Refresh Your Home: Non-Toxic Cleaning Tips
Hi Friends!
In today's world, it's no secret that indoor air can be 2-3 times more polluted than the great outdoors, thanks to harsh chemicals lurking in our cleaning products, furniture, and decor. But don't stress—switching to a natural, chemical-free lifestyle doesn't have to break the bank or happen overnight.
Over the next few sections, we'll explore easy ways to whip up your own fragrance-free, non-toxic cleaning solutions using simple ingredients you likely already have. You'll also get room-by-room tips for tackling every nook and cranny without harsh fumes, clever hacks for odor removal, laundry detergent, and more! Say goodbye to those conventional cleaners and hello to a healthy home as fresh as a daisy.
Natural Cleaning Ingredients and Their Benefits
Baking Soda
Baking soda is an economical and environmentally friendly cleaning option. It's a versatile cleaner that can tackle various cleaning tasks. However, it can be abrasive, so it's unsuitable for cleaning glass surfaces, flat stove tops, or finished wood furniture/floors. Avoid cleaning surfaces that may easily scratch, such as aluminum or marble. Baking soda can react with some materials like aluminum, causing discoloration.
Washing Soda
Washing soda, also known as sodium carbonate or soda ash, is a versatile substance with numerous applications in household cleaning. It's a natural, inexpensive, and powerful cleaner that can be used in various ways to maintain cleanliness and hygiene at home.
Washing soda is highly alkaline with a pH level of 11, meaning it can effectively neutralize acids. This makes it an excellent cleaning and laundry agent, as it can break down acidic grease and stains. Due to its high alkalinity, washing soda can irritate the skin and eyes, so it's recommended to wear gloves when handling it for cleaning and keep it out of reach of children.
Distilled White Vinegar
Vinegar is a powerful multipurpose cleaner you probably already have in the pantry. It's non-toxic and eco-friendly, making it the ultimate cleaning solution. Vinegar's acidic nature makes it dissolve mineral deposits, dirt, grease, and grime. 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. Distilled white vinegar has about 5% acidity, similar to the acidity level in many everyday multipurpose cleaners.
Lemon Juice
Lemon juice can be used as a natural cleaner due to its acidic properties, which can help break down grease and grime. The citric acid in lemons is antibacterial and antiseptic, which means lemons can kill bacteria, remove mold and mildew, and even remove rust if done correctly. Lemon juice is one of the best all-natural cleaners, practical, affordable, and eco-friendly for home cleaning.
Oils
Oils are ideal for low-toxic cleaning. Tea tree oil is best known for its cleansing properties. It can cleanse, clarify the skin and nails, and support a healthy-looking complexion. Lemon essential oil is a natural cleaner with a lovely crisp smell. Eucalyptus essential oil contains substances that kill bacteria and may also kill some viruses and fungi. Its antibacterial and antiseptic properties make it great for non-toxic cleaning.
Natural Liquid Soap
Eco-friendly dishwashing liquid champions natural and biodegradable ingredients, drastically reducing our exposure to harmful chemicals. Using nontoxic dishwashing soap ensures our skin isn't absorbing unwanted chemicals, making for a safer cleaning experience and reducing the risk of allergic reactions or skin irritations common with harsh chemical cleaners.
Borax
Borax is a natural mineral mined from the Earth, commonly found as a white powder. It's characterized as a good emulsifier, preservative, and buffering agent. It's also known for being a great disinfectant, removing stains, whitening clothes, and neutralizing hard water. However, exposure to borax in any form has been associated with reproductive issues, endocrine disruption, and developmental issues. Limiting exposure and using it safely by following precautions like wearing protective gear and keeping the area well-ventilated is essential.
Essential Oils
Essential oils are a great way to add a touch of aromatherapy to your cleaning routine, refresh and revive your rooms, and boost your mood during the process. Lemon essential oil is antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal, making it a great all-purpose cleaner with a fresh scent. Tea tree essential oil is antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal, with a strong, woodsy scent that can help kill germs and freshen up your home. Lavender essential oil is soothing and relaxing, creating a calm atmosphere.
Tips for Creating Homemade Non-Toxic Cleaners
Gathering Supplies
Making your own cleaning supplies at home is very easy, and there are many benefits—it saves a ton of money. The non-toxic ingredients I suggest will also benefit the environment, save your health, and make your home much safer, especially for children and pets.
You'll Need:
A shaker container (like an empty parmesan cheese container or a large spice container like minced onion or oregano)
8 oz and 16 oz. Spray Bottles (Hardware stores like True Value, Ace, Home Depot, and Lowe's, and there's always Amazon sell ones of excellent quality, which is essential so your hand doesn't tire as you squirt, and so they last a long time)
Squirt Bottles (I use old shampoo and conditioner bottles)
Mixing Solutions
Here are some of the key non-toxic ingredients you'll need to make your own cleaners:
Baking Soda
Super Washing Soda
White Distilled Vinegar 5% Acidity
Liquid Castile Soap (I use Dr. Bronner's) or an all-natural liquid dishwashing soap
Essential Oils with Antibacterial and Antiseptic properties like Tea Tree Oil, Lavender, Lemon, Sweet Orange, or blended oils like Thieves
Safety Precautions
Borax is a naturally occurring compound mined directly from the ground. It can be harmful if ingested, but it is still green and doesn't harm the environment or groundwater. I suggest keeping your cleaning products that contain Borax out of the reach of children. If you use a cleaner containing Borax on countertops or food preparation surfaces, wipe them clean afterward with a wet washcloth, then rinse them clean.
It's also important to dissolve borax in hot water before adding the remaining cleaning ingredients.
Using Spray Bottles
It helps to label your containers with the ingredients and recipes so you don't have to look them up every time you have to refill them. Many of my recipes contain free printable labels, so you'll never have to look them up again! This also makes it safer when children are around, so you know what's inside.
Room-by-Room Non-Toxic Cleaning Guide
Kitchen
For stainless steel refrigerators, use a non-toxic all-purpose cleaner like Branch Basics' the Concentrate, diluted with distilled water (no streaks!). If it's too concentrated, try their Streak-Free Bottle with a microfiber cloth. Depending on how soiled the area is, you can use the Streak-Free or All-Purpose Bottle for other finishes.
To clean the top of your fridge:
Use a HEPA vacuum and wipe down with an all-purpose cleaner.
Clean the shelves, walls, and crispers with the all-purpose cleaner.
For stuck-on food, allow a 3-5 minute dwell time and add some Oxygen Boost for gentle abrasion.
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.
First, pull everything out and HEPA vacuum, spraying down with all-purpose cleaners if needed. Clean the cabinet tops and drawers with a HEPA vacuum to remove dust, pet hair, etc. Remember to wipe down cutlery organizers with all-purpose cleaners or wash them like dishes with 1 teaspoon Concentrate in a sink of hot water.
For the stove/oven, use the All-Purpose or Bathroom Bottle, depending on the mess size. Spray, allow dwell time for cooked-on spills and use Oxygen Boost 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 dwell 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 Oxygen Boost 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 water and ¾ teaspoon Concentrate. Spray and mop clean, or use a microfiber spray mop.
Bathroom
For bathroom tile and tub stains, spray with the Bathroom Bottle and let it dwell for 5-15 minutes before rinsing. If the stain persists, repeat and add a sprinkle of Oxygen Boost, letting it dwell for up to 30 minutes before rinsing.
To clean toilets, mix ½ cup vinegar with 1 tablespoon 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. Alternatively, cut a lemon in half, wipe it around the tub or sink, sprinkle it with salt as an abrasive, 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 eco-friendly detergent and a cup of vinegar. To prevent mold, ensure 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.
Living Room
Always work top-to-bottom—dust the top surfaces first, then the back, front, and sides (in that order).
Clean inside and outside of appliances like TVs with Concentrate and a damp microfiber cloth.
For washing machines, spray the sides with Concentrate, add a scoop of Oxygen Boost, fill with water, and let it soak for a few hours (you can briefly blend before soaking).
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.
Troubleshooting and Practical Tips
Dealing with Stubborn Stains
When I encounter 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. I'll also add my homemade OxiClean to really dirty loads.
White vinegar is also a pantry 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. It's a non-toxic, homemade stain remover staple in DIY natural cleaners. Avoid using it on items that have elastic, such as exercise wear, as the acid can break down the material over time.
Eliminating Odors
Try these DIY odor eliminators and home fragrance recipes for a fresh-smelling space:
Freshen up rooms with the clean scent of lemon and basil. Boil water, add dried basil, let steep, then use as a room spray.
Make a homemade carpet deodorizer by mixing baking soda, cornstarch, and essential oils. Sprinkle on carpets and vacuum later.
Simmer orange slices, cloves, and cinnamon sticks in water on the stove for a warm, inviting aroma.
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 - plastics, tiles, wallboard, cloth, and ceilings. Depending on the size and severity, mold can often be cleaned up as a DIY project using non-toxic solutions and proper precautions.
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 as 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 rarely causes serious health issues but can worsen respiratory problems, allergies, and asthma. Keeping humidity below 50% by repairing leaks and dehumidifiers prevents ideal mold conditions.
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.
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.
The best natural oven cleaner I've found is Shaklee's Scour Off, though a homemade soft scrub with baking soda works, too, with some elbow grease.
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 spot-cleaning machine that removes spills without toxic carpet cleaners. I spilled red wine on our couch, and this gadget got it out! I use the Branch Basics solution and oxygen boost on the stain first, then suction it out completely.
Lessons LEarned
Creating a healthy, non-toxic home doesn't have to be a daunting task. By embracing natural, fragrance-free cleaning methods, you can maintain a fresh and inviting living space without compromising your well-being or the environment. The tips and recipes in this article offer a starting point for your chemical-free cleaning journey, empowering you to take control of the products you introduce into your home. Sign up for my free monthly newsletter!
Remember, transitioning to a non-toxic lifestyle is a gradual process and every small step counts. Celebrate your progress, experiment with different natural ingredients, and find the best solutions for your household. With creativity and a commitment to a healthier lifestyle, you can create a truly refreshing and rejuvenating home environment.
FAQs
What are some methods to clean my home using non-toxic products?
To clean your home without harsh chemicals, you can assemble a natural cleaning toolkit that includes white vinegar, baking soda, and borax. Adding citrus fruits and essential oils like tea tree oil can enhance the cleaning power and provide a pleasant scent. Use microfiber cloths or repurposed cotton T-shirts instead of paper towels to reduce waste. Remember to have empty spray bottles handy for your homemade solutions.
What habits contribute to maintaining a consistently clean home?
People who keep their homes exceptionally clean often follow these habits:
Make the bed daily.
Clean as you go to avoid accumulating mess.
Regularly wipe down surfaces.
Handle laundry daily.
Organize and categorize paper items.
Frequently donate items you no longer need.
Clean your refrigerator weekly.
Clean up immediately after cooking.
What is the recommended sequence for cleaning a house effectively?
A systematic approach to cleaning your house can include the following steps:
Declutter first to minimize the items you need to clean around.
Begin by dusting from the top of the room and work your way down, then damp-wipe surfaces.
Vacuum the floors and furniture.
Sweep and mop the floors.
Tidy up the kitchen, including wiping down appliances and counters.
Thoroughly clean the bathroom, making fixtures shine.
Refresh the bedroom by changing linens and tidying up.
Finish with cleaning the living room, focusing on common areas.
How can I ensure my house always feels clean?
To maintain a consistently clean feel in your home, try these strategies:
Focus on keeping common areas tidy.
Decorate with plants to add freshness and life.
Make your bed every morning to instantly neaten your bedroom.
Adopt the habit of always carrying something that belongs elsewhere and put it back in its place.
Use a feather duster on surfaces as you pass by to quickly remove dust.
Place two welcome mats at your entrance—one outside and one inside—to reduce dirt from shoes.
Regularly maintain high-traffic areas of your carpet to keep them looking fresh.
