With most cleaning sprays and disinfectants being sold out right now, I figured this would be a good time to talk about the natural cleaning products that most of you already have around the house. Why not try a new, cleaner way of cleaning?
Many manufactured cleaning sprays and air fresheners contain harsh chemicals that we should not be breathing. For example, when the Environmental Working Group evaluated Febreze in 2009, they found that it contains 89 contaminants, including one carcinogen. (Note: The label on Febreze states ingredients as: “odor eliminator, water, fragrance, non-flammable natural propellant, and quality control ingredients” – SCARY!)
So, the goal here is to provide you with some natural cleaning options so you can:
- Avoid surrounding yourself and your family with dangerous chemicals – I shouldn’t even have to continue the list after this one – but I will…
- Save money – Natural ingredients are waaaay cheaper than chemical cleaners
- Try something new and fun like a kid in science class!
Lemons
C’mon, you can’t be surprised that I’m starting with lemons – these little guys do it all! Lemons can neutralize odors and, because of their acidity, they are antibacterial. Here are some ways to utilize them in your cleaning routine:
- Add lemon juice to your dishwashing detergent for an extra grease-cutting boost
- Use lemon juice on your hands if they have a stubborn smell you can’t get rid of with soap
- Leave lemon juice on your wooden cutting board overnight to kill off any lingering bacteria or odors
- Add salt to half a lemon and scrub your tarnished copperware to make it look brand new
- Add baking soda to half a lemon and use it to clean the stains out of your Tupperware containers
White Vinegar
This is a great one to always have on hand – a gallon is less than $3. There are literally hundreds of ways to use it around the house, but I won’t drop all of them on you right now. Here a few of the most helpful ones:
- Unclog drains
- Use white vinegar + your favorite essential oil (avoid citrus oils, as they can stain) as a laundry detergent for softness and fragrance without chemicals – you can also add salt for heavier loads
- Remove odors and soap scum from your dishwasher
- Take care of lime buildup on chrome by using a paste made from salt and white vinegar (2:1)
- Remove smokey smells from furniture by spritzing with diluted vinegar
- Get rid of pesky water rings on wood when pesky people don’t use coasters
Getting excited about white vinegar? Who wouldn’t be! For more of its uses, click here.
Essential Oils
Essential Oils’ main duty in cleaning is to provide fragrance, but some of them are actually antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory. I mentioned before that manufactured air fresheners contain harmful chemicals, but the good news is that it’s very easy to make your own.
Using a glass spray bottle, combine 1 Tbsp of baking soda with 10 drops of essential oil. Mix the combination thoroughly and then add 1-2 cups of distilled water. Shake lightly before each use. **Please do further research before using essential oils with children, pets, pregnancy, or anyone with a medical condition.
If you can’t decide which essential oil you’d like to use, here are the properties of some common choices:
- Lavender: Balancing, soothing, calming, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory
- Cedarwood: Stress-relieving, anti-bacterial, repels insects
- Frankincense: Good for meditation, helps quiet the mind
- Bergamot: Uplifting, can help with insomnia
- Eucalyptus: Invigorating, antispasmodic, my personal favorite (it makes your home smell like a spa!)
Related Post: Natural Pest Control
Salt
Now I know you have this one in the house already! But did you know there are some creative ways to use it aside from cooking? Check it out:
- Pour salt on spilled eggs or oils – it makes clean up much easier
- Soak blood-stained clothes in salty water, the sooner the better. You can add hydrogen peroxide for a boost, as well
- According to the DIY Network, use a paste made from salt and dish soap to scrub coffee stains out of your favorite mug
- Soak new candles in a 1:1 saltwater solution for a few hours to stop them from dripping wax
- Bonus: Clean your sweet little self by creating a homemade salt scrub with salt, olive oil, and a soothing essential oil. You’ll be a softie!
What other items have you used for natural cleaning? As always, please feel free to share the love below! Be well!