It is getting that time of the year when we start doing what we all know called Springtime Cleaning. So why not try switching to green cleaning products that can transform your home into a healthier, eco-friendly space. Conventional cleaning products often contain harsh chemicals that can harm the environment and irritate your skin or respiratory system.
Natural alternatives, on the other hand, are safer for your family and just as effective. It has become easier to buy products that are eco-friendly and good for Mother Earth. If you rather not make your own, I have added products that I use personally that are just that, eco-friendly and good for the earth.
With a few basic ingredients and simple recipes, you can keep your home clean while minimizing your environmental footprint.
With that said, let’s explore how to use natural, non-toxic solutions for every room in your house.
The Power of Vinegar and Baking Soda
I will be honest, I buy white vinegar by the gallon and use all the time! Vinegar and baking soda are the stars of green cleaning. Vinegar’s acidity cuts through grease, grime, and bacteria, while baking soda acts as a natural abrasive and deodorizer. Together, they can tackle tough stains, unclog drains, and clean virtually any surface. In fact, I add white vinegar to my laundry to help combat smells.
For example, mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle for an easy all-purpose cleaner. For stubborn stains, sprinkle baking soda on the area, spray with vinegar, and scrub gently. These simple ingredients are affordable, versatile, and safe for the environment. Baking soda is also good to put in your fridge. In fact, you can buy boxes of baking soda that are created just to be used in your fridge! They last a month and excellent at helping smells in your fridge.
DIY All-Purpose Cleaner
Making your own all-purpose cleaner is quick, inexpensive, and better for your health. Most all-purpose cleaner just uses water, vinegar, and as an optional ingredient, some essential oils. For added cleaning power, you can include a teaspoon of baking soda, but avoid this step for glass to prevent streaks. Shake well before each use. With this DIY solution, you’ll avoid the harsh chemicals found in commercial products while keeping your home fresh and clean.
Now, if you rather not make your own? Method brand has a wonderful all-purpose cleaner. For dishes, I use Koala Eco brand. They have dish soap, Natural Multi-Purpose Kitchen Cleaner, and even one for your bathroom! No reason why your cleaning products can’t smell good too!
Freshening Your Home with Essential Oils
Essential oils not only smell great, but also have natural antibacterial and antiviral properties. Oils like lavender, tea tree, lemon, and eucalyptus are excellent choices for green cleaning. Add a few drops to your DIY cleaning solutions or use them to freshen the air. For example, combine water, essential oil, and a splash of rubbing alcohol in a spray bottle to create a non-toxic room spray. You can also add a few drops to your vacuum filter or mop water for a light, natural fragrance as you clean.
Eco-Friendly Ways to Clean Your Kitchen
The kitchen is one of the most important spaces to clean naturally. Vinegar works wonders for cutting grease and sanitizing countertops, while baking soda can scrub away stains on sinks or stove tops. Lemon juice is another great option for removing odors and adding a fresh scent. To clean your microwave, place a bowl of water with lemon slices inside, heat for a few minutes, and then wipe away grime with ease. Replace disposable sponges with washable cleaning cloths or natural scrub brushes to reduce waste.
Non-Toxic Solutions for the Bathroom
Bathrooms can harbor mold, mildew, and bacteria, making them a prime spot for natural cleaning. Use a mixture of equal parts vinegar and water to clean tiles, sinks, and mirrors. For tougher spots like grout, create a paste using baking soda and water, apply it, and scrub with a brush. To keep your toilet fresh, sprinkle baking soda in the bowl, add a splash of vinegar, and scrub.
Tea tree oil is also a great addition to your bathroom cleaning routine due to its antimicrobial properties. But only if you can handle the smell of Tea tree oil, I hate the smell of it!
Laundry the Green Way
Green laundry solutions are better for your clothes, skin, and the environment. Instead of commercial detergents, opt for plant-based alternatives or make your own by mixing washing soda, baking soda, and grated Castile soap. For fabric softening, add half a cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle.
Wool dryer balls are a reusable substitute for dryer sheets, helping to soften clothes and reduce static. I use Friendsheep eco wool dryer balls in my laundry! I am not sorry, I think they have the cutest faces ever on a wool ball! If you have an issue with wool? Do not use them.
To tackle stains, pre-treat with a paste of baking soda and water, or use a bit of natural Castile soap directly on the stain.
Reducing Waste While Cleaning
Switching to reusable cleaning tools is one of the easiest ways to cut down on waste. Replace paper towels with washable cleaning cloths or old rags. Choose biodegradable scrub brushes instead of plastic ones. Purchase cleaning supplies in bulk to reduce packaging, or reuse glass jars and bottles for your DIY solutions. A single set of reusable tools and natural cleaners can help you dramatically reduce the trash generated by conventional cleaning products.
You can buy on a place like Etsy, eco-friendly wash clothes, < – I know the owner of that Etsy Shop! If she has sold out of them, just put into Etsy search bar “eco-friendly wash clothes”. Face and ones to use all over your person. And you are helping a small business, that is a win-win!! BUT, I am so sorry I can’t use reusable toilet paper! 😛 (I just saw it as something you can buy on Etsy.)
Small changes like these listed can make a big difference over time.
Add a couple of extra things
Just say no to disposables that you can’t recycle. For example, instead of using tin foil to bake cookies, rolls or French Fries on, I use brown paper that is meant to be used in your oven. That cuts down my use of tin foil, which isn’t recyclable. I use forks and spoons that are made with recycled eco-friendly bamboo. If you shop at a store like Spouts, they offer compostable forks, knifes and spoons. I have roses that get hit with bugs every year, so I create a mixture of Peppermint Essential oil, Dr. Bronner’s Pure Castile Soap and water and spritz my roses which stops them for being eaten.
If we all took small steps to create a better world for all by being more eco-friendly? Imagine how much of a better place this would be for the next generation!
