Make your own Nontoxic Cleaning Products

My Daughter was battling with skin rashes and hives that would appear randomly for no apparent reason.

I took her to the doctor, and she received the obligatory prescription (topical steroids). The medication would help for a time, but she could not use the strong medicine long term so the rashes would inevitably return.

She was embarrassed and distressed which is understandable. I wouldn’t want to deal with this problem myself.

In my search for answers, I discovered that many of the common cleaning products I used regularly in my home were toxic, could leave a residue that could irritate the skin and could potentially harm the environment.

The facts are eye opening: many of the standard cleaning products used in homes today cause many allergic reactions and even respiratory distress.

This can be especially true when young children, the elderly or sensitive individuals are in the home. Many of the chemicals used to keep our homes clean are linked to all sorts of disorders, including cancer!

Once I realized how toxic cleaning products were, I was devastated. How am I supposed to keep my family healthy and my house clean and germ free?

Just because you can buy these cleaning products off the shelf in a grocery store, does not mean they are safe and cannot harm you.

If you are buying commercial cleaning products, be certain to read the ingredients, and remember that just because something says “organic” or “all natural” it does not automatically make it safe or good for the environment either.

Read the manufacturer’s instructions and follow instructions completely.

Well, if you’re in the same boat as I was let me tell you, you’re in luck!

There are plenty of environmentally friendly cleaning products out there that won’t harm you or your family. In fact, many are even cheaper than the ones you are used to buying.

Make the Switch to Non-Toxic Cleaning Products

Vinegar, baking soda and lemons are three very efficient (yet harmless), all natural cleaning products that can use to clean your home safely.

What I love the most about all three of these toxin-free cleaning products is they get the job done right without hurting your family – or the environment.

Used for centuries, these basic ingredients are great at scouring as well as disinfecting all sorts of surfaces in your home.

White Vinegar

Not only is vinegar just as powerful as the leading all-purpose cleaning products – it’s non-toxic, a natural deodorizer and does not leave a residue (no rinsing required).

In fact, vinegar naturally kills mold, germs and bacteria.

• Disinfecting (doorknobs, counters, etc.): spray undiluted vinegar and allow to air dry.
• Microwave: in a bowl, combine 1/2 cup water and 1/2 cup vinegar. Place the mixture in the microwave and turn on for 1 1 /2 to 2 1 /2 minutes (depending on wattage). What you want is the mixture to boil. The steam from the vinegar solution will loosen debris and deodorize. Wipe clean after boiling.
• Dishwasher: to prevent soap buildup and offensive odors, pour one to two cups of vinegar in an empty dishwasher and run a cycle. Repeat monthly.

In my honest opinion, vinegar is one of the most effective, inexpensive household cleaners on the market.

Vinegar is a mild acid, do not use on marble or natural stone surfaces as it could cause etching.

Baking Soda

Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) is an eco-friendly scouring powder.

I love using it because it actually eliminates odors instead of covering them up. You do need to rinse the surface with clean warm water to completely remove the minerals naturally present in baking soda.

• Stinky drains: pour 1/2 cup of baking soda down the drain while running warm water.
• Unclog drains: pour 1 /2 cup baking soda down the drain then follow with 1 /2 cup white vinegar. over the drain with something and let sit for a few minutes. Pour a kettle of boiling water down the drain to flush.
• Scouring powder: sprinkle baking soda on a damp cloth or sponge and rinse with clean water.
• Laundry booster: pour a cup of baking soda in every load of laundry to get the most out of your detergent.

Because there are so many uses for baking soda around the home, we buy it in bulk. We use it in the laundry to boost the detergent, and soften the clothing naturally so we can avoid using fabric softener.

Here’s something to think about… Fabric softener remains on your clothing, and if you use it, it’s a chemical compound that is constantly in contact with just about every part of your body. Hmmmm… Look at the ingredients. It’s possible that some of the chemicals will turn out to be dangerous are could be banned in future.

Lemons

I love using lemons when cleaning my home.

Lemons are used in many commercial cleaning products because they possess antibacterial and antiseptic properties. However, you don’t need all the chemicals that are added to those commercial products because lemons are just as powerful by themselves.

• Dishes: pour one teaspoon of lemon juice in dishwasher to boost your dish washing detergents’ grease-fighting effectiveness.
• Garbage disposal: deodorize the garbage disposal with lemon peels. Turn on warm water, place peels down the disposal and turn on. If no lemon peels are available: run one cup of lemon juice down the garbage disposal while the water is running.
• Cutting boards: pour undiluted lemon juice on cutting board, allow to sit overnight. The lemon will sanitize and remove stains.
• Cleaning porcelain: Deep seated grime and stains can be cleaned with a combination of all we’ve talked about. Use 1 cup white vinegar, 1 /2 cup baking soda, and 1 tablespoon lemon juice to make a great abrasive cleaner.

I generally squeeze my lemons right before cleaning. Bottled lemon juice can be substituted for fresh lemon juice.

The Benefits of using Green Cleaning Products

Since switching over to environmentally friendly cleaning products, my daughters rashes are gone.

I’ve also noticed that I’m not spending nearly as much as I used to on expensive cleaning supplies (it’s amazing how well these “cheap” items can clean).

Give these a try!

While vinegar, baking soda and lemons may be the most popular environmentally friendly cleaners you can use in your home, they certainly are not the only ones. Other natural cleaning products are mineral oil, baby oil, borax and hydrogen peroxide.

For more environmentally friendly products check out this article on Earth Friendly Cleaning Products.