All-Natural Homemade Cleaning Products
By Noreen Music | Organizing Tips
All-Natural Homemade Cleaning Products
Toxic chemicals are all around us from toiletries and cosmetics, pesticides on our food and the store bought household cleaners we use in our homes every day.
The average home contains an average of 62 toxic substances - many of which have been linked to asthma, cancer, reproductive disorders, hormone disruption and neurotoxicity.
The good news is there is a lot we can do to limit our exposure to these chemicals. One great idea is to make your own all-natural homemade cleaning products.
Not only will your home be safer but you will spend a lot less money on your day to day cleaning products.
It takes a bit of time and effort to make these all-natural homemade cleaning products but the results are well worth it!
Some of the Toxic Ingredients in Cleaning Chemicals
Chlorine Bleach
Bleach fumes can contain chlorine and chloroform, which have been linked to respiratory and neurological effects and cancer. Bleach is very reactive and can form other dangerous gases when it comes in contact with ammonia or acids such as vinegar.
Formaldehyde
Used as a preservative, formaldehyde is a known carcinogen.
Ammonia
Ammonia is a respiratory and skin irritant.
Fragrance
This commonly found ingredient listed as “fragrance” may contain hundreds of various chemical compounds, including phthalates, an endocrine disruptor. Fragrances may also trigger asthma and allergies.
Safe All-Natural Cleaning Ingredients
Many of the cleaning tasks in your home can be handled with these safe, all-natural and easy to find ingredients - many of them you have in your home right now!
We have listed the most popular all-natural and non-toxic ingredients you can use alone or in combination together.
Baking Soda
Baking soda cleans, deodorizes, softens water and gently scours.
Lemons
One of the strongest food acids, lemon juice works great against most household bacteria.
Salt
Use salt to clean cast iron or combined with lime to remove rust.
White Vinegar
White vinegar can be used to not only cut grease but remove mildew, odours and some stains.
When to Skip Vinegar: Never use vinegar solutions on stone surfaces such as granite or marble, cast iron, aluminum, or waxed surfaces. The acid in the vinegar can etch, pit, and strip finishes or otherwise damage these surfaces.
Cornstarch
Use cornstarch to clean windows and deep clean carpets.
Castile Soap
It is available in liquid or bar form and helps rinse dirt away. It's made with olive oil or a vegetable base and is available unscented or scented.
Hydrogen Peroxide
A disinfectant normally used for cuts, hydrogen peroxide can also be used for disinfecting in the kitchen or bathroom. It has a mild bleaching effect which helps to remove stains on fabrics and grout.
Hint: You can also use hydrogen peroxide to disinfect your toothbrush.
Easy Recipes for All-Natural Homemade Cleaning Products
General All-Purpose Cleaner
Mix 1/4 cup white vinegar, 1 tbsp baking soda and 10 drops of your favourite essential oil into 1 litre warm water in a clean, glass spray bottle. Use for removal of hard water stains and disinfecting showers, chrome fixtures, kitchen surfaces.
Dish Soap
Mix 3 tbsp liquid Castile soap, 2 cups warm water, 2 tsp glycerine, 2 tbsp white vinegar and 10 drops of your favourite essential oil.
Bathroom Mold Deterrent
Mix one part hydrogen peroxide with two parts water in a clean, glass spray bottle and spray on areas with mold. Wait at least one hour before rinsing or using the shower.
Ceramic or Glass Stovetop Cleaner
For stuck on food, wet the area with hot soapy water and sprinkle with baking soda. Cover with a damp towel and allow to stand for half an hour before wiping with a clean damp cloth.
Chopping Block Cleaner
Rub a 1/2 lemon across a chopping block to disinfect the surface.
Marks on Walls and Painted Surfaces
Fingerprints, crayon or marker spots can be cleaned from painted surfaces with baking soda applied to a damp sponge. Rub gently, before wiping clean.
Mold and Mildew
Use white vinegar or lemon juice full strength.
Toilet Bowl Cleaner
Mix 1/4 cup baking soda, 1 cup white vinegar and 10 drops of your favourite essential oil, pour into toilet bowl and let it sit for a few minutes. Scrub with a toilet brush and rinse.
Tub and Tile Cleaner
Rub in baking soda with a damp sponge and rinse with fresh water.
Window Cleaner
For a streak free and easy to use window cleaner, mix 1/4 cup white vinegar, 1 tbsp cornstarch, 2 cups of warm water in a clean, glass spray bottle.
NOTE: All homemade cleaning products should be labeled with the full list of ingredients, how to use and what to do if swallowed, skin becomes irritated after contact or accidentally splashed in the eyes.
Healthy Home Cleaning Routines
Minimize Dust
- Declutter as clutter makes it more difficult to dust your home properly.
- Keep your shoes at the door on a washable mat.
- Keep humidity low and vacuum regularly.
- Wash bedding weekly in hot water.
Keep Your Kitchen & Bathrooms Clean
- Wash and disinfect your kitchen sink daily as e-coli is commonly found lurking there.
- Clean and disinfect kitchen counter tops daily to keep germs and crumbs at bay.
- Wipe down bathroom mirrors, sinks and countertops daily.
- Clean and disinfect bathroom shower stalls, bathtubs, sinks and toilets weekly.
Clean From the Top Down
- When cleaning, do the floor or carpet last.
- Clean light fixtures, windows, blinds and shelves first and then work downwards.
- Allow time for the dust to settle before vacuuming.
Clean As You Go
- Make your bed every morning.
- Deal with paperwork and mail on a daily basis.
- Clean up as you cook.
- Tidy up at the end of the day - fold the living room blankets, do the dinner dishes, have the kids put their toys away.
- Fold and put laundry away immediately after it comes out of the dryer.
- Hang clothes up or put them in the laundry hamper as soon as you change your clothes.
Clean Up After Pets
- Keep your pet brushed to cut down on fur balls and vacuum often.
- Train them to go on only certain pieces of furniture.
- A blanket on the sofa for them to lie on is easier to clean regularly than a sofa cushion.
These are the all-natural homemade cleaning products and basic cleaning routines we recommend to keep your home beautifully clean and your family safe from the toxins in over the counter cleaning chemicals.
Leave us a comment below with your favourite homemade cleaning products!
For more helpful DIY suggestions, resources, and a Spring Cleaning Checklist check out our Do it Yourself page.
Find your freedom.
Live your life.
Noreen