I first started looking into natural cleaning products to try something new. But once I really started doing my research and getting involved, I noticed I was saving money and keeping my house free of harsh chemicals. The best part is that the majority of the products were right in my house tucked in a cabinet somewhere. And the items I did not own were less than $3.00.
1. Lemons and Lemon Juice
This fruit can dissolve soap scum and hard water stains on your appliances, sinks and tubs. It’s especially good for cleaning and shining brass and copper. Just mix it with baking soda to a paste-like consistency and get to wiping. To clean pots and pans, cut a lemon in half, sprinkle it with baking soda and start scrubbing. Not only does it get it clean but the fresh aroma will have you thinking you really did something ? Keep in mind that lemon juice can lighten surfaces, so do a patch test first.
2. Baking Soda
This has truly become my best friend! It is so versatile and I use it for almost everything. Just mix it with hot water and scrub away. It evens works as a natural deodorizer for smelly odors in the fridge, sneakers, garbage cans and smelly clothes. You can also use it to unclog drains. I just tried that this week. Just combine 1 cup of baking soda with 1 cup of vinegar down the drain, followed by boiled hot water and BOOM! It works just like the store bought drainer fluid, if not better. Oh and every now and then I like to add baking soda to my tooth cleaning regimen. Can we say so fresh and so clean?!
3. White Vinegar
I am very impressed with this one. Vinegar has a natural acid that kills germs and destroys bacteria. I’m not a fan of the smell, but if you dilute a cup of vinegar with a cup of water and add 8-10 drops of your favorite essential oil (like lavender, tea tree, or orange citrus), you can easily bypass it. This mixture has cleaned my windows, tubs, sinks, and even my floors! There’s nothing like having your husband ask why the room smells like lavender and how you got the floors so bright. Ha!
4. Hydrogen Peroxide*
If you need a stain remover for laundry, just use this! Now I have not tried this one yet, however I have seen it done and I have to say that I am looking forward to trying it.
5. Borax*
When added to laundry detergent borax is known to lift stains and odor from clothes, and I now. Check out my directions. I have also used borax with a scrub brush to clean my toilet. Just sprinkle some in there and let it sit for five minutes and scrub away with your toilet brush.
So how do these products protect mommy, daddy and babies?
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), most chemicals in cleaning products contribute to polluting the air quality within the home. I am a stay at home mom with 4 children and 2 of them are home with me all day. This means I am constantly wiping and cleaning different surfaces in the house. The majority of the time they are in the same room with me while I am cleaning. What they inhale or touch concerns me so I’m glad I’m now using more natural products.
So there you have it. No more harsh cleansers, a safer home and more money in your pockets!
How do you clean naturally? Would you try any of these natural products to clean your house?
*Both Borax and Hydrogen Peroxide are safer alternatives to chlorine bleach. Read more about it here and here.
Kim is the author of where she discovers what it means to be a woman of GOD, wife, mother, daughter, sister, friend and entrepreneur.