The non-natural cleaners you use to clean your house may get things clean, but they might not be making your home, or you, healthier. When you see what a splash of bleach does to clothing, you can imagine what damage it can do to your eyes, skin and lungs. The same goes for products containing formaldehyde, sodium lauryl sulfate and even borax, which is often used as a “greener” bleach substitute.
“The truth is, most regular cleaning can be done without any toxic chemicals,” says Leslie Reichert, a green homekeeping expert and the author of “The Joy of Green Cleaning.” “Simple pantry ingredients can do a great job cleaning your home. And if you don’t want to mix homemade cleaners, there are green companies creating natural cleaners with simple ingredients that really work.” Green cleaning has many pluses, not least of which are making your house healthier and fresher-smelling.
Learn more about them in 7 Benefits of Green Cleaning.
In 2015, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is introducing the Safer Choice label, which will help you make smarter choices for yourself and your family. “We designed the Safer Choice label to speak to consumers and help them select safer products,” says Clive Davies, who runs the Safer Choice program for the EPA. “The new label ensures the product meets U.S. EPA safer products standards, confirming that there are no cancer-causing agents or mutagens, and it won’t kill fish and aquatic organisms.” The EPA has an online searchable database to see if your favorite products make the grade.
Marie Stegner, the consumer health advocate for Maid Brigade, shared her favorite store-bought natural cleaners that work as well as or better than their non-natural alternatives:
- All-Purpose
Mrs. Meyer’s Multi-Surface Everyday Cleaner uses vegetable protein to clean and deodorize counters and sinks.
- Appliances
Use Dr. Bronner’s Castile Soap (a vegetable oil-based liquid soap used for centuries for personal care and home cleaning), warm water and a microfiber cloth to get smudges off the fridge.
- Barbecue Grill
Many grill cleaners use propane and other toxic ingredients that can damage eyes, skin and the respiratory tract. Replace it with Dr. Bronner’s Castile Soap.
- Bathroom
Even non-bleach cleaners use acid. Swap them with plant-based Thieves Household Cleaner.
- Carpets
Biokleen Carpet and Rug Shampoo has no chemicals or synthetic fragrances.
- Carpet Stain
With live enzyme-producing cultures, citrus extracts and essential oils, Biokleen Bac-Out Stain and Odor Remover gets that grape juice spot out.
- Color-Safe Bleach Alternative
Use a solution of a gallon of water, a quarter cup of lemon juice and a cup of hydrogen peroxide.
- Degreaser
Dr. Bronner’s Castile Soap uses vegetable protein to fight grease on any surface.
- Dish Soap
Mrs. Meyers Honeysuckle Dish Soap contains soap bark extract to cut grease.
- Dishwasher Detergent
Mrs. Meyers Lemon Verbena Dish Packs contain oxygen bleach, are safe for all machines without phosphates or chlorine and smell naturally clean.
- Drain Opener
The live enzymes in Biokleen Bac Out Drain Care eat through clogs without corroding pipes or emitting toxic gases like most commercial drain cleaners.
- Fabric Softener
Yoreganics Soap Berries soften clothes naturally. Alternatively, Reichert recommends Woolzie Balls, wool dryer balls that cut drying time and soften clothes.
- Hand Soap
Thieves Foaming Hand Soap uses essential plant oils to clean and soften hands.
- Laundry Detergent
Many detergents contain chemicals which stay on your clothes, close to your skin. Replace them with Mrs. Meyers Clean Day Laundry Detergent or Biokleen Laundry Liquid.
- Oven Cleaner
Use a solution of baking soda, vinegar and water. Many people use Bar Keeper’s Friend powder, but it contains oxalic acid which, while all-natural, is considered an irritant.
- Laundry Stain Remover
A blend of organic oils and essential oils helps Yoreganics Stain Remover get tough spots out.
- Stainless Steel
All you really need to shine stainless steel is a microfiber cloth dampened with warm water.
- Windows And Glass
The ammonia-free Mrs. Meyers Lemon Verbena Glass Cleaner will get your bathroom mirror clean without leaving streaks.
- Wood
Rub olive oil, mayonnaise or a damp microfiber cloth to polish wooden furniture.
- Wood Floors
Diluted Natural Citrus Solvent or a damp microfiber mop cleans hardwood floors quickly.
Want to learn more about green cleaning? Make your own natural cleaners with Green Cleaning: 12 Natural Solutions that Really Work or hire help with How to Find a Green Cleaning Service.
Cara J. Stevens is a freelance writer living in Connecticut with her husband and two children. You can follow her on Twitter and find her on Facebook.
