It’s that time of year- open the windows, get some fresh air inside and do a Spring clean of my house. I love this time of year!
If you are ready for a refresh- out with the old, in with the new and ready to do some deep cleaning for a fresh start this Spring- then you are in the right place.
Tidying up your home and your life can breathe such a breath of fresh air into your life. As we create space for a fresh home, it’s important to address the household cleaners you currently have in your cleaning closet. If you have random bottles of chemicals in your cleaning supplies or under your kitchen sink and you want to make some healthier changes to your home then I hope you enjoy todays blog.
I will be sharing some information with you today about how to choose healthier versions and even make your own with simple ingredients you likely already have on hand.
The problem with chemical cleaners
These chemical-laden household cleaners can make it hard for us to breathe, cause our eyes to water, or even lead to health concerns we certainly want to bypass. These damaging chemicals are found in everything from your fabric softener to your soap-scum remover, to your air freshener and everything in between.
The smell-good factor is what causes a lot of the problem. Chemical cleaner manufacturers want us to feel like our homes are fresh like lemons, but they’re still loaded with chemical agents we release into our homes with every scrubbing. Go look at your cleaning products and read the ingredients. Do you see DEA or TEA? These ingredients, among many others, are actually carcinogenic and should be avoided.
What to look for in your cleaning products
If you must buy cleaners to clean your home, take a look at the labels. If it says “danger,” “caution,” or “warning” on it, it’s best to keep walking. Even if you are using small portions or wearing gloves, the product and smell lingers and can cause more harm than we realize. Choosing non-toxic cleaners is always best for your home and your health.
Another great option is to go with plant-based formulations over petroleum-based. Don’t fall for terms like “natural” or “eco-friendly” though as they can sometimes be used in marketing on harmful products, so keep reading the packaging to be sure those claims are legitimate. If it says “solvent-free,” “no phosphates,” or “no petroleum-based ingredients” on the packaging, it’s a much safer and greener choice. You can also shop at your local health store and ask for recommendations locally if you are unsure.
DIY household cleaning products
Whether you’re looking to save money or just like knowing exactly what goes into your household cleaning products, making homemade cleaners is worth considering. It’s surprisingly easy to make natural DIY cleaners that can get your home as clean as conventional store-bought cleaners.
Let’s get started by making your own cleaning products that are just as effective without harsh chemicals.
The most important thing when making your cleaning solutions is your ingredients. Some of the most common ingredients for DIY cleaning solutions are baking soda, white vinegar, lemon juice and castile soap. All these items are affordable, readily available in stores and online, and, best of all, safe for your health and the environment.
These simple ingredients can give you a glistening, grease-free clean without causing damage to your health or the environment.
Vinegar
Vinegar is one of the most versatile natural cleaners around. Its acidic properties make it perfect for cutting through grease and grime and kills germs and bacteria..
Baking Soda
Baking soda is a great natural cleaner—it’s non-abrasive, odor-neutralizing, and long-lasting.
Lemon Juice
Lemon juice is another natural cleaner safe for use around the house. Its acidic properties make it perfect for removing stubborn stains from surfaces such as porcelain sinks or bathtubs.
Ready for some recipes? These DIY recipes will help you get started, and if you want more in depth recipes- sign up to my Nutrition and Wellness Library for an entire household cleaning guide. Mix these up in a BPA container and keep on hand for future cleans.
All-Purpose Cleaner
Mix one part white vinegar with one part water and a lemon rind. Shake it all together in a spray bottle and allow this mixture to infuse together for a week first. This one is great for getting stubborn stains off surfaces.
Simple Vinegar and baking soda paste
Mix equal parts vinegar and baking soda until you have a thick paste, then use it on surfaces like countertops or showers for a deep clean without any harsh chemicals.
Lemon Cleaner
Mix equal parts lemon juice with water in a spray bottle and spritz directly onto the surface before wiping away with a damp cloth or sponge. Be sure to rinse off the surface after using lemon juice so there’s no residue left behind.
Stronger All Purpose Cleaner
Start by mixing 1/4 cup of Borax powder with 1/4 cup of Castile soap in a large bowl until thoroughly combined. Add 2 quarts of warm water and stir until everything is dissolved. Pour the mixture into a spray bottle on surfaces such as countertops, floors, tiles, etc., for an effective yet gentle clean.
Kitchen Cleaner
Take grease out of your way by mixing 4 tablespoons of baking soda with a quart of warm water. If you hate cleaning that fridge out, this one makes it easy and takes all smells away.
Super Scrub
Stubborn rust stains can be removed by simply cutting a lemon in half and dipping it into borax powder. Use the lemon to scrub, dipping it into the borax as needed. This is great for all surfaces except granite and marble.
Cleaning Tips & Tricks
To ensure you get the best results possible with your homemade cleaning solutions, there are a few techniques you should keep in mind when using them on different surfaces around the house.
Always dampen the surface before applying any cleaner because this will help prevent scratching or damaging fragile materials like wood or marble.
When using vinegar-based solutions, rinse thoroughly after application because vinegar can leave a strong odor if not rinsed away properly.
Natural DIY household cleaners are an excellent way to keep your home clean without relying on store-bought products containing harsh chemicals.
By using safe cleaners in your home, you’ll have a fresher spring-cleaned home you’ll genuinely enjoy without any dangerous toxins lingering behind!
Grab more recipes and a full DIY Natural Cleaning Guide inside my Nutrition and Wellness Library. It’s FREE to sign up- click here to get started:
