Non-Toxic Cleaning? Say Less. Here’s How to Refresh Your Space Without the Crap
We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we love. Promise.
Hi Friends!
You’re not crazy…your house might be making you feel worse. Headaches out of nowhere? Constantly tired? Weird allergies? Blame it on the chemicals hiding in your everyday cleaning products. The truth? Most of our homes are low-key toxic AF. And yeah, the air inside is often 2-3x more polluted than outside. But don’t panic. You don’t need to toss everything and start a crunchy homestead. I’m breaking down simple, non-toxic swaps that work and won’t make you feel like you need a PhD in chemistry or a second mortgage. Let’s detox your space one step at a time. And if you whip up any of these cleaners, drop a pic on Insta and tag me @Chronically_Chic_!
Oh, and don’t forget to sign up for my newsletter where I drop fresh tips, tricks, and product recs you won’t want to miss. You in?
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.
Essential 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. For more on essential oils, read: Essential Oil Cheat Sheet: Tips, Benefits & Safe Picks for Cats
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.
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/or 16 oz. Spray Bottles
Squirt Bottles (I use old shampoo and conditioner bottles)
Here are some of the key non-toxic ingredients you'll need to make your cleaners:
Baking Soda
Super Washing Soda
White Distilled Vinegar 5% Acidity
Liquid Castile Soap 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
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 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. 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 baking soda 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 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 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 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.
Bathroom
For bathroom tile and tub stains, spray with bathroom cleaner and let it sit for 5-15 minutes before rinsing. If the stain persists, repeat and add a sprinkle of baking soda, letting it sit 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
LIVING ROOM
This is where you relax, snack, scroll, host, and accidentally fall asleep with the TV on. Let’s make it feel fresh, clean, and cozy, without spraying your lungs with toxins.
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 fragrance-free detergent, and ditch dryer sheets, use vinegar in the rinse cycle instead. Your lungs will thank you.
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 with warm water and a couple of drops of castile soap. No need to soak them, just get the grime off.
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. Less dust, better air, cozier vibe, all without fake fragrance or sketchy ingredients.
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.
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.
What’s your non-toxic cleaning hack that actually works? Comment below or slide into my DMs!
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 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.
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!
Lessons LEarned
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. Sign up for my free monthly newsletter!
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.
FAQ’s
1. What are the safest natural ingredients for cleaning around kids and pets?
When cleaning with little ones or fur babies in the house, 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 and straightforward!
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.
6. What tools and containers are best for storing homemade cleaning solutions?
Reusable spray bottles with sturdy nozzles are ideal to save your hands and last longer. Clear labeling is key to avoiding confusion and accidental misuse, especially if you have kids around. Old shampoo bottles or clean spice jars can work for smaller quantities. Grab some printable labels to keep your cleaning station looking cute and organized.
