Natural Cleaning Agents

Are you looking for ways to keep your home healthy and clean without using harsh chemicals? Natural cleaning is the answer! Using natural cleaning products at home is not only better for your health, but for the environment as well. Here are 10 simple swaps for natural cleaning at home that will help you keep your space clean and healthy without breaking the bank.

All-natural cleaning supplies are far healthier and safer for you and your family. For to start, you'll avoid breathing in the harsh chemicals in toxic cleaning products. And, you'll also reduce the chance of skin conditions such as eczema and respiratory infections See below for natural DIY cleaning solutions for a safe, non-toxic, chemical-free home.

White Vinegar

Cleaning with white vinegar is natural, and tough on bacteria, and mildew. Best of all, white vinegar is also inexpensive. It's a versatile ingredient that can be used for cleaning everything from windows and mirrors to floors and bathrooms. Mix equal parts water and vinegar to create a powerful all-purpose cleaner. You can also use it as a safe sanitizing solution for kitchen surfaces or mix it with baking soda to unclog drains. If you're looking for non-toxic cleaners, white vinegar should be at the top of your list for natural cleaners.

Baking Soda

Baking soda is a popular natural cleaning ingredient that has been used for generations. It's a natural abrasive that is great for getting tough stains out. Unlike traditional cleaners that are loaded with harsh chemicals, baking soda is a non-toxic cleaner that is safe for use in your home. This natural cleaner can be used in a variety of ways, such as to remove tough stains on your carpets or upholstery. It can also be used as a safe sanitizing solution in your kitchen or bathroom. Simply mix a little bit of baking soda with water and use it to wipe down surfaces.

If you have a funky smell in your home, baking soda can help to neutralize odors, simply sprinkle some baking soda in areas where odors tend to linger, such as in your garbage can or on your carpets. Leave it on for a few hours before vacuuming it up.

Overall, baking soda is an effective natural cleaner that is safe for use in your home. Whether you're looking for a non-toxic cleaner or a safe sanitizing solution, baking soda is an excellent choice. Give it a try and see how it can transform the way you clean your home!

Lemons

Lemons are versatile fruit that can be used for much more than just adding flavor to your meals. The acidic properties in lemon make it an effective cleaner and deodorizer, making it a popular choice for natural cleaning. Here are a few ways you can use lemon to keep your home clean and fresh:

1. Freshen up your garbage disposal: Cut a lemon into quarters and put them down your garbage disposal. Run the disposal for a few seconds to grind up the lemon and get rid of any unpleasant smells.

2. Remove stains: The acid in lemon can help remove stains from clothing, furniture, and even carpet. Simply squeeze some lemon juice onto the stain and let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing it with water.

3. Clean your microwave: Cut a lemon in half and place it in a microwave-safe dish with a cup of water. Microwave for a few minutes until the water starts to boil, then let it sit for a few minutes before wiping the inside of the microwave clean.

4. Polish copper and brass: Make a paste using lemon juice and salt, and use it to polish copper and brass fixtures in your home.

5. Clean and disinfect surfaces: Mix equal parts lemon juice and water in a spray bottle, and use it to clean and disinfect surfaces in your home, such as kitchen counters and bathroom sinks.

Lemon is a natural, affordable, and effective cleaner that can be used in many different ways around your home. So the next time you need to freshen up your living space, consider using a little lemon to get the job done.

Olive Oil

Not just a staple in your kitchen, olive oil can also be used as a natural cleaning agent for your home. The oil is great for lubricating surfaces, loosening grime, and even removing stains. Plus, it's safe to use around children and pets.

To clean your stainless steel appliances, simply apply a small amount of olive oil onto a cloth and wipe the surface down. This will leave your appliances looking shiny and new.

For wooden cutting boards or utensils, apply a small amount of olive oil and let it soak in overnight. In the morning, wipe away any excess oil, and your wooden items will be nourished and protected.

Olive oil is also great for removing sticky residue left by labels or price tags. Simply apply the oil onto the residue, let it sit for a few minutes, and then wipe it away with a cloth.

Overall, olive oil is a versatile and natural alternative to harsh chemical cleaning agents. So next time you need to clean your home, consider using some of the oil you already have in your pantry.

Salt

If you've ever spilled something on the carpet or sofa, you know how hard it can be to remove the stain. Salt can come in handy in such situations. Mix salt with hot water and dab the solution onto the affected area. Let it dry, and then vacuum up the salt. You can repeat the process until the stain is completely removed.

Salt can also help to freshen up your kitchen. A sprinkle of salt on a cutting board can remove stains and kill bacteria. You can also clean your oven with salt. Mix salt and baking soda with some water to make a paste, apply it to the inside of the oven, let it sit for a few hours, and then wipe clean with a damp cloth.

Finally, salt can be used as a natural scouring agent. Combine salt with lemon juice to clean the sink or the bathtub. You can also use salt and olive oil to clean your pots and pans. Simply mix them together to make a paste, apply it to the surface, and then scrub with a brush or sponge. Using salt as a cleaning agent is not only effective, but it's also affordable and eco-friendly. Give it a try and see how versatile this humble ingredient can be!

Hydrogen Peroxide

Another effective natural cleaning agent that you can add to your arsenal is hydrogen peroxide. According to the CDC, hydrogen peroxide is effective at removing microorganisms, including bacteria, yeasts, fungi, viruses, and spores, making it a good choice for cleaning. One of the best things about hydrogen peroxide is that it's readily available in most drugstores, making it an accessible and affordable option. It's also incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of cleaning applications.

One way to use hydrogen peroxide is to make a DIY disinfectant spray. Simply mix equal parts hydrogen peroxide and water in a spray bottle and use it to disinfect surfaces in your home. This can be especially useful during cold and flu season when you want to kill germs without using harsh chemicals. Hydrogen peroxide can also be used to whiten and brighten your laundry, just add half a cup of hydrogen peroxide to your laundry in place of bleach to help brighten whites and remove stains. Additionally, hydrogen peroxide can be used to clean and sanitize your toothbrushes. Simply soak them in a cup of hydrogen peroxide and water for a few minutes to kill bacteria and keep them fresh.

While hydrogen peroxide is generally safe to use, it's important to remember to always dilute it before use and to avoid using it on certain surfaces, like wood or natural stone, as it can cause discoloration. Overall, hydrogen peroxide is an effective and versatile natural cleaning agent that should have a place in your cleaning arsenal. Give it a try and see how it can help you keep your home clean and fresh without harsh chemicals.

Essential Oils

Essential oils are not just great for adding a pleasant fragrance to your home. They are also excellent for cleaning. These oils have antifungal, antibacterial, and antiviral properties that make them a natural and effective cleaning agent.

Tea tree oil is a powerful disinfectant that can kill germs on surfaces such as countertops, floors, and even toilets. Its antimicrobial properties make it a popular ingredient in many natural cleaning products.

Lavender oil is known for its calming properties, but it also has natural disinfectant qualities that make it a great addition to your cleaning routine. Add a few drops to your laundry detergent to give your clothes a fresh scent while eliminating any lingering bacteria.

Peppermint oil is another essential oil that is effective at cleaning. It is particularly good at getting rid of ants, spiders, and other pests that might be making their way into your home. Mix a few drops with water and spray the affected areas to keep those unwanted visitors at bay.

To use essential oils for cleaning, add a few drops to your cleaning solution or mix them with water and use them as a natural air freshener. You can also add them to your laundry or use them in a diffuser to give your home a fresh scent.

While essential oils are natural and safe, they should always be used in moderation. Avoid using them undiluted and keep them out of reach of children and pets. With proper use, essential oils can be a natural and effective way to keep your home clean and fresh.

Soap Nuts

Soap nuts, also known as soap berries, are a natural alternative to conventional laundry detergent. These nuts contain a natural substance called saponin that acts as a cleaning agent. All you have to do is add a few soap nuts in a small bag and toss them in the wash with your clothes. They are particularly recommended for baby clothes and items, as they are 100% chemical-free and allergy-free, perfect for the delicate skins of infants and young children.

In addition to being a great laundry detergent alternative, soap nuts are also great at killing bacteria. This makes them perfect for washing your pets and their own things. Simply place a handful of soap nuts in a muslin bag and toss it in with your pet's toys, bedding, or even in the wash with their own clothes.

One of the best things about soap nuts is that they are reusable. You can use the same bag of soap nuts for multiple loads of laundry until they are no longer effective. Once they are spent, you can compost them in your garden or yard. This makes them a zero-waste cleaning solution.

In conclusion, soap nuts are a natural and eco-friendly alternative to conventional laundry detergents. They are gentle on skin and effective at killing bacteria. Give them a try for your next load of laundry and see the difference for yourself.

Borax

Borax is a versatile and effective natural cleaning agent that can be used for various cleaning tasks in your home. Its mild abrasive and alkaline properties make it a great choice for scrubbing and removing stubborn stains on surfaces and fabrics.

You can use borax to clean toilets, sinks, showers, and floors. Simply mix it with water to form a paste and apply it to the surface. Let it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing and rinsing off with water. Borax can also be used to freshen up carpets and upholstery. Sprinkle a small amount of borax on the affected area, let it sit for a few hours, and then vacuum it up.

If you have hard water stains in your bathroom or kitchen, borax can help remove them. Mix borax with lemon juice to form a paste and apply it to the stains. Let it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing and rinsing off.

Borax is also an effective laundry booster. Add a cup of borax to your laundry load to help brighten whites and remove stubborn stains. However, it's important to note that borax should be used with caution around children and pets. While it is natural, it can be harmful if ingested or inhaled in large quantities. Overall, borax is a great1.

natural cleaning agent to add to your cleaning arsenal. It's affordable, effective, and versatile. Give it a try and see how it can make cleaning your home a breeze!

Castille Soap

Castile soap is an excellent versatile all-purpose cleaning agent that can for used not only in your home to clean any surface, flooring, furniture, and laundry, but also the body and hair. This eco-friendly vegan soap is made of entirely vegetable oils.

Just mix one tablespoon of castile soap for every cup of water adding fragrance if preferred in the form of essential oils to an all-purpose cleaner or no fragrance to spray bottle for a safe vegetable wash.

Steam Cleaner

If you do have one of these, you absolutely should get one, these are great non-chemical devices that will loosen dirt and sanitize all in one swoop. These can be used all over your home, they are safe and no chemical or cleaning agents are needed and they remove stubborn dirt and grime with little to no effort at all. Additionally, sse natural cotton clothes that are both reusable and gentle to dust, wash or scrub. Recycle old towels, t-shirts, or use microfiber towels that can be laundered and reused over and over again.

Several of my favorite recipes are:

What is the best natural thing to clean with? In my opinion, my overall favorite is vinegar. See below.

Overall cleaning agent I like is straight white vinegar with citrus peels that have been submerged in vinegar. Citrus adds a disinfecting element as well as a more pleasant smell.

Directions: Simply fill a jar with citrus peels, your choice of lemons, grapefruit, oranges, etc., and cover it with distilled white vinegar completely and seal it, place it in a cool, dry location with no direct sunlight. Shake occasionally and after a period of up to two weeks, drain the vinegar and use it as a concentrate and dilute with 50% water and put into a spray bottle.

Grease stains on concrete, tile grout, etc use a combo of distilled white vinegar and baking soda which produces a fizzy non-toxic reaction and lifts up the hard-to-remove stains.