In the modern day, with greater environmental consciousness along with health awareness there has been a move amongst people to use natural cleaning solutions to clean their homes. Traditional cleaning products are full of chemicals that damage the environment, destroy your health, if not your very soul (just kidding), and even ruin the surfaces they’re supposed to clean. But you don’t have to use those products to get a sparkling clean home. You can make effective cleaning solutions with few, natural ingredients.
Natural cleaning solutions also decrease your exposure to toxins and your environmental footprint. Vinegar, baking soda and essential oils are versatile, powerful and readily available. From removing tough stains and refreshing your living areas to maintaining your appliances, these natural solutions do it all.
Below, find 6 ways natural cleaning solutions can change your home. From general cleaners to specialized solutions for specific jobs, these tips will help you create a healthier, greener and sustainable cleaning routine. Let’s dive in!
1. The Benefits of Natural Cleaning Solutions
The change to natural cleaning solutions benefits your home, your body and the environment. A big benefit is avoiding exposure to the chemicals. Numerous typical cleaning products have toxins such as ammonia, chlorine along with phthalates which can lead to respiratory issues, skin irritation and also other health issues. You can make safer alternatives that work just as well using natural ingredients like vinegar; baking soda; and essential oils.
Naturally prepared cleaning solutions are also better for the environment. Traditional cleaners contain chemicals that pollute waterways, harm wildlife & cause air pollution. Homemade cleaners are made from ingredients that will break down in a natural way, though.
The other benefit is savings in cost. Some of the ingredients for DIY cleaners (like vinegar and baking soda) are very inexpensive and have multiple uses. You can make many different cleaning solutions for a small fraction of the cost of even store-brand products.
Finally – natural cleaning reduces plastic waste. Instead of buying several cleaning products in plastic bottles, use spray bottles and jars to store your homemade solutions.
So use natural cleaning solutions and you’re creating a healthier home and a greener future.
2. The Basic Ingredients for Natural Cleaning
You can make your own natural cleaning solutions. A few simple ingredients can take care of nearly any cleaning job in your home. Listed here are some of the most essential ingredients to have on hand:
White vinegar cuts grease, removes stains and disinfects surfaces. Its acidic nature helps it to break down the dirt and grime along with killing germs using its natural antibacterial action.
Baking soda is another mild abrasive / deodorizer / stain remover. It is especially good at scrubbing surfaces, absorbing odors and clearing drains.
Castile soap is a plant-based soap which uses olive oil and other ingredients. It is gentle yet effective on everything from floors to counter tops.
Essential oils make your cleaners smell nice and provide extra cleaning properties. For example some tea tree oil is antifungal or antibacterial; lemon oil is a degreaser.
Hydrogen peroxide is a weak disinfectant used to whiten surfaces, remove stains and kill bacteria. It’s a good substitute for bleach for sanitizing purposes.
And any base used to clean is dissolved in water. Distilled water may prevent mineral buildup in spray bottles.
Stocking your pantry with these ingredients means you’ll be prepared to make a whole slew of natural cleaners.
3. All Purpose Cleaners for Every Room & Every Space
A basic all-purpose natural cleaner. One such cleaner can be used on almost any surface: countertops; sinks; appliances.
Create an easy all-purpose cleaner by pouring equal parts white vinegar into a spray bottle, then add water. Some castile soap and 10-15 drops of your favorite essential oil will give you extra cleaning power. Shake well before use.
This is a terrific way to clean kitchen counters, bathroom sinks along with other hard surfaces. It cuts through grease, it removes soap scum and it’ll disinfect a surface. But never use vinegar on natural stone such as granite or marble as the acid will scratch the finish.
For a milder all purpose cleaner, put together one tablespoon castile soap and two glasses of water with a couple drops of essential oil. This is good for painted surfaces; wood furniture; and other delicate materials.
Keep an all-purpose cleaner bottle in each room for tackling everyday messes.
4. Natural Solutions for Hard Stains & Grime
All-purpose cleaners are wonderful for routine cleanings but sometimes more difficult tasks call for some extra elbow grease. There are many natural ways to eliminate tough stains and grime though.
For removing stuck-on stains on surfaces including sinks, tubs and stovetops, you will want to use baking soda. Sprinkle baking soda directly onto stain and scrub with damp sponge or brush. The mild abrasiveness of the baking soda will lift the stain without scratching it.
Baking soda and water will make a paste for cleaning grout lines. Put paste on the grout, wait 10-15 minutes, and scrub with an old toothbrush. To turbo charge your cleaning power, spray the grout with vinegar prior to scrubbing. Baking soda mixed with vinegar makes a fizzy reaction that dissolves dirt and grime.
For greasy surfaces, mix 1 part vinegar with two parts water and a couple of drops of lemon essential oil. The vinegar is acidic and the lemon oil has degreasing properties so this solution is good to use on stovetops, range hoods, and other grimy areas.
With these natural solutions, you can take on the most daunting of cleaning jobs sans harsh chemicals.
5. Eco Friendly Floor & Carpet Cleaning
Maintaining clean floors and carpets is a basic part of a healthy home. Fortunately, there are many environmentally friendly choices for these surfaces too.
For hard floors: Combine one cup vinegar with one gallon warm water. Add a drop or two of essential oil for scent. This is safe on most hard floors: tile, laminate, vinyl. But don’t use vinegar on waxed or unfinished wood floors (it will strip the finish).
For wood floors add one teaspoon of castile soap per gallon of warm water. Adding a few drops of essential oil is optional. Clean floors with a damp mop, avoiding getting the wood overly wet.
For carpets sprinkle baking soda all over and leave for a minimum of 15 minutes. Remove baking soda, dirt and odors by vacuuming thoroughly. Combine equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle for spot cleaning. Mist the stain with the solution; blot with a clean cloth; and repeat until the stain disappears.
Using such eco friendly solutions helps you to keep your floor or carpets clean and fresh without harming the environment.
6. Green Cleaning for Windows & Mirrors
Streak-free windows and mirrors are a sign of a clean home and you don’t need chemically-laden products to get them. A simple, green solution can just as easily work.
Make a window & mirror cleaner: in a spray bottle, mix one part vinegar to four parts water. Add some essential oil for scent. Just spray this solution on the glass and wipe with a microfiber cloth or even crumpled newspaper for streak-free shine.
Add a teaspoon of cornstarch to the solution for added cleaning power. Cornstarch absorbs dirt and grime so your windows and mirrors are clean.
You can have sparkling windows and mirrors without bringing toxic chemicals into your home using this earth-friendly solution.
Conclusion
Change your cleaning solutions to natural cleaning solutions for a healthier home & a sustainable future. You can clean any surface in your house with natural ingredients like vinegar, baking soda and essential oils without causing injury to the environment or your overall health.
All-purpose cleaners to tough stains, floors and windows – there are endless possibilities for natural cleaning. Making your own cleaning products saves money, reduces plastic waste and lowers your exposure to risky chemicals.
So next time you grab a cleaner, make your own. Using the tips and recipes contained in this guide to make your house greener & cleaner.
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