How to naturally clean your home with just 5 non-toxic ingredients. Non-toxic cleaning products can be expensive, but with these 5 simple ingredients you can make all of your household cleaners for pennies.
My journey into natural living came to be in some what of a domino effect. It started with my interest in holistic nutrition, which got me curious about toxins in my makeup, and that naturally pushed me into researching the products we use in our homes. Turns out, conventional cleaning products on the market are filled with chemicals that are known carcinogens and endocrine disruptors.
Our endocrine systems are bombarded with things on a daily basis that can be detrimental to our hormonal health. From the food we eat, the makeup we wear, to the fragrance we fill our home with, it’s hard for our hormones to stand a chance. It is no wonder hormonal health issues are so prevalent. Knowing this, I do whatever I can to reduce my exposure.
When I first got into natural living, making my own cleaning products was more out of necessity than out of a particular desire to. The natural products available in store either weren’t as natural as the label claimed, or they were ineffective. That just wasn’t going to cut it. If I was going to switch over to non-toxic products, they needed to work! So, I made my own. These days, there are clean brands on the market, but it’s still way more affordable for me to make my own. Plus, I have fun with it!
Why Should I Switch To Natural Cleaning Products
It comes down to the fact that our health is determined by more than just the food we eat. As a holistic nutritionist, I view health in a holistic way. Our health is determined by everything from the food we eat, the water we drink, air quality, sleep quality, and the toxins we are exposed to on a day to day basis.
Conventional cleaning products are loaded with chemicals, many of which are known carcinogen.Yep, most products filling the cleaning aisle contain ingredients known to cause cancer. This is exactly why it is so crucial for us to take our health into our own hands. Learning how to clean your home naturally is one of the best ways you can take back your power.
Phthalates are another common ingredient in household cleaners. Phthalates are endocrine disruptors that can cause reproductive harm including decreased sperm motility and concentration in men, and they are also linked to asthma and allergies. They are a common chemical ingredient in synthetic fragrance, so all the more reason to avoid it.
Fragrance is going to be on the ingredient list of just about every cleaning product you bring into your home. This is a huge one to avoid because when fragrance is listed as an ingredient, you can just about guarantee there are hundreds of unlisted chemicals included. Fragrance is considered trade secret, and with that, disclosure of them is not required. Scary stuff, right? The easiest way to avoid this is by simply making your cleaning products at home.
If you are just starting out on your journey to toxin free living, I highly recommend inputting the products you use in your home here to see how they rate for safety. The EWG has a database of over 2000 home cleaning products for you to see how they rate.
How To Clean Your Home Naturally With 5 Ingredients
Making your own cleaning products at home is beyond simple, and so inexpensive! If this intimidates you, I promise there is no need for it to be intimidating! Here are some of my favorite natural ingredients that I know you will make great use of as you learn how to clean your home naturally.
Vinegar. Likely one of the most underrated, and also the most versatile. Vinegar actually is able to kill salmonella and E.Coli. Pretty impressive considering you can purchase a gallon for just $1-$2. Its high acidity level makes it effective in cutting grease and removing build up. Vinegar is the base of most of my surface cleaners.
Baking Soda. We know that baking soda is great at absorbing odor, but it is also great for removing stains, polishing, and cutting through grease. It works great as an oven cleaner, and in combination with vinegar it is so effective in removing tough grime on pots and pans.
Castile Soap. Totally natural and also very highly concentrated, so a little bit goes a long way. This super cost effective ingredient is a great addition to the non-toxic home as it can be used in a ton of different applications. I use castile soap in my homemade dish soap as well as laundry detergent. I typically use liquid castile soap, but many recipes call for a bar of grated castile soap in homemade laundry detergent.
Washing Soda. This is one of the most common ingredients you’ll come across if looking for a natural, DIY laundry detergent. Washing soda is very alkaline which allows it to act like a solvent, which is why it is so effective at removing stains. If you can’t find washing soda, you can actually make it at home yourself! Simply spread baking soda over a shallow baking dish, and place in the oven at 400 for an hour. You will notice the texture is much more coarse than the baking soda you started with.
Salt. Yes, salt! Salt works for cleaning firstly because it is a natural abrasive, so if you need some good scrubbing action or to get grime out, it works great. I use coarse or epsom salt in my homemade laundry detergent and DIY Laundry Scent Booster & Fabric Softener because it helps to soften laundry. The chloride in salt also helps to keep fabrics looking bright.
Other Ingredients I Use To Clean My Home
Rubbing Alcohol/Isopropyl Alcohol. I don’t use this often in my home, but if you’re looking for a disinfectant instead of a surface cleaner, you can simply fill a spray bottle with isopropyl alcohol and essential oils.
Essential Oils. I love to add essential oils to all of my homemade cleaners. Oils like lemon and melaleuca actually have cleansing properties, so not only will they help to make your products smell great, but they can make them more effective! These are my favorite oils to use.
My Favorite Homemade Cleaner Recipes
All Purpose Cleaner. Fill a 500 ml/16 oz spray bottle half way with vinegar and top off with filtered water. Add essential oils of your choice.
Disinfectant Spray. Fill a 500 ml/16 oz spray bottle with rubbing alcohol. Add essential oils of your choice.
Dish Soap. Add 1/2 cup of liquid unscented castile soap to a foaming soap container and top off with filtered water. Add 10 drops of lemon essential oil to help cut grease.
DIY Fabric Softener & Scent Booster
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Great information. I definitely am for natural cleaners whenever possible. Will definitely try all your tips.
Thanks Allie!
I love all natural cleaners! Although I never thought about adding lemon oil to dish soap… I will have to try that one!
It really does help cut through grease!