Natural Cleaning Products for a Green Home

I hate using harsh chemicals for cleaning. They’re toxic, dangerous, irritating, and require special care. You need to know how to handle them safely and avoid mixing them willy-nilly. If you’re a regular reader, you know I prefer green cleaning products.  So in this article, I thought I’d share a few natural cleaning products you can try at home.

In this article:

• Benefits of going green
• White vinegar
• Baking soda
• Lemon juice
• Essential oils
• There's more you can do
• Conclusion

Benefits of going green

There are plenty of benefits to going green. Natural cleaning products are made with non-toxic ingredients. Most of the stuff you have lying around the house, anyway.

Natural cleaning ingredients are safe to use around children and pets. Every parent knows the challenge of keeping chemicals out of reach. But aside from a few funny faces, it’s unlikely that white vinegar will cause any real harm to your toddler, even if they get a hold of it (although there will be a lot of crying).

Overall, green cleaning products are safer for you and your family, unlike some chemical cleaners. You can even use them if you’re cleaning with asthma.

In contrast, many chemical cleaners contain toxic ingredients that can be harmful when ingested or inhaled. This is not a problem for professional cleaners who know how to handle them safely. But people are sometimes oblivious to the dangers these products can pose, especially when mixed together.

Going green isn’t just about health and safety, although that’s the most important thing. It’s also about finding more sustainable ways to clean and reduce your carbon footprint, which is great for the environment. 

Finally, natural cleaning products are cheaper and just as effective as their chemical counterparts. One of the best things about green cleaning products is they often include ingredients you already have in your kitchen. So you won’t have to go out of your way to try them. Now let’s get into some specifics.

White vinegar

White vinegar is a natural disinfectant and can be used to clean a variety of surfaces, including countertops, mirrors, and floors.

Simply mix equal parts water and vinegar in a spray bottle and use it to wipe down surfaces. You can also add a few drops of essential oils, such as lemon or tea tree, to give your natural cleaning solution a pleasant scent.

Baking soda

Baking soda is another household staple you can use for cleaning. It’s a natural abrasive that’s great for scrubbing away dirt and grime, and you can also use it to deodorise different surfaces.

To make a natural scouring paste, mix together equal parts baking soda and water. The paste is great for organic stains, such as oil and grease.

For a natural drain cleaner, pour a half cup of baking soda down the drain followed by a half cup of vinegar. The mixture will fizz and help to loosen any clogs. Give it a few minutes and pour some hot water down the drain. You’re done.

Lemon juice

Lemon juice is another natural cleaner you can use in a variety of ways. It contains citric acid, which is a natural bleaching agent and can be used to whiten and brighten surfaces.

You can also mix lemon juice with water and vinegar for a natural all-purpose cleaner. Lemon is also a natural deodoriser, so it’s great for getting rid of unwanted odours.

Essential oils

Besides these common household ingredients, there are also many plants and herbs that have natural cleaning properties. Rosemary and thyme have natural antibacterial and antifungal properties, making them great for cleaning surfaces in the kitchen.

Lavender is a natural deodoriser and can be used to freshen up linens and carpets. And eucalyptus is a natural insect repellent and you can use it to clean surfaces and ward off bugs.

Note: Do not over-rely on essential oils. While they’re generally considered safe, their effectiveness is often limited. Also, do not use them on your skin before consulting with your doctor.

There’s more you can do

In addition to using natural cleaning products, there are a few other things you can do to make your home a greener place. The first thing I usually recommend is using reusable cleaning cloths instead of disposable paper towels. If you’re going to use paper towels, make sure they’re recycled.

You can also invest in a water filtration system, which will reduce the number of plastic bottles you use and also improve the quality of the water you use for cleaning.

If you prefer to use ready-made natural cleaning products, there are many options on the market. Look for products that are made with natural ingredients and are free from harsh chemicals. These types of products are better for the environment. Just be sure to read labels carefully and choose products that are safe and non-toxic.

Conclusion

Going green doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive. By making a few small changes to the way you clean your home, you can make a big impact on your own health and the environment. So next time you reach for those chemical cleaners, think about switching to a natural alternative –  your home (and the planet) will thank you. And, as always, if you need help with your domestic cleaning in London, we’re never more than a phone call away.

Author: Atanas Dzhingarov

Hi, I’m Atanas - brand consultant and writer. I’m helping Samyx Cleaning create the best cleaning company blog on the Internet. Join us on our journey and learn how to live a cleaner, healthier, happier life in the process.