Natural Cleaning Products You May Already Have in Your Home

Did you know that chemical cleaners can be dangerous for your health and the health of your family? To be sure, chlorine, phthalates, formaldehyde, ammonia, and more have all been linked to a number of adverse health conditions, respiratory and lung problems, chemical burns, and liver and kidney damage. In addition to your health, all of these chemicals are bad for the environment too!

Luckily, there are safer, and equally as effective, ways to clean your home using natural products that you likely already have in your cabinets. Consider these great natural cleaning solutions the next time your home needs a good scrub…

Baking Soda
Baking soda is something that just about every household has, and can work wonders. Try creating a paste of baking soda and water and applying it to the oven, leaving it on, and wiping it off after a few hours – it will sparkle! You can also use baking soda in the bathroom and on kitchen counters, and can even use it to clean grease stains off of cement!

Lemon & Vinegar
Two other fantastic household cleaning products are lemon (or another citrus of your choice) and vinegar. You can use this to disinfect, wipe down counters, or even clean windows. The citrus helps to cut the smell of the vinegar, which can be sharp.

You can also use essential oils (like lemon) in your baking soda concoction. For a really good clean, apply baking soda mixed with an essential oil, and then pour a little bit of vinegar on top. When the vinegar and the baking soda react, a bubbling mass will start to form (like the science fair volcano). Simply scrub and rinse for a wonderful effect.

Castile Soap
If you don’t already have Castile soap on hand, it’s worth picking some up in liquid form. The soap is oil-based (usually coconut, olive, or palm oil), and then has sodium hydroxide added, as well as any essential oils for scents, like peppermint oil. Good Castile soap can be used for just about anything, ranging from scrubbing down appliances to washing your hair to even brushing your teeth – ok that one might be a little much.

Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is a natural antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral. It’s so effective, that in the 1920s it was used to clean wounds and prevent and treat infections. You can use it – diluted with water – for cleaning and preventing mold/mildew in the bathroom.

Olive Oil
For dusting, you don’t have to use paper towels and chemical furniture polishes; instead, try a microfiber cloth and a touch of olive oil. Your wood furniture – and your health – will thank you.

Put Your Health First
Using natural cleaning products in your home can keep everyone, including children and pets, healthy and happy! Check out the list above and try it today.

Design Your Dream Home with Simplicity

Building with Simplicity is a smart choice. We provide dozens of home plans, customizable options, and we build in some of the most appealing areas of Oregon, Washington and Idaho. We help you understand your home, including how to maintain it to maximize your investment. To learn more or to schedule a Design Center tour, contact us today online or by phone.