Last Updated on December 5, 2023 by Cathy
Spring is always a great time for a thorough cleaning of your home, that’s why it’s known as “spring cleaning.” This year, don’t use toxic chemicals, clean your home with natural cleaning products. Using natural cleaning products can help reduce exposure to harsh chemicals, promoting a healthier indoor environment for both humans and pets.
Have you ever paid attention to the warning labels on store-bought cleaning products? The ingredients are unpronounceable and known carcinogens and hormone disrupters. They can cause eye, skin, and breathing irritations they can even cause death. They’re so toxic we wear gloves and sometimes a breathing mask while we’re cleaning. There is something wrong with this picture.
Natural Cleaning Products
Have you ever felt horrible after cleaning with conventional cleaning products? I used to have to take breaks while cleaning my oven. I covered my nose and mouth and turned as far away as I could while spraying the oven. Just to protect me from the horrible fumes.
Instead of using toxic chemicals use homemade natural cleaning products. You’ll use products that aren’t harmful to you, your kids, or your pet’s health and the environment. You don’t have to make all your cleaning products. But it will give you peace of mind knowing you using products that aren’t harmful to your health.
You’ll be able to clean everything from your toilet to your kitchen floor. You can clean just about anything in your entire home. Using natural cleaners costs pennies compared to conventional cleaners.
Essentials
Fortunately using natural products is simple and you don’t need that many supplies. You probably have most of these in your pantry right now. Essential oils are helpful but not necessary. They have antibacterial capabilities to prevent illnesses. Essential oils add a pleasant smell to each area of your home. Some of my favorites are lavender, lemon, orange, peppermint, and tea tree oils. Around holdings, I like to use scents such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and even Douglas fir.
By making your cleaning products you’ll also be saving on waste. You may also want to minimize paper waste by using dish towels or microfiber cloths. We use dishcloths instead of paper napkins at meal times, one roll of paper towels lasts us about six months.
As you switch over to natural cleaning products you may want to start slowly. Don’t dump toxic cleaners down your sink or in your toilet. We have a septic system and it’s extremely important not to kill the bacteria that are breaking down the waste.
Basic cleaning supplies:
Baking Soda – cleans, deodorizes, and scours
Borax – cleans, deodorizes, and scours
Liquid Castile Soap – cleans and cuts grease
Vinegar – cuts grease and soap scum plus kills bacteria, mold, and viruses
Essential Oils – optional
Products to Make
I like making my products but there are some I buy such as laundry detergent. But, then I make my spot remover for clothes and dryer sheets. If you want to buy natural cleaners check the EWG’s Guide to Healthy Cleaning.
Distilled white vinegar is a natural disinfectant plus, it cuts through grease and grime. Vinegar is pretty inexpensive and you can buy a gallon size which is a bigger saving in the long run. I like to buy the “cleaning vinegar” because it has 6% acidity which means it’s stronger at fighting germs. I also like easy things so I like using one product for most of my cleaning needs.
Vinegar is so versatile you can safely use it on most surfaces. I use it to clean my kitchen and bathroom, also the rinse cycle of my washing machine as a fabric softener. Use it for cleaning your dishwasher, floors, microwave, refrigerator, sinks, toilets, and more. You can even use it to kill weeds in the cracks of your sidewalk.
All-purpose cleaning spray:
- 1 cup white distilled vinegar
- 1 cup water
- 4 drops of lemon or orange essential oil
- 4 drops tea tree essential oil (antimicrobial properties, kills mold)
Add each ingredient to a spray bottle and mix. For extra scrubbing power add some baking soda. I sprinkle the baking soda on the area or on the towel I’m using to clean with. Don’t worry about the vinegar smell, the smell disappears rather quickly.
Other Environmental Toxins
Install air purifiers and change the filter on your furnace often. We have a three-month filter and change it at the beginning of each season. Don’t allow smoking in your house, use low-VOC house paint. Add a water filtering system and buy BPA-free water bottles. Houseplants are always a nice addition to your home plus they help clean the air.
Get rid of dust mites by vacuuming often and dusting with a microfiber cloth. You can find these in the auto parts section of the store. Vacuum upholstered furniture, rugs, and drapes. Wash bedding and stuffed animals in hot water. Use hypoallergenic bedding and pillows. Wash off plants and artificial plants to remove dust.
Avoid poisons around the outside of your home too. I find it kind of funny how garden centers sell ladybugs to people who use chemicals in their yards. The bugs aren’t going to stick around. Plus, children and pets play in the grass and dirt that’s sprayed with toxic chemicals.
When talking on your cell phone use the speaker or headphones. Avoid using the microwave to avoid EMF exposure. Eliminate any mold around your house by spraying it with vinegar. Use natural body products to avoid toxic chemicals on your skin.
Flush the Toxins
Help your liver, kidneys, and sweat glands to detox your body. Drink herbal teas like white thistle or dandelion. Add herbs such as ginger, parsley, or turmeric. Dry brushing, sweating, foot baths, and clay baths also help remove toxins.
It’s too expensive to change everything in your house all at once. But, with every little change that’s one more toxin you’re no longer exposed to. Even a small change can make a big difference.
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