Use homemade, eco-friendly solutions instead of chemical cleaners for optimal cleaning results that won’t harm the planet – from oven cleaner to pine sol alternatives – that will leave your home sparkling without harmful side effects.
Cleaning products often use terms like natural and green to describe themselves, yet this could be misconstrued. According to Merriam-Webster, an item is considered eco friendly if it does not pose any harm to the environment.
1. Vinegar
Vinegar is an eco-friendly, natural cleaning solution that is great for eliminating stains on nearly any surface. Plus, its minimally abrasive nature means it is relatively cost effective as an environmentally-friendly option!
Cleaning vinegar (with its higher acetic acid level and designed specifically for household use) can be used as a DIY cleaning solution, while apple cider, balsamic and rice vinegars may also be suitable for cooking or salad dressing purposes – typically less pungent and safe to consume!
White vinegar is vegan- and biodegradable, making it an excellent option for people looking to reduce the toxic load while keeping their home sanitary and tidy. It can be used on various surfaces and even combined with natural extracts or essential oils for an aromatic cleaning solution.
2. Baking Soda
Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) is an eco-friendly, cost-effective, non-toxic cleaner used as an all-purpose cleaner, mold control agent, or drain opener.
Baking soda is an excellent mild abrasive that can effectively clean surfaces without scratching them, and should be mixed into your favorite liquid soap to create an effective natural cleaning spray. For even greater grease cutting ability and an added dose of essential oils such as lemon, lavender, tea tree or eucalyptus oil – try adding just a teaspoonful to create a stronger natural air freshener and natural air freshener that also cuts grease!
Baking soda and vinegar solutions can quickly clean your freezer, wipe away soap residue from dishes, eliminate garbage odors and freshen mattresses–not to mention being one of the most widely used green cleaning ingredients among bond cleaning Sydney companies and grocery store shelves alike. Mining natural resources allows it to have lower environmental impacts than synthetic cleaners.
3. Essential Oils
Essential oils make an excellent addition to eco-friendly cleaners, providing both an aromatic scent and effective cleaning properties. Some oils even boast mood-boosting qualities – helping you reach that “Marie Kondo spark of joy” while you clean!
Integrating essential oil (EOs) into natural cleaners is a great way to achieve that “just-cleaned” smell without using harsh chemicals. Some of the most effective EOs for this task include eucalyptus, tea tree oil, lemon and lavender oils.
Make sure to only use therapeutic-grade essential oils (the label should state 100% pure and organic) free from additives, synthetics, and fillers! For best results dilute with water before using and store in glass containers as pure essential oils can eventually corrode plastic containers over time. Alternatively, try mixing white vinegar, baking soda, and liquid soap into a glass spray bottle and shaking vigorously prior to each use for an easy yet efficient multipurpose cleaner – simply combine all three components in the bottle together!
4. Salt
If you don’t have essential oils on hand, baking soda mixed with a small amount of water makes an effective homemade deodorizer that you can sprinkle onto carpets when necessary to keep them smelling fresh and clean.
Standard cleaning products contain irritating chemicals that may have an adverse impact on respiratory health and cause skin reactions in some people, as well as damage surfaces and lead to the growth of mold.
Switching to eco-friendly cleaning practices is an easy and effective way to protect the health and environment of both your family, the planet, and home. Search for products without harmful corrosive ingredients, which biodegrade quickly, reduce packaging waste, or are made with recycled materials. Many eco-friendly cleaners come in refillable or glass containers so you can reuse them instead of buying disposable plastic ones. Consider brands that are B Corporation certified, have partnered with seedling to plant trees, and are carbon neutral in terms of facilities and shipments. Grove Collaborative is an eco-friendly product company with one of my favorite eco-friendly offerings: dish soap blocks and all-purpose cleaner refillable jars are just two examples they provide – they were one of the pioneering closed loop brands on the market!
