Whether you are trying to shield the environment or just your children or pets, finding different ways to clean your home naturally and organically is extremely important. The truth is that the types of cleaning agents available in the market today are full with harsh ingredients that can cause damage to the environment and can put your family at risk. From skin irritants to air pollutants that effect the upper respiratory system and elicit asthma attacks, the ingredients found in these cleaners can produce more harm than good. Fortunately, there are several options available for individuals who prefer to clean their living space naturally and organically. Here is a look at ten affordable alternatives that you can get some use out of right away.
Floor Cleaner
Most types of floors can be safely and effectively cleaned with the following combination:
- ¼ cup liquid castile soap
- ½ cup white vinegar or lemon juice
- 2 gallons of luke-warm water
Mix up all of these ingredients together in a small plastic container and wash with a soft sponge or a mop. The white vinegar destroys germs and bacteria while the lemon juice serves as a non-toxic bleach that is capable of removing stains and cut through grease. Liquid castile soap, which is plant-based rather than animal fat-based, is also a great disinfectant and grease-cutter.
Glass Cleaner
An eco-friendly glass cleaner can be made with nothing more than club soda in a spray bottle. Club soda can serve as both a stain remover and as a polisher. For a little extra oomph and a fresh scent, add 1 teaspoon of lemon juice to the concoction.
Wood Polish
You can give your wood furniture a lovely shine with just a little olive oil and an old soft sock. All you need to do is polish it in gently and enjoy in the shiny luster.
Carpet Cleaner
Carpet cleaning is easy with this environmentally friendly mix:
- ½ cup baking soda
- 1 cup borax
- 1 cup cornmeal
The baking soda helps to get rid of odors, while the cornmeal helps to clean up spills. Borax, on the other hand, is useful as an antifungal ingredient that helps to eliminate odors and getting rid of grime. When using this recipe, just dust it over the carpet floor and let it rest for a few hours before sweeping it up with a vacuum.
Carpet Stain Remover
If your carpet flooring has become stained, you can get rid of the stain marks with a mix of ¼ cup liquid castile soap and 1/3 cup water. Just mix the two ingredients in a food processor until the cocktail becomes frothy. Then, spread the mix over the effected area and allow it to settle for a few minutes before scouring the area with a soft brush. Club soda is also a useful stain remover for acidic stains, such as juice, wine or coffee.
Bathroom Cleaner
To clean bathroom areas requiring a soft scrub, mix ½ cup of baking soda with liquid castile soap until you get a soapy-like consistency is achieved. Add several drops of essential oils for a fresh, clean and pleasant scent. For spots that require a little more scouring power, baking soda or borax will be effective. For plumbing fixtures, all you need is a dab of club soda to get it to shine.
Toilet Cleaner
You’ve got several alternatives for getting your toilet clean in a safe, eco-friendly manner. You can pour a ¼ cup of vinegar into the toilet. Alternatively you can dust a tad of borax or baking soda inside the bowl. Allow your cleaner of choice to sit in the toilet bowl for at least a few minutes before scouring with a toilet brush.
All-Purpose Cleaner
For the bath room, kitchen and just about any other type of surface in your home, you can make universal eco-friendly cleaner by mixing 2 tablespoons and 1 tsp. of borax into a 16 oz. spray bottle. Fill the bottle with warm water and shake it until the borax has dissolved entirely. Then, add ¼ cup of liquid castile soap. 10-15 drops of the essential oil of your choosing will give your homemade all-purpose cleaner a crisp fresh scent.
Oven Cleaner
Even your oven can be cleaned with natural ingredients. First, cover the oven floor with a coating of baking soda. Then, spray the baking soda lightly with water. Continue to do so until you go to bed. Let your concoction to sit until morning before scouring it off.
Mold Remover
Mold can be eliminated with a mix of ½ cup white vinegar and one cup water or ½ cup hydrogen peroxide and one cup water. Hydrogen peroxide is a great alternative to bleach that is a very effective stain remover and disinfectant.
