How I Clean My Home Without Harsh Chemicals
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Hi Friends!
Your cleaning products are probably making you feel like shit, and nobody talks about it because Febreze has great marketing. Indoor air is 2-3x more polluted than outdoor air, and a big chunk of that is the stuff you're spraying on your counters three times a day thinking you're doing the right thing.
Some of what I'm sharing is DIY, some of it you can grab on Amazon or at Target. Either way, it's easy, and they work.
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Okay, let's do this.
Mostly Natural Products I Actually Use
Baking Soda
I use this for basically everything. If something needs scrubbing, this is what I grab.
Washing Soda
I don’t use this nearly as much, but when something feels like it has that weird layer on it that won’t go away, this works better than baking soda.
The pH is 11, which basically means it's strong enough to cut through grease and stains that baking soda won't touch. Just wear gloves because it will irritate your skin, and keep it away from kids.
Distilled White Vinegar
I use this all the time too. I avoided it for a while because of the smell, but once it dries it’s fine and everything actually feels clean after. I usually dilute it a little so it’s not too strong, but this is probably the other thing I use the most. It's also strong enough to kill bacteria.
White distilled vinegar is the best for cleaning because it doesn't contain a coloring agent and won't stain surfaces.
Just don’t use it to clean your pearls! They will disintegrate!! (I just saw someone’s mom on Twitter ruined her great-grandmother’s antique pearl necklace!!!)
Lemon Juice
I don’t use this for everything, but I do end up using it more than I thought I would. It’s mostly when something smells a little off, or I just want things to feel fresher after I’ve already cleaned. It cuts that weird leftover smell in a way nothing else really does, especially in the kitchen. The citric acid in lemons is antibacterial and antiseptic, which means lemons can kill bacteria, remove mold and mildew, and even remove rust.
Essential Oils
I know essential oils got a bad reputation, and honestly, that's fair. There were a lot of years where somebody's aunt was trying to cure strep throat with a diffuser. But tea tree oil actually does something. It's antimicrobial, so when your bathroom has that smell where you cleaned it but something still feels off, a few drops of tea tree takes care of it. Just go easy because a little really does go a long way. For more on essential oils, read: Essential Oil Cheat Sheet: Tips, Benefits & Safe Picks for Cats
Natural Liquid Soap
This is just dish soap. I use it the same way everyone does, but I’ll also use a little of it with warm water for things like counters or the sink if I don’t feel like pulling anything else out. It’s nothing complicated, it just works, and I always have it on hand.
Safety Precautions
Label your containers with the ingredients and recipes so you don't have to look them up every time you have to refill them. This also makes it safer when children are around, so you know what's inside.
Room-by-Room Cleaning Guide
Kitchen
For stainless steel fridges, use a non-toxic all-purpose cleaner like Branch Basics' Concentrate, diluted with distilled water (no streaks!). If it's too concentrated, try their Streak-Free Bottle with a microfiber cloth. You can use the Streak-Free or All-Purpose Bottle for other finishes.
Painted cabinets can typically be cleaned with non-toxic all-purpose cleaners, but test a small area first since all paints are different. For stained and clear-sealed cabinets, dilute 2 tablespoons of Branch Basics Concentrate per gallon of water or ¾ teaspoon per 2 cups. Lightly wipe with a damp microfiber cloth, then follow with a dry cloth.
Clean the cabinet tops and drawers with a HEPA vacuum to remove dust, pet hair, etc. Wipe down cutlery organizers with all-purpose cleaners or wash them like dishes with 1 teaspoon of Branch Basics' Concentrate in a sink of hot water.
For the stove/oven, use the Branch Basics' All-Purpose or Bathroom Bottle, depending on the mess size. Spray, give it time for cooked-on spills, and use baking soda if extra soaking is needed. Soak implements, grates, gas burners, etc., in 1 teaspoon Concentrate and hot water to loosen grime.
Dust the range hood first, then spray all-purpose cleaner liberally. Let it sit for 5 minutes to break down grease and grime, then wipe clean with a microfiber cloth. For filters, remove and wash metal ones in warm water and 1 teaspoon Concentrate (some are dishwasher safe). Charcoal filters can't be washed but can be dusted or vacuumed.
For pots and pans with burnt bits, spray with Concentrate, sprinkle baking soda around the burnt areas, fill with warm water, and let soak for at least 15 minutes (or overnight). Scrub and rinse away!
To clean floors, fill a spray bottle with 2 cups of water and ¾ teaspoon Concentrate. Spray and mop clean, or use a microfiber spray mop. I also like to add a bit of lemon essential oil here.
Bathroom
For bathroom tile and tub stains, spray with bathroom cleaner and let it sit for 5-15 minutes before rinsing. If the stain is still there, repeat and add a sprinkle of baking soda, letting it sit for up to 30 minutes before rinsing.
To clean toilets, mix ½ cup of vinegar with 1 tablespoon of baking soda. Pour the mixture around the bowl's inside and let it sit for 20-30 minutes before scrubbing.
Mix vinegar with a small amount of water in a spray bottle for sinks and bathtubs. Spray, let it work for 20-30 minutes, then scrub with a cloth or brush to remove grime and mold, or, cut a lemon in half, wipe it around the tub or sink, sprinkle it with salt as an abrasive for round two, and then wipe it away with a damp cloth.
For a multi-purpose spray, combine the juice of one lemon, one cup of vinegar, and one cup of water in a spray bottle. Spray on stubborn dirt and let it sit before wiping.
To unclog drains, pour ¾ cup baking soda and ½ cup vinegar. Plug the drain and let the fizzing mixture work for 30 minutes before flushing with boiling water.
Wash shower curtains in the machine with detergent and a cup of vinegar. To prevent mold, make sure you have good ventilation, and let the curtain dry after use. Mop floors by dissolving 1 cup of baking soda in a bucket of warm water with a squeeze of lemon if you don’t have Branch Basics.
Living Room
Start by grabbing a basket and clearing out anything that doesn’t belong: dirty cups, receipts, socks, remotes, whatever. A clutter-free space instantly feels calmer. Then spray all surfaces with a simple mix of half white vinegar and half water (add a few drops of lemon essential oil if you want it to smell like you have your life together). Wipe down your coffee table, shelves, baseboards, picture frames, remotes, and lamps.
Now handle the couch. Vacuum under the cushions and in all the crumb traps. Sprinkle baking soda, wait 15 minutes, then vacuum again. Spot clean stains with warm water and a drop of dish soap. For leather, just wipe with water and a little castile soap. Wash your throw blankets and pillow covers in detergent, and ditch dryer sheets. Use vinegar in the rinse cycle instead.
Clean your mirrors and windows with vinegar and water, then wipe them with a microfiber cloth. It makes the room look brighter and way less dingy without that gross film most glass cleaners leave behind. Vacuum your rug slowly (bonus: sprinkle on baking soda first), then mop your hard floors.
For air freshening, skip the candles and sprays. Simmer lemon slices and cinnamon on the stove or mix up a DIY spray with water, vanilla, and a few drops of essential oil. It smells like “expensive and clean” instead of “toxic and trying too hard.” Clean this room weekly, and you’ll actually want to hang out in it again.
Bedroom
Vacuum mattresses first, then spot-clean stains with a spray bottle containing equal parts white vinegar and water.
To refresh pillows, put them in the dryer on air fluff with a couple of wool dryer balls and a few drops of essential oil like lavender for 10-15 minutes.
For upholstery, make a dry cleaning solution by mixing 1 cup warm water, ¼ cup distilled white vinegar, and 1 tsp liquid dish soap or Castile soap. Lightly mist the solution onto the fabric, then wipe away dirt and stains with a microfiber cloth.
Dealing with Stubborn Stains
When I get stains that don't respond to the methods above, I'll use stronger products that still contain natural ingredients. My favorite is Dr. Bronner's Sal Suds, which gets an "A" from the Environmental Working Group and is an excellent all-purpose natural cleaner. Be sure to use Sal Suds, NOT castile soap, which won't work the same.
It can be used directly on really tough stains in a pinch, though I prefer to make a natural stain spray:
1 cup warm water
1/4 cup white vinegar
1 tsp Sal Suds
Spray on stains before laundering to help remove even tough stains. Add 1 tablespoon of Sal Suds to a load of laundry as a natural stain-removing booster.
White vinegar is also a staple for stain removal. The acetic acid in white vinegar dissolves stains and neutralizes odors. Mix equal parts white vinegar and water, apply to the stain, blot gently, and launder as usual. Avoid using it on items that have elastic, such as exercise wear, as the acid can break down the material over time.
Handling Mold and Mildew
Mold is a common problem, especially in humid areas with limited airflow like bathrooms and basements. It can grow on almost any surface, like plastic, tiles, wallboard, cloth, and ceilings. Natural mold killers include hydrogen peroxide, white vinegar, baking soda, tea tree oil, and lemons. Their acidic, antibacterial, and antifungal properties make them effective and safe options.
The tools needed depend on the project size. Larger areas may need plastic sheets or drop cloths to prevent spreading. A dehumidifier can help, too. For smaller projects, you'll need brushes (metal for wood, soft for fabrics), a spray bottle, and potentially replacement materials if mold has penetrated deeply.
Vinegar can safely be used with hydrogen peroxide, salt, and lemon juice, but never mix with bleach, it creates toxic fumes. Baking soda is milder but absorbs odors to prevent a recurrence. Hydrogen peroxide (3%) can be sprayed and wiped off after 15 minutes. Lemon juice requires scrubbing immediately after applying.
Tea tree oil and grapefruit seed extract are also effective, environmentally friendly options. However, one clue that professional remediation may be needed is if the area is larger than 10x10 feet, the mold is rooted deeply into materials, or it's an intense type like black mold.
Black mold (Stachybotrys) releases mycotoxins that can cause respiratory issues and even poisoning. Green molds like Aspergillus and Penicillium aren't as harmful to healthy people, but can still cause infections. Pink mold/bacteria can also lead to respiratory and urinary tract infections.
Mold exposure can worsen respiratory problems, allergies, and asthma. Keep humidity below 50% by repairing leaks and use dehumidifiers to prevent ideal mold conditions.
General Maintenance Tips
Hydrogen peroxide works wonders on tough carpet stains, but do a patch test first. To freshen carpets, heavily sprinkle baking soda and let it sit for hours before vacuuming.
For stinky drains, pour some warm vinegar down and let sit for 30 minutes before flushing with hot water. You can also run citrus peels through the garbage disposal.
This is an optional add-on from Branch Basics, but I HIGHLY recommend their "oxygen boost" powder for deep cleaning tough spots. It's a non-toxic powder you can sprinkle wherever, let it sit in sinks, use on showers, rub into carpet stains, etc. This magical cleaner supercharges your cleaning power.
If you have pets or kids or are spill-prone, you need a Bissell Little Green machine that removes spills without toxic carpet cleaners. I spilled red wine on our couch, and this gadget got it out!
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FAQs
1. What are the safest natural ingredients for cleaning around kids and pets? Stick to gentle ingredients like baking soda, distilled white vinegar, lemon juice, and mild liquid castile soap. Avoid harsher chemicals like washing soda or borax without proper precautions because they can irritate sensitive skin and eyes. Plus, always label your bottles to keep things safe!
2. How can I make my homemade cleaner smell fresh without synthetic fragrances? Essential oils like lemon, tea tree, lavender, and eucalyptus are your best friends here. They bring natural antibacterial properties plus a mood-boosting scent without the harsh chemicals that mess with your health or air quality. Just a few drops mixed into your cleaner will make your home smell amazing and clean.
3. Can vinegar really kill germs and bacteria effectively?
Yes! Distilled white vinegar has about 5% acidity, enough to dissolve grease, grime, and kill many bacteria. It’s a powerhouse in natural cleaning and a great alternative to chemical-laden sprays. Just avoid using it on natural stone surfaces like marble or granite to prevent damage.
4. What’s the difference between baking soda and washing soda for cleaning?
Baking soda is a mild abrasive that’s great for scrubbing and deodorizing, but it can scratch delicate surfaces. Washing soda is much stronger and highly alkaline, perfect for heavy-duty grease and stain removal, but it needs careful handling because it can irritate skin and eyes. Gloves are a must when working with washing soda.
5. How do I safely use borax in my cleaning routine?
Borax is a natural mineral that works great as a disinfectant and stain remover, but can cause health issues if mishandled. Always dissolve it in hot water before use, avoid direct contact with skin by wearing gloves, keep it away from kids and pets, and rinse surfaces thoroughly after cleaning to keep it safe.
