Harsh chemicals aren’t the only way to clean. Here’s how to clean your home with homemade, natural products without sacrificing the sparkle and shine you love!
Cleaning, in my opinion, is a necessary evil. I don’t like doing it, but I do enjoy the results. The squeaky clean mirrors, the pristine kitchen, and the freshly laundered sheets.
But too often we rely on the easy, cheap, and convenient cleaners that are on the market. These caustic chemicals are hard on us as we inhale them while scrubbing, and often require a “wipe off” from any surface that we might put food on.
I know, we are all addicted to the lemon scent that screams, “CLEAN!” when it wafts through the air. But there are plenty of ways to get that scent in a safer, more natural way.
One of the best things you can do is create your own cleaners. This takes a little more time than grabbing some Windex off a shelf in Target, but in the long run, will be a better alternative for you and your family.
Our homes can be just as clean with the use of essential oils and other non-chemical cleaners as with those Clorox wipes we usually use.
Why you should clean your home without harsh chemicals
Jessica Bragdon, founder of Koala Eco, which develops natural cleaning products, said in an interview, “Essential oils in particular are effective antibacterial alternatives to thousands of mainstream chemical-laden products — especially when combined with other natural biodegradable grime-fighting ingredients, essential oils are equally (or more) effective than toxic chemicals.”
In this informative post by Katie Kimball on KitchenStewardship.com, she explains how the EPA has compared bleach (our all-purpose go-to) with other cleaners and found that Thymol and Silver Dihydrogen Citrate were just as effective and also safer. Hydrogen peroxide was also a viable alternative.
These can be found in products at stores like Target and Whole Foods, or online at Amazon. You can also create your own cleaners with the same disinfectant qualities.
If you would rather purchase these natural alternatives, here are some to look for:
Seventh Generation Disinfecting Multi-Purpose Cleaner
Or, if you prefer a more frugal method of natural cleaning, then here are some homemade solutions that you can use to clean your home without harsh chemicals.
Homemade Natural Cleaners
[Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. Please see below for more details]
Thyme Disinfecting Spray
(courtesy of KitchenStewardship.com)
- 10-30 drops thyme essential oil
- 1 oz. rubbing alcohol
- 8-ounce spray bottle
Add the thyme essential oil to the rubbing alcohol in the spray bottle, cover, and shake. Then, fill the rest of the bottle with water.
Where to clean your home with this natural cleaner: All hard surfaces, bathrooms, kitchens, etc.
White Vinegar Spray
- 4-8 oz. 5% acidity white vinegar
- 8-ounce spray bottle
- 10 drops of lemon essential oil (optional)
Add the vinegar to the spray bottle with the essential oil, cover, and spray on desired surface. The essential oil you choose can have anti-bacterial features or just be there for smell. You can dilute the vinegar with water, but it isn’t necessary. Just spray and wipe with a wet cloth.
If cleaning windows, use a 50/50 mix of vinegar and hot water.
Where to clean your home with this natural cleaner: All hard surfaces, bathrooms (showers, toilets), kitchens, windows, etc.
Hydrogen Peroxide Spray (3%)
- 4-8 oz. 3% hydrogen peroxide
- 8-ounce opaque spray bottle (this is to avoid light reaching the peroxide and breaking it down)
- 4 oz. water (optional, if you choose to dilute; it is not necessary)
Add the hydrogen peroxide to the opaque spray bottle, cover, and spray on desired surface.
***For increased effectiveness, spray your peroxide and vinegar sprays, one after another, on the surface you want to clean. DO NOT combine them beforehand because this will negate their cleaning abilities.
Where to clean your home with this natural cleaner: All hard surfaces, bathrooms, kitchens, etc.
Baking Soda paste
- 1/2 cup of baking soda
- 4-6 oz. water
- Plastic cup
- Toothbrush or scrubber
Pour the baking soda in the plastic cup and add enough water to create a paste. Use your scrubber to apply it to the desired surface. Wipe away with a wet cloth or rinse well to avoid leaving a residue.
Where to clean your home with this natural cleaner: Grout, shower tiles, etc.
Many essential oils are anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-viral
Some essential oils are very effective for cleaning your home or doing laundry. You can add them to your spray bottles or a few drops to your laundry detergent with each load. (They’re also great if you are feeling sick! But that’s another post…)
Some great essential oils to have on hand include:
Cleaning your home without harsh chemicals is easier than you think (even I was surprised). It’s frugal, easy, and effective. So, why keep using those caustic sprays when you could be using ones that are better for your whole family?
I hope this has helped you get an idea of how you, too, can make your home sparkle without using noxious chemicals. And the best part, you won’t have to worry a bit when you hand your eager little one a rag and a spray bottle. Your little helper will be just fine, and you can enjoy a quick break!
What natural cleaners do you use in your house? What are the best ones that you have found or made? I’d love to hear in the comments!
Interested in more posts about natural alternatives and cleaning? Check out these posts:
The Best Homemade Natural Beauty Remedies on a Budget – Part One
3 Ways I’m Detoxing: a Beginner’s Guide
How to Survive the Household Chores We Hate
[Disclaimer: I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for me to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. This post contains affiliate links. So, if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a commission, at no additional cost to you. All opinions are my own and I never recommend anything I haven’t used myself and loved.]
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