Nontoxic House Cleaning Hacks
Around our home we have a very balanced approach to incorporating “clean” “green” and “nontoxic” into our daily routines. We do see nontoxic as the ultimate goal, but lets be real - that takes time to adapt practices and learn. So while we still use (and love) candles or traditional cleaners, here are some nontoxic, natural based cleaners and cleaning tips to help if you’re in the same boat!
Vinegar & Baking Soda: This classic, go-to combo has been around for generations for a reason! White vinegar is a disinfectant and cuts grease, while baking soda is a gentle scouring powder. Mix them into a paste for tough jobs, or a diluted vinegar solution for wiping down surfaces.
Citrus: Lemons and oranges are natural degreasers and disinfectants. Cut one in half and use it to scrub cutting boards or add the juice to water for a refreshing all-purpose cleaner.
Castile Soap: This gentle plant-based soap is great for multiple surfaces.
Essential Oils: While not exactly cleaners themselves, essential oils like tea tree or lavender can add a disinfectant boost and a pleasant scent to your DIY cleaning solutions. The list of uses for essential oils is endless, but some of my tried and true that I use at my home are:
Ants – I rub peppermint + lemon oil on the baseboards where I see ants are entering. It works like a charm, you just have to find their path!
Laundry & sinks – We use essential oils in our laundry and sink for scent. It’s like the cherry on the cake after you get everything clean, then you get to make it smell good naturally.
Trash can – Essential oils can help deodorize and replace the stink of a trash can. I like to take a few cotton balls and give them a few drops each of oils, then place them in the can.
Vents – If you pull your vent return cover down and place a few oils directly onto the filter, you’ll get to enjoy the scent being pushed through your home as the air blows.
Salt: Salt is another natural disinfectant and can be used for scrubbing cutting boards or soaking up spills. Just be aware that it can be abrasive on some surfaces. Also, if you cook with cast iron, this is what I use when I really need to scrub something off without using chemicals.
Bonus Tip: Invest in reusable microfiber cloths for cleaning. These work great with most non-toxic cleaners and help reduce waste from disposable paper towels. Just be sure to wash them in hot water to kill any lingering bacteria.
