Taking care of our environment is a process that starts at home. Everything from aerosol cans to harmful cleaning chemicals can affect the earth’s delicate balance, but there are plenty of easy ways to make green cleaning choices when it comes to your home.
Homeopathic cleaning solutions are making waves for the future, and Pam Fettu, a registered homeopath, dedicates her time as a consultant and educator in natural healing methods from her home in San Diego. “Homeopathy is green medicine,” Fettu says. “It uses natural substances that are safe and effective with no harmful side effects, conserves natural resources and doesn’t pollute the water supply or the environment.”
Even small changes to your daily routine can go a long way: line-drying laundry instead of using a dryer or replacing disposable paper towels with washable cheese cloths. If you use a housekeeper, you can even get them on board, or find a housekeeper or house cleaning service who uses eco-friendly products already.
Key takeaways
- Natural cleaning solutions help protect the environment by reducing the amount of plastic and other trash that’s created and avoiding the use of harmful chemicals. They can also be gentler on surfaces in your home and safer for pets or children.
- Eucalyptus oil and lemon are two natural products commonly used as disinfectants. To remove grease, dirt and build-up, you can try vinegar, isopropyl alcohol or baking soda (individually, not all together).
- To clean windows, try mixing a solution of one part vinegar to four parts water. You can also use vinegar and salt to make a natural silver polish. Natural cleaning products are versatile and cost effective.
What are the best natural cleaning products?
The term “natural cleaning products” usually means cleaning substances that are non-toxic and sustainable. For example, mixing water with natural oils, salt or vinegar can clean just about every surface in your home with safe ingredients, according to the environmental organization Greenpeace.
Here are a few of the most common household products you can use as natural cleaners:
- Vinegar: Cleans calcium deposits and cuts grease, grime or wax buildup.
- Eucalyptus oil: Works as a disinfectant and deodorant and can attack rust before it sets.
- Baking soda: Deodorizes, removes stains and softens fabric.
- Isopropyl alcohol: Rids surfaces of grease or dirty residue.
- Lemon: Disinfects and helps remove oily stains.
Now that you know the basics, let’s talk about some natural cleaning product swaps for some of the most common household cleaning items.
Eco-friendly natural cleaner swaps
1. Natural air freshener
Instead of breaking out the heavily scented aerosols, use baking soda and natural oils to freshen the air in your home.
How to make it:
- Mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda with 5-6 drops of essential oils.
- Pour mixture into a spray bottle.
- Add enough water to fill the rest of the bottle.
- Spray as needed to freshen up your home.
Other natural air freshener ideas:
To freshen up your refrigerator, car, or even trash cans, place an open box of baking soda to absorb bad odors. You can also keep some baking soda in a mason jar with a few drops of essential oils and a porous cloth over the top to create a DIY scent diffuser.
When you’re expecting company, try placing citrus extracts, lavender or even cinnamon sticks into boiling water over the stove to release fresh scents throughout your home.
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2. All-natural scouring powder
Many commercial scouring powder products contain chlorine or other toxic chemicals, but baking soda and table salt are natural substances found in your home that can replace the abrasive solvents traditionally used on hard-to-scrub surfaces.
How to make it:
- Combine table salt and baking soda with a natural soap.
- Use a wet-bristle brush to scrub the mixture onto dirty surfaces.
- Wipe clean with a wet cloth.
Other natural scouring powder ideas:
For extra cleaning power, add a small amount of baking soda or borax to your scouring mixture. Karyn Siegel-Maier, author of “The Naturally Clean Home,” also recommends adding store-bought extracts from natural sources like rosemary, lavender, lemon, rose or ginger.
If you decide to work with essential oils, borax or any other potential skin irritants, use caution and wear protective gloves. Essential oils can last indefinitely if kept in a cool, dry and dark place, Siegel-Maier adds. The exception here is lemon extract, which usually has a shelf life of one year.
“Homeopathy is green medicine. It uses natural substances that are safe and effective with no harmful side effects, conserves natural resources and doesn’t pollute the water supply or the environment.”
— Pam Fettu, registered homeopath
3. DIY window cleaner
Some glass cleaners contain ammonia, which can create harmful fumes if mixed with chlorine. Luckily, vinegar and water can cleanse greasy surfaces without such bad-to-breathe-in chemicals.
How to make it:
- Mix one part vinegar with four parts water in a spray bottle.
- Add a few drops of herbal scented oils (if desired).
- Use on windows, mirrors or appliances and wipe clean.
4. Natural carpet cleaner
Carpet cleaner is often a must in homes with kids or pets, but they can also present hazards if ingested or if they come in contact with little eyes, faces and paws. Avoid spray-on solutions that contain eye and skin irritants by using baking soda or corn starch instead.
How to make it:
- Vacuum the carpet, and then sprinkle baking soda or corn starch.
- Leave the powder on for about an hour to remove odors.
- Vacuum again to clean up the powder.
Other natural carpet cleaning ideas:
You can attack heavy carpet stains with soapy water, vinegar and a bristle brush. Alternatively, blot stains with soda water and a clean rag.
5. Homemade furniture polish
Aerosol furniture cleaners and polishes can be expensive and have overwhelming scents. For a more natural alternative, replace aerosol sprays with oil and extracts.
How to make it:
- Mix one cup vegetable oil with one teaspoon lemon oil.
- Add the mixture to a spray bottle.
- Use mixture with a clean, dry rag to shine your furniture.
Don’t forget to protect your hands in case of skin irritation.
6. Natural silver and metal cleaner
There’s no need for heavy chemicals when it comes to cleaning dull silver or chrome. Vinegar and salt works just as well to bring back the shine.
How to make it:
- In a small sauce pan, mix one tablespoon each of salt and baking soda with one liter of water.
- Bring to a boil and add a strip of aluminum foil.
- Place the dirty silver item into the boiling solution for 3 minutes.
- Carefully remove the item, then blot dry with a clean cloth.
7. Natural disinfectants
Disinfectants are standard in most households, but you can skip the ones with aggressive chemicals. Use citrus extracts or juice to sanitize, while leaving a fresh scent.
How to make it:
- Mix equal parts water and white vinegar in a spray bottle.
- Add a few drops of lemon or eucalyptus oil.
- Spray on surfaces and wipe clean.
Other natural disinfectant ideas:
Drop a few wedges of grapefruit or lemon into the garbage disposal to make your kitchen sink smell citrus clean.
Use lemon juice to disinfect food areas or remove laundry stains. You can even rub a few drops of lemon juice onto clothes to remove oily stains. (Just make sure you wash those clothes immediately!)
