In today’s world, health and safety have become more prominent than ever. The core of these issues begins at home, which is why more and more people are becoming aware of the potential dangers caused by the products they use by listening to cleaning tips and techniques given by experts. One area that needs to be thought about is the cleaning products we use daily. With so many products on the market to choose from, how do we know which is the right choice?
Many commercial cleaning products contain harmful chemicals that can have adverse effects on our health and the environment. What’s the alternative? Natural cleaning solutions that are safe for everyone. In this blog post, we’ll explore the benefits of natural cleaning solutions and provide you with some easy DIY recipes and cleaning tips to help you create a chemical-free home.
The Hazards of Chemical Cleaning Products
Before we look at the ingredients and recipes for natural cleaning solutions, let’s explore the reasons to steer clear of some of the commercial products on the shelves.
1. Harmful Ingredients
Chemical cleaners often contain ingredients such as ammonia, chlorine, and phthalates. These substances can prove to be harmful if they are inhaled or come into contact with our skin. They can contribute to indoor air pollution, trigger allergies, and even disrupt hormonal balance with enough exposure.
2. Health Risks
Long-term exposure to chemical cleaners can cause respiratory problems, skin irritations, and even more serious conditions like asthma and cancer. Additionally, the disposal of these is also a problem because the products are capable of polluting our waterways and harming aquatic life.
Benefits of Natural Cleaning Solutions
The result of many years of testing and discovery is ingredients that make for healthy and effective natural cleaning solutions. Besides the downfall of chemical cleaning products, there are added benefits to using natural green cleaning alternatives. Let’s look at those below.
1. Environmental Benefits
Switching to natural cleaning solutions has a significant reduction in our ecological footprint. By utilising simple ingredients that don’t release harmful chemicals, we can minimise our contribution to air and water pollution. These ingredients are biodegradable and non-toxic, ensuring a safer planet for future generations.
2. Health Benefits
One of the greatest advantages of natural cleaning solutions is the health benefits for you and your family. Unlike commercial cleaners, natural ingredients are generally non-irritating and do not release harmful fumes. This means you’ll enjoy cleaner indoor air quality, reducing the risk of respiratory issues and allergic reactions for you, your loved ones, and all visitors that step into your home.
3. Cost Benefits
In addition to being better for your health and eco-friendly, natural cleaning solutions can save you money. The ingredients used in the DIY recipes we’ll look at below are often inexpensive and readily available in your local grocery store. You’ll likely already have most of them in your pantry. By opting for homemade cleaners, you can cut down on the cost of buying multiple commercial cleaning products.
Essential Ingredients for Natural Cleaning Solutions
To get started on your natural cleaning journey, there are a few essential ingredients you’ll want to have on hand. These include vinegar, baking soda, lemon juice, cornstarch, liquid castile soap, hydrogen peroxide, and essential oils. Each of these ingredients possesses unique cleaning properties, which are listed below:
- Vinegar is an excellent disinfectant and can cut through grease and grime.
- Baking soda works as a gentle abrasive and deodoriser.
- Lemon juice contains natural acids that help remove stains and brighten surfaces.
- Liquid castile soap is gentle and free of harsh chemicals, making it safe for various surfaces and effective in removing dirt and grime.
- Hydrogen peroxide is effective at killing bacteria, removing tough stains, and deodorising surfaces.
- Essential oils add a pleasant scent and provide antimicrobial properties.
DIY Natural Cleaning Solutions and Recipes
Now that we’ve covered the benefits and ingredients involved, it’s time to look at some natural cleaning recipes you can easily make and use at home. These are the 4 solutions we’ll be looking at specifically:
- All-purpose cleaner
- Window and glass cleaner
- Bathroom cleaner
- Kitchen cleaner
1. All-Purpose Cleaner
Ingredients needed:
- 1 part white vinegar
- 1 part water
- Optional: essential oils for fragrance (e.g., lavender, lemon, tea tree)
Step-by-step instructions:
- Combine equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle.
- Add a few drops of your favourite essential oil for a pleasant scent if you’d like.
- Shake well to mix the ingredients.
- Spray the solution onto surfaces and fixtures and wipe with a lint-free cloth.
2. Window and Glass Cleaner
Ingredients needed:
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Step-by-step instructions:
- In a spray bottle, combine water and white vinegar.
- Add cornstarch to the mixture and shake well to dissolve.
- Spray the solution onto glass surfaces and wipe with a lint-free cloth or newspaper.
3. Bathroom Cleaner
Ingredients needed:
- 1 cup baking soda
- ½ cup liquid castile soap
- ¼ cup hydrogen peroxide
- 10 drops of tea tree essential oil
Step-by-step instructions:
- Combine the baking soda and liquid castile soap in a bowl to form a paste.
- Add hydrogen peroxide and tea tree essential oil. Mix well.
- Apply the mixture to surfaces like tubs, tiles, and toilets. Use a brush to scrub the surfaces gently.
- Rinse thoroughly with water.
4. Kitchen Cleaner
Ingredients needed:
- ½ cup white vinegar
- 2 tablespoons baking soda
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Warm water
Step-by-step instructions:
- Mix white vinegar and baking soda in a bowl until they start to fizz.
- Squeeze the juice of one lemon into the mixture and stir.
- Use warm water to dilute the solution until the desired consistency is achieved.
- Use the cleaner to wipe down countertops, stovetops, and inside the fridge.
Conclusion
These natural cleaning solutions are just what you need to keep your home spotless while ensuring that your and your family’s health is taken care of. Make sure to use them in conjunction with essential cleaning tools and supplies to discover the importance of regular home cleaning.
If you’ve got your natural cleaning solutions ready to be used, but don’t have the time to get to the cleaning part yourself, SweepSouth cleaning services are the solution for you. Book today and find out how beneficial a 5-star cleaning service from a vetted SweepStar can be.