I transitioned to non-toxic cleaning a few years ago because I noticed that the fumes from the conventional products would give me terrible headaches and asthma. The chemicals in these cleaners can have so many negative effects on our health, so I find it very counterintuitive. There’s a must see documentary called Chemerical and Stink. It will change your perspective about using conventional cleaning products.
Now that I use natural cleaners, I haven’t had any headaches after cleaning and I feel good because I’m not putting my family or myself around any harmful chemicals. Using non-toxic products is not only good for your home, but they’re also environmentally friendly, versatile, and inexpensive. So it’s a win win! Here are some of my favorite non-toxic natural cleaning products
VINEGAR
Vinegar is my holy grail when it comes to natural cleaning. It’s a natural disinfectant! You can use it for your laundry or to clean your produce. I use vinegar to disinfect door knobs, shower doors, windows and surfaces in my home. I just add 1/2 cup to a spray bottle and use it on surfaces that need to be disinfected. For those who may be hesitant because of the scent, I promise the smell will dissipate a few minutes after you spray.
Tip: Avoid using vinegar on granite, as it may damage it over time.Castile Soap
CASTILE SOAP
Castile soap is hands down the queen of cleaning. My favorite castile soap is Dr.Bronner’s castile soap. Some ways I use it is: to clean my makeup brushes, as body wash, to clean my produce, as a hand wash, carpet cleaner, as a laundry detergent, and as a dusting spray. As you can see this product is versatile and the uses are endless. This soap is gentle on skin and tough on grime
TEA TREE OIL
Tea tree oil is a superhero when it comes to disinfecting. It’s anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-viral, and anti-microbial. You can add a few drops of this to your vinegar and water mixture for extra disinfecting powers. You can also diffuse this at home if anyone is sick because it gets rid of any nasties in the air.
BAKING SODA
Baking Soda is an awesome deodorizer. I use it on my carpet, my laundry, in my fridge and I also use it to make a natural deodorant. One of my favorite ways to use baking soda is to unclog my drains. I just pour vinegar and baking soda down the drain and in 10 minutes I just flush it down with hot water and like magic the drain is clear (no need for Drano). For my carpet, I love mixing a few drops of lavender essential oil in the baking soda before sprinkling it on the carpet. When you vaccum it up it’ll add a beautiful scent in the air (who doesn’t love aromatherapy).
LEMON
You can’t Spring clean without lemons! Lemons are great for cleaning because of the acidity in them. The citric acid in lemons kick ass when it comes to any stain or build up! I use lemons to clean my cutting boards, pots and pans, for my bathtub, sinks and to freshen my garbage disposal. Afterwards, if you have any lemons left, make some lemonade you deserve it!
I want to share a DIY all purpose cleaner that I use in my home.
It’s great for all surface tops. I keep this AP cleaner under my sink in the kitchen and in the bathroom. Hope this inspires you to switch to non-toxic cleaning. Mother Earth and I thank you!
Natural All Purpose Cleaner
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 16 oz spray bottle preferably glass
- 3 tbsp castile soap
- 10 – 15 drops tea tree oil
Instructions
- Add the water and castile soap into your spray bottle.
- Gently shake to combine.
- Spray this onto any surface that needs cleaning and wipe with a clean towel. It’s that easy!
Love always,
Jasmine
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