Alternatives to Chemical-Laden Cleaners, and a Recipe

Indoor air pollution ranks among the top environmental dangers, and the majority of that pollution comes from the cleaners that we use on a regular basis. Often we don’t even think to relate symptoms we have to the products we use! Yet, some of the immediate effects might be headaches, nausea, irritation to the nose or eyes, and dizziness.

It’s kind of hard to believe that one of the top pollutants is caused by something that could be eliminated entirely. The problem is, then how would we keep our homes clean?
The good news: there are options.

Chemical-laden cleaning products aren’t the only means for keeping your home clean and fresh. Homemade, non-toxic cleaning products are easy to use, fun to make, and are definitely better for us and the environment.

Here are natural products you can start replacing those chemical products with now:

Baking Soda
Baking soda is great for deodorizing, shining, and cutting through grease and grime.

Castile Soap
Castile soap is made from plant oils and is useful to clean surfaces and wash dishes.

Vinegar
Vinegar is a powerhouse cleaner that effectively eliminates soap scum, grease, and grime.

Lemon Juice
Natural lemon juice is great for cleaning mildew and mold, as well as for shining hard surfaces. Lemon essential oil works well too.

Olive Oil
Olive oil is good for both cleaning and polishing.

Try this recipe for a safe and effective all-purpose cleaner (except for wood):

-¾ cup water
-¼ cup rubbing alcohol
-5 to 10 drops of peppermint or lemon oil
-1 squirt of natural dish soap

Pour all ingredients into a 16-ounce spray bottle. Shake well before spraying onto a surface, and then wipe clean with a towel.

Happy cleaning!