Many of the cleaning products that you may currently use to clean your home could be filled with harsh chemicals. Bleach and ammonia are commonly used in products to clean floors, tile, counters and other surfaces, but they can have unpleasant and even dangerous effects on people and pets.
Thankfully, there are several natural cleaning products that are effective and won’t cause harm to you and your loved one.
Why Switch to Natural Cleaning Alternatives?
Many of the chemicals found in store-bought cleaning products have a significant impact on your health when they come in contact with your skin or eyes. They also emit fumes that can be detrimental to your health when inhaled.
Exposure can result in red and painful eyes, skin irritation, nausea, headaches, breathing difficulties and more. In the event the chemicals are consumed, there may be long-term or fatal consequences.
The Best Natural Cleaning Products for Your Home
When cleaning your home, you can toss out products that contain harmful chemicals and try some of these natural alternatives instead.
Vinegar: A Natural Disinfectant
Vinegar is made naturally through the fermentation process, and it is comprised of acetic acid. This acid tackles grease and many types of tough stains. It is also an effective disinfectant that eliminates many types of germs. In addition, it can fight unpleasant odors and leave glass and mirrors streak-free.
While vinegar is safe for use on many surfaces, its acidic nature can damage some materials. For example, it can cause etching of natural stone, such as marble, granite and others. Do research before using it on a new surface for the first time. In addition, test a concealed area of the surface for damage before applying it over a large, visible area.
Baking Soda: The Ultimate Deodorizer & Scrubber
Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, is a fine powder with both lightening and deodorizing properties. As a mild abrasive, it is an excellent option for scrubbing grout, tile and other dirty surfaces. Because it fights odors, it can be used on everything from the garbage disposal and trash cans to carpeting and appliances.
Because baking soda is a base and vinegar is an acid, these two natural cleaning products produce a chemical reaction when they come in contact with each other. This reaction creates energy that boosts cleaning power.
Lemon: A Natural Degreaser & Freshener
Like vinegar, lemon is an acid that cuts through grease. It is effective at fighting grease stains, cleaning greasy dishes and tackling other messy tasks. Because many people associate a lemony scent with freshness and cleanliness, some people add lemon juice to vinegar when cleaning.
Another common way to clean with a lemon is to run lemon peels through the garbage disposal to clean and deodorize it.
Castile Soap: A Gentle but Powerful Cleaner
Castile soap is derived from plant oils, including those from sunflower seeds, hemp seeds, jojoba, olives and coconuts. While many people use castile soap to wash their hands, hair and body, this natural soap is also a good option to use as a general-purpose household cleaner.
It is also preferred for washing clothes, makeup brushes and more. As a general-purpose cleaner, castile soap can be used on floors, countertops, glass, toilets and other dirty surfaces.
Essential Oils: Antibacterial & Antifungal Cleaning Boosters
Essential oils are highly concentrated extractions from a wide range of seeds, leaves, flowers and other plant components. They are commonly used around the house because of their aromatic properties, and many have health benefits and are excellent cleaning agents. Essential oils can cause irritation, so they should be diluted.
Common essential oils used for cleaning are peppermint, eucalyptus, lemon and other citruses, lavender, melaleuca and others. Each oil has unique properties. For example, peppermint is a natural disinfectant that is used as an antibacterial and antifungal cleaner. Lemon is known to reduce bacteria and improve odors.
Hydrogen Peroxide: A Safe & Effective Disinfectant
Hydrogen peroxide, which is normally found in the first aid section in local stores, is an oxidizing agent. Its antiseptic properties are excellent at cleaning wounds, and hydrogen peroxide can be used to disinfect many areas around the house as well.
In addition, hydrogen peroxide has mild bleaching properties, which make it great for tackling dirty grout and other stained areas. Often, hydrogen peroxide is combined with baking soda for these purposes.
Cornstarch: A Natural Glass & Fabric Cleaner
Cornstarch is a kitchen staple and is used as a thickening agent in soups and gravies. It also is used to improve the texture of baked goods. Around the house, cornstarch is used as a mild abrasive and as a grease fighter.
When applied on greasy surfaces like upholstery, clothes and carpet, it absorbs grease. In some cases, simply applying cornstarch to the area and letting it sit for a few minutes is enough to lift a grease stain.
You can also use cornstarch to clean windows and enjoy a streak-free shine. Simply add a small amount of cornstarch in a bottle filled with diluted vinegar. Spray the liquid on windows or glass, and wipe clean with a microfiber cloth.
You don’t have to do the cleaning yourself to benefit from natural cleaning solutions. At Tidyhere, our maids use safe, effective and natural products to give our customers a truly healthy living space. Contact us today to learn more about our natural cleaning processes and to schedule service for your home.
