As a homeowner, caring for your home is vital to maintain its interior value and aesthetic. But when it comes to cleaning, chemicals can hurt the environment – not to mention your home and health! Fortunately, making environmentally friendly choices for cleaning doesn’t mean sacrificing efficiency; plenty of natural cleaners get the job done just as well (or even better) than conventional products. Victoria Gerrard La Crosse has the answers if you’re looking for ways to clean responsibly while still getting great results.
Benefits Of Using Natural Cleaners
The benefits of natural cleaners are manifold. Not only do they not contain harsh chemicals that could harm the environment, but they also don’t come with the same dangers as some chemical-based cleaners, such as respiratory irritation or eye problems. They’re also much kinder on your wallet than many store-bought products since most ingredients are in your pantry or refrigerator.
Natural cleaners often work just as well (if not better) as conventional cleaning products – something many chemical-laden products can’t claim. Additionally, natural ingredients products may help reduce toxins in your home and make it a safer environment for you and your family.
All-Purpose Cleaner
An all-purpose cleaner is one of the most versatile products you can have in your home. With just a few drops of tea tree oil, orange or lemon essential oils, and white vinegar combined with water, you’ll have an effective and eco-friendly cleaning solution for countertops, windows, bathroom surfaces, and more. Vinegar makes a fantastic natural deodorizer, so it’s an excellent cleaner for bathrooms and kitchens.
For tougher stains, you can use baking soda or salt to make a scrubbing paste. Mix a few tablespoons of baking soda or salt for tougher stains, with just enough water to form a paste. Scrub gently and rinse off with warm water. Use a damp microfiber cloth to clean gently if you have oddly shaped or delicate surfaces.
Glass Cleaner
Vinegar is a great natural glass cleaner that removes dirt and sticky stuff. Mix one part white vinegar with three parts water and spray on windows, mirrors, and other glass surfaces. Wipe clean with a damp cloth or newspaper for a streak-free shine. Lemon juice and salt can also make a practical, eco-friendly glass cleaner. To make, combine 1/4 cup of lemon juice with a teaspoon of salt and mix until the salt is fully dissolved.
You should also consider using natural wax paper for extra protection when cleaning glass. Natural wax paper is made from beeswax and other plant-based ingredients, so it’s much more eco-friendly than ordinary window cleaners.
Laundry Detergent
When it comes to doing laundry, using natural products is especially important. Most conventional detergents contain harsh chemicals and fragrances that irritate skin and damage clothes. Luckily, plenty of natural alternatives – baking soda, borax, castile soap, and washing soda – will help clean your clothes without harming the environment.
Homemade laundry detergent is easy to make, too. Combining equal parts baking soda, borax, and washing soda in a bowl will create an effective detergent that’s gentle on clothes. You can also add a few drops of essential oil for fragrance. Add 1-2 tablespoons of the mixture to each load – it should be enough to clean your laundry without leaving any residue.
Carpet Stain Remover
If you want to save money on expensive carpet cleaning products, there’s good news – you can create your stain remover with just a few simple ingredients. Hydrogen peroxide and dish soap are two items you likely already have in your home, and when combined, they create a powerful solution that can tackle tough carpet stains.
Mix hydrogen peroxide and dish soap to make your stain remover, then apply the solution directly to the stain. Be sure to test the solution on an inconspicuous area first to ensure it doesn’t damage the carpet. With DIY ingenuity, you can keep your carpets looking their best without breaking the bank.
Disinfectant Spray
In times of increased awareness about cleanliness and hygiene, making your natural disinfectant spray with essential oils can be beneficial. Essential oils such as tea tree, eucalyptus, and peppermint have natural antiseptic and antibacterial properties, making them perfect for creating effective disinfectant sprays.
To make your own, mix a few drops of your desired essential oils with distilled water and alcohol or vinegar. This natural spray can clean and disinfect surfaces around your home without the harsh chemicals often found in store-bought disinfectants. Plus, the refreshing scent of essential oils can provide a bonus to your cleaning routine.
Essential Ingredients
Here are some essential ingredients for natural home cleaners:
- Vinegar is a versatile ingredient that can be used for a variety of cleaning tasks. It is acidic, which makes it an effective cleaner and disinfectant. It can be used to clean windows, floors, and bathroom fixtures.
- Baking soda is a gentle abrasive that can be used to scrub surfaces without causing damage. It also helps to neutralize odors and can be used to freshen up carpets, upholstery, and mattresses.
- Lemon juice is a natural bleach and disinfectant that can be used to clean and sanitize surfaces. It can be used to clean kitchen countertops, cutting boards, and sinks.
- Castile soap is a gentle, all-natural soap that is made from vegetable oils. It can be used to clean dishes, floors, and even your body.
- Essential oils have natural antimicrobial properties and can be used to add a pleasant scent to your cleaning products. Tea tree oil, lavender oil, and peppermint oil are all popular choices for natural cleaning.
- Hydrogen peroxide is a natural bleach and disinfectant that can be used to whiten clothes, clean cutting boards, and sanitize surfaces.
Final Thoughts
Cleaning your home doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. With just a few natural ingredients, you can take care of messes and keep your home looking its best – all while being kind to the environment. From glass cleaner to carpet stain remover, plenty of natural cleaning solutions will help you get the job done right. So don’t be afraid to get creative and make natural cleaning products.
