Cleaning Your Most Lived in Space- Home!
Your home is the probably the space you spend the most time in, when you’re not at work or out and about. Naturally, you want to keep it clean and tidy. But did you know that conventional cleaning products might be doing more harm than good for your health? Before you freak out, know that you can tweak a few things in your cleaning products and reap the benefits.
Switching to healthier cleaning products has never been easier. Unlike conventional cleaners filled with harsh chemicals, alternatives harness the power of natural ingredients to effectively clean without compromising your health and indoor air quality. You’ll breathe easier knowing that you’re reducing your exposure to harmful toxins and allergens, resulting in improved indoor air quality and a safer living environment for you and your family. Read on to discover how you can make the transition today and experience the peace of mind that comes with embracing a healthier, more sustainable, approach to cleaning.
Game Changing Effects from switching
Here’s why making the switch is a game-changer:
- Reduced Exposure to Harmful Chemicals: Unlike conventional cleaners that contain harsh chemicals like ammonia and chlorine bleach, green cleaning products are formulated with natural ingredients that are gentle on your health.
- Improved Indoor Air Quality: By eliminating the use of toxic fumes and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), eco-friendly cleaners help maintain a fresher and cleaner indoor air environment, reducing the risk of respiratory issues and allergies.
- Gentle on Sensitive Skin: Many conventional cleaning products can irritate sensitive skin due to their abrasive or chemical-laden formulas. Green alternatives are often hypoallergenic and free from harsh fragrances and dyes, making them ideal for individuals with sensitive skin or allergies.
- Safe for Children and Pets: With non-toxic ingredients, natural cleaning products provide peace of mind for households with children and pets who may come into contact with surfaces treated with toxic cleaners.
- Environmental Sustainability: Choosing eco-friendly cleaning products supports sustainable practices by reducing the release of harmful chemicals into waterways and minimizes plastic waste using biodegradable packaging.
Homemade Cleaners in your Kitchen Cabinets
Transform your cleaning routine with these healthier alternatives that prioritize your well-being. Here are some standout options to consider:
– Vinegar: Because of vinegar’s acidic properties, vinegar effectively cuts through grease, grime, and mineral deposits while also acting as a natural disinfectant. Mix it with water for an all-purpose cleaner or use it undiluted for tougher stains and messes.
. – Baking Soda: Known for its gentle abrasive qualities, baking soda is perfect for scrubbing away dirt and grime without scratching surfaces. It also helps neutralize odors, making it an excellent deodorizer for carpets, upholstery, and refrigerators.
– Essential Oils: Harness the power of nature with essential oils like tea tree oil, lavender, or lemon, adding a pleasant scent and also have antibacterial and antifungal properties.
– Castile Soap: Made from natural plant oils, such as olive, coconut, or hemp, castile soap is a gentle yet effective cleaner that can be used for everything from washing dishes to mopping floors. Its biodegradable and non-toxic nature makes it safe for both your family and furry pets.
– Hydrogen Peroxide: A natural alternative to bleach, hydrogen peroxide is an effective disinfectant that breaks down into water and oxygen, leaving no harmful residue behind.
– Microfiber Cloths: Reusable and highly absorbent, microfiber cloths trap dirt and bacteria without the need for harsh chemicals, making them perfect for dusting and wiping down surfaces.
– Homemade All-Purpose Cleaner: Create your own cleaner by mixing water, vinegar, and a few drops of essential oil for a safe and effective solution for most cleaning tasks for cents compared to what you would spend on overpriced, toxic cleaners.
When to keep the usual cleaning products
Now, there are times I am ALL for the Lysol and Clorox. Cue in highly contagious viruses like the stomach bug, rotavirus, noravirus, flu and Covid. And if you live in a house with kids, you’ll likely need these atleast several times throughout the year, and for when you just really need to disinfect.
But when it comes to your daily cleaning, I like to reach for the alternatives!
easy cleaning hacks
Some ideas on how to use homemade cleaners:
- Using 1 part white distilled vinegar with 1 part water, this makes a great multipurpose cleaner. Use on glass, non porous surfaces (not for use on granite or marble) such as countertops, appliances, or use undiluted on tubs (spray and let it sit for several minutes to cut through soap scum/mildew), faucets, toilets (let stand for 3 hours), whites and lights laundry (don’t use in darks as it may stain) to help get odors out and non linoleum floors (don’t use on hardwood or any stone or marble).
- Deodorize carpet by sprinkling baking soda on carpets to get out stale odors, allowing it to sit for several minutes soaking up odors and then vacuuming it up. Take it a step further, and use baking soda to deodorize your mattress, dog beds, sofa cushions and chairs (test a small section first to be sure) following with the vacuum as stated above. You can even deodorize shoes and sports cleats!
- Make an all-purpose cleaner with hydrogen peroxide mixing 1 part water with 1 part hydrogen peroxide. Spray this on surfaces, allowing it to sit for several minutes, before wiping it off. Because hydrogen peroxide is an excellent disinfectant, use it undiluted to clean the toilet bowl after letting it sit for 10 minutes to do it’s job. It’s also a great stain remover, effectively removing blood stains from scraped knee stained pants, etc. Always test on an inconspicuous piece of fabric to ensure nit wont damage the cloth (if it’s a color other than white) before use. Use to disinfect commonly touched objects such as door handles and knobs, tv remotes, light switches and chargers.
- You can use baking soda to clean stainless steel, make a paste to whiten grout, buff silver to shine, and remove nasty food residue on pots and pans by mixing a paste with water, letting it sit and wiping it clean.
- Use Borax to clean and freshen laundry, make an all-purpose cleaning product, deodorize carpet and shoes, clean your drain and the list goes on!
Will you make the switch for a healthier you?
In conclusion, transitioning from conventional cleaning products to safer and healthier alternatives profoundly impacts our overall well-being. By embracing these alternatives, we empower ourselves to create safer spaces for our families, reduce harmful chemical exposure, and contribute positively to the health of our planet. Through this simple yet impactful shift, we pave the way for a cleaner, greener, and healthier future for generations to come. Let’s continue to prioritize sustainability, health, and safety in our daily choices, starting with the products we use to maintain our homes and spaces.
Tell me, what's your cleaning routine like?
I'd love to hear!!
***Please note, the ideas expressed in this article are personal views only and are considered general in nature. In no way should it be considered medical, health or professional advice of any kind. Fit and Free assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions in the content of this article. If you have any questions, concerns or are considering making changes, please speak with a professional suited to your personal needs. Information in this article is an “as is” policy, and though we strive to provide current and accurate information, errors can occur.***