Introduction
Going green with your home cleaning routine is easier than you think. Many everyday household staples can be used to effectively clean your home without exposing your family to harsh chemicals. I’ve compiled a list of my favorite eco-friendly cleaning solutions that you likely already have in your pantry or under your sink. Read on to discover how simple swaps can transform the way you clean your home.
Baking Soda
Baking soda is a versatile eco-friendly cleaning product that tackles multiple cleaning tasks. Here are some of the top ways I use baking soda for green cleaning:
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Sprinkling baking soda on carpets and letting it sit for 15-30 minutes before vacuuming freshens carpets and absorbs odors. The baking soda lifts dirt and debris out of carpet fibers.
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Mixing baking soda with a little water to form a paste cleans tile, grout, bathtubs, sinks, showers, and more. The gentle abrasiveness of baking soda scrubs away soap scum and hard water stains.
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Baking soda added to the laundry removes odors and brightens fabrics. I add about 1/4 cup per load.
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Placing an open box of baking soda in the fridge or freezer absorbs odors. Replace every 30 days.
Vinegar
Like baking soda, vinegar is a versatile cleaner that can tackle multiple jobs around the house. Here’s how I use vinegar for cleaning:
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Mixing equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle cleans countertops, mirrors, windows, appliances, and more. The acetic acid in vinegar kills bacteria and breaks up dirt.
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Running a vinegar-soaked sponge over produce removes pesticide residue and other dirt. I also use diluted vinegar to clean my fridge.
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Adding 1/2 cup vinegar to the rinse cycle acts as a natural fabric softener, removes detergent residue, and deodorizes laundry.
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Combining vinegar and baking soda creates a fizzy reaction that breaks up clogs and cleans drains. Pour first, let bubble, then flush with hot water.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is an effective eco-friendly bleaching agent and stain remover. I use it for:
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Removing mold and mildew from surfaces like tile grout and shower curtains. Just spray full-strength hydrogen peroxide and let sit before wiping away.
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Whitening bathtubs, sinks, and counters. Combine with baking soda for extra scrubbing power.
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Brightening dingy whites and lifting stains during laundry. Add 1/2 cup to the wash cycle.
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Disinfecting kitchen sponges and scrub brushes. Soak brushes and sponges in a mixture of 3 parts water to 1 part hydrogen peroxide between uses.
Lemon Juice
Like vinegar, lemon juice cuts through grease and kills germs naturally. It’s great for:
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Polishing metal fixtures like faucets and stainless steel appliances. The acidity removes tarnish and restores shine.
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Removing soap scum and hard water deposits from tile, glass shower doors, mirrors and more.
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Freshening cutting boards. After washing with soap and water, rub a cut lemon half over the surface to disinfect and deodorize.
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Cleaning and deodorizing the fridge and microwave. Leave a bowl of lemon water to sit in each appliance before wiping down.
Castile Soap
Plant-derived castile soap is a great natural cleaner for floors, counters and more. I love that it comes in bulk refill sizes to avoid plastic waste. I use it for:
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Washing dishes by hand. A few drops on a sponge tackles grease and cleans effectively.
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Mopping tile, vinyl, and sealed hardwood floors with water. Castile soap won’t leave a film or dull floors.
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Making all-purpose cleaner. Mix 2 tablespoons soap with 2 cups water in a spray bottle and use on most surfaces.
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Handwashing delicate clothing and cleaning carpets. Castile soap is gentle and rinses cleanly.
Going Green is Easy
With simple ingredients like baking soda, vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, lemon juice, and castile soap, going green with your home cleaning routine is easy and affordable. Ditch the harsh chemicals and clear your cabinets of clutter by making your own eco-friendly cleaners. Your home will be sparkling clean, naturally!
