Spring into green as the warmer weather approaches by making the switch to non-toxic household cleaners. Most commercially prepared cleaners contain toxic compounds, which are unhealthy, unnecessary to provide effective cleaning, and are potentially dangerous. Natural cleaners can be just as effective as their commercial counterparts, are simple to make, and contain commonly-used inexpensive household ingredients. Householders can go easier on the environment, and their pocketbooks, by incorporating the following toxic-free cleaning methods into their annual spring cleaning regime.
Baking Soda, Vinegar and Lemon Juice
The three main ingredients used to create non-toxic household cleaners are baking soda, vinegar and lemon juice. Simple and effective, these simple ingredients can be combined to clean the entire house.
- Baking soda: When made into a paste, baking soda makes an effective dirt-removing scrub. As well, baking soda has the capacity to absorb and eliminate odors.
- Vinegar and Lemon Juice: The high acid level of vinegar and lemon juice helps to kill mold, bacteria and other germs. Adding lemon juice to the vinegar gives it a fresher, more pleasant scent.
Non-Toxic Cleaning Recipes
All-Purpose Spray Cleaner
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- A dab of liquid soap
- 2 cups hot tap water
- Combine the ingredients in a spray bottle and shake until the baking soda has dissolved. Apply and wipe off with a sponge or rag.
- 1/2 cup baking soda
- Liquid soap
- Pour about 1/2 cup of baking soda into a bowl, and add enough liquid detergent to make a frosting-like texture.
- Scoop the mixture onto a sponge, and wash the surface. This cleanser is non-gritty, rinses easily, and is perfect for cleaning sinks and tubs.
- 1/4-1/2 teaspoon liquid soap
- 3 tablespoons vinegar
- 2 cups water
- Spray bottle
- Put all the ingredients into a spray bottle and shake. The soap in this recipe cuts down on wax residue, commonly found in commercial window and glass cleaners.
- 1/4 cup white vinegar
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tsp lemon juice
- Spray bottle
- Combine the ingredients in a spray bottle and shake.
- Spray onto wood surfaces and wipe dry.
- 1 cup or more baking soda
- Water
- A squirt or two of liquid soap
- Sprinkle water generously over the bottom of the oven and cover the grime with baking soda until the surface is completely white.
- Sprinkle some more water over the top and let the mixture set overnight. The grease will wipe off easily the next morning as the grime will have loosened.
- After most of the grime is removed, dab a bit of liquid detergent onto a sponge and wash the remaining residue from the oven.
- 1/4 cup baking soda
- 1/4 cup white vinegar
- Sprinkle baking soda into the toilet bowl and add vinegar. Let sit for a couple of minutes before cleaning with a toilet brush.
- 1/2 cup baking soda
- 1 cup white vinegar
- Boiling water
- Pour baking soda down the drain and follow with vinegar.
- Cover the drain and wait 10 minutes.
- Pour boiling water down the drain to clear.
A spray bottle filled with straight vinegar is a good item to keep handy. Vinegar is a great countertop deodorizer and mold killer. Vinegar can also be sprayed directly onto cutting boards and left overnight to deodorize and kill germs. Straight vinegar also works well for cleaning the toilet rim: just spray it on and wipe off.
Properly Label Natural Cleaning Kits
Remember that even though these recipes are derived from natural ingredients and are generally safe, if made in large quantities each container/bottle should be correctly labeled and stored in a safe place.
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