar is an effective disinfectant and cleaning agent. It can be used undiluted or mixed with water to clean countertops, windows, mirrors, shower doors, and more. White vinegar is also great for deodorizing and can be used as a fabric softener and weed killer.
2. Baking Soda
Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, is a versatile base that neutralizes odors, scrubs surfaces, and unclogs drains. Mix it with water to make a paste for cleaning sinks, tubs, tile floors, and more. Sprinkle it on carpets and furniture to deodorize before vacuuming.
3. Lemon Juice
The citric acid in lemon juice cuts through grease and soap scum. Use it undiluted or mixed with water to clean stainless steel, copper, marble, and tile. Lemon juice also deodorizes and disinfects cutting boards. Avoid contact with marble as the acidity can etch its surface over time.
4. Castile Soap
Plant-derived castile soap is made from coconut, hemp, or olive oils. Dilute with water to make an all-purpose cleaner and soap scum remover safe for most surfaces. Almond or tea tree castile soap also makes an effective natural disinfectant.
5. Essential Oils
Many essential oils like tea tree, eucalyptus, lavender, lemon, and peppermint have anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and anti-fungal properties. Add a few drops to castile soap or vinegar solutions for extra disinfecting power and natural fragrance. Take care when using essential oils as some may irritate skin.
6. Hydrogen Peroxide
As a mild bleach, hydrogen peroxide disinfects surfaces and whitens laundry. Use it undiluted on mold and mildew but test first as it may discolor some materials. For everyday cleaning, dilute 1 part hydrogen peroxide with 8 parts water.
7. Club Soda
The carbonation in club soda lifts dirt from surfaces. Use it to clean windows, stainless steel, tile and porcelain. For an extra boost, add a squeeze of lemon juice. The soda helps remove stains while the acid tackles grease and soap scum.
8. Olive Oil
Olive oil moisturizes and restores leather, wood furniture, and cutting boards. Mix it with vinegar or lemon juice for an easy wood polish. Use a couple drops to loosen stuck zippers. It also helps lift crayon marks from walls when mixed with baking soda.
9. Salt
Salt works as a gentle scouring agent to lift stains from pots and pans. Sprinkle it on liquid spills to absorb before wiping up. Mix it with lemon juice to scrub copper cookware. Avoid using table salt, which has additives, and use kosher or sea salt instead.
10. Borax
A naturally occurring mineral, borax boosts the cleaning power of soap and disinfects surfaces. Use it to hand wash dishes, scrub sinks and tubs, or make your own laundry detergent. Take care as borax can be toxic if ingested.
DIY Natural Cleaning Recipes
With these versatile ingredients, you can make effective homemade cleaners for every surface in your home:
All-Purpose Cleaner
- 2 cups water
- 1⁄4 cup white vinegar
- 1⁄4 cup castile soap
- 10 drops lemon essential oil (optional)
Combine ingredients in a spray bottle. Shake before each use. Spray on surfaces and wipe clean with a damp cloth.
Glass and Mirror Cleaner
- 1⁄4 cup vinegar
- 1⁄4 cup water
- 1⁄2 tsp. castile soap
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
Mix ingredients in a spray bottle. Shake before use. Lightly spray mirrors or windows and wipe clean with a microfiber cloth or newspaper.
Disinfecting Cleaner
- 2 cups water
- 1⁄4 cup hydrogen peroxide
- 1 tbsp castile soap
- 10 drops tea tree essential oil
Mix ingredients in a spray bottle and shake before each use. Spray on surfaces and let sit for several minutes before wiping. Rinse thoroughly.
DIY Scrubbing Cleanser
- 1 cup baking soda
- 10 drops essential oil (lemon, lavender, etc.)
- 1⁄4 cup castile soap
- 1⁄2 cup warm water
Mix baking soda and essential oil. Add castile soap and warm water to form a thick paste. Scrub sinks, tiles, bathtubs, showers, and more. Rinse thoroughly after use.
Shop Smarter for Safer Cleaning
Reading labels is key when seeking natural cleaning products. Watch for vague terms like “naturally inspired” or “eco-friendly” which lack legal definitions. Seek out recognized certifications like Green Seal, EPA Safer Choice, and EWG Verified to find truly non-toxic products.
You can also make your own cleaners easily and affordably with simple kitchen ingredients. Making your own allows you to control the ingredients while avoiding excess packaging waste. Turn to DIY cleaners as an effective way to remove toxins from your home and cleaning routine.
With a few key ingredients and easy homemade recipes, going natural with your home cleaning is simple.小切 your family’s exposure to harmful chemicals and help create a healthier indoor environment. This spring, take small steps towards a toxin-free lifestyle with natural, green cleaning solutions.
