It's common sense that a lot of the cleaning chemicals you use every day have harsh chemicals. That is what causes them to work so efficiently, right?
Wrong. These chemicals are not necessary to keep your home clean and sanitized. In fact, they could be working against that by creating a more toxic environment for you and your family.
The good news is there are ways to reduce your dependence on cleaning chemicals and clean up the air in your home.
Clean air
This time of the year is perfect for airing out your home, the temperatures are not too hot and not too cold on most days. Opening the windows and allowing some fresh air to flow through your home can help to remove some of the toxins in your home. Another way to clean the air in your home all year round is to keep house plants. They naturally filter your air and improve the quality of the air you are exposed to and breathe every day.
Some people use salt lamps to improve the quality of the air in their home and obtain health benefits. However, there is evidence to suggest that this is not true. So, if you really want cleaner air, get a natural air filter that does not require electricity to operate: a house plant.
Basic cleaning supplies
Baking soda, lemon, and vinegar are all natural cleaners which can replace many of the disinfectants and stain removers you use every day. In order to reduce your waste you can use reusable cleaning cloths, like the ones sold on my Etsy site or microfiber cloths. A reusable spray bottle is important for mixing and using your own cleaners as well. Both of these items can be found in the cleaning section of most stores. If you are like me and would rather not leave your house, you can find them below and have them delivered directly to your home.
Clogged drains
Removing clogs from drains does not require Drain-O or any other commercial product (that, let's be honest, don't actually work anyway). A combination of baking soda, vinegar, and hot water are sufficient for removing most clogs. I recommend boiling water for the clog, the hotter you can get the water the more effective it will be. Pour one cup of baking soda, followed by one cup of white vinegar down your drain. Let it sit for about 15 minutes, follow that with the hot water and your drain should be removed. If you are still having difficulties with your drain after using this combination, you can use your plunger (yes, it works on drains other than your toilet).
For the bathroom
The baking soda and vinegar combination also works great as a toilet bowl, shower, and sink cleaner.
For the kitchen
Combine baking soda with water and mix until you have a paste-like consistency, this can be used as an oven and stove cleaner, but it will need to sit for a few hours to break down any burnt on foods so that they can easily be wiped away.
Lemon can be used to clean a lot of surfaces in your home. Rubbing lemon slices on surfaces which need disinfected is a quick and natural way to clean any surface. Lemon coated in salt is a great cleaner/scrubber. You can use it on many surfaces, such as the dishes, stove top, and microwave.
For the glass
A combination of 1:1 white vinegar and water can be used to clean windows and mirrors, or any other glass surface in your home that needs wiped down.
For the carpet
Sprinkle baking soda onto your carpet before running the vacuum cleaner, this removes odors and when combined with water, can also be used as a stain remover.
If you would rather continue to purchase cleaners rather than making your own, there are some options which do not contain harmful chemicals and have more sustainable sourcing. Green Works, Dawn, Seventh Generation and Meyers are all good options to try.
If you make a purchase using one of the affiliate links in this post, I will make a small commission, but it will not come at any additional cost to you.
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