Natural Household Cleaning Tips

By using the natural household cleaning tips listed below, you will fast-track your way to a healthy and an environmentally friendly home . When you decide to make your home more environmentally friendly, you need to look at both the materials your home is constructed from (choosing bamboo flooring instead of carpeting, for example); and also the way your home is maintained.

The products you bring into your home each week to clean countertops, floors, windows, and even your laundry usually come in bulky plastic containers, and are fully of detergents, synthetic fragrances, and chemicals. You reduce the impact of these not-so-environmentally-friendly products, and still get your home clean by adapting these household cleaning tips:

Read labels before purchasing any cleaning product. Some products are marketed as “natural” simply because they contain a natural ingredient or two, like water. Regard most commercially prepared cleaning agents with suspicion, and try out one of these natural household cleaning tips instead—chances are, you will be surprised at how effective the natural methods are.

Designate an area for your cleaning supplies. Many of the natural items you can use to clean your home can perform multiple functions. Keeping them all together allows you to choose the right item for the task at hand.

Start with the basics: You can supply your home with a basic cache of natural cleaning supplies for under ten dollars. Most of the items you need will last a long time—so cleaning “green” saves you money as well!

Stock your cleaning area with baking soda, white vinegar, an empty spray bottle, lemon juice, hydrogen peroxide, some cotton rags or washcloths, olive oil, and an old toothbrush or scrub brush.

Evaluate the supplies you normally use, and choose a natural substitute. Check in your cleaning supplies to see what you normally use. If you currently use an abrasive cleaner for counter top stains, switch to baking soda instead—you use it the same way—sprinkle on the surface, dampen, and rub to clean. Some green substitutions and household cleaning tips are listed below:

  • If you use scouring powder, try baking soda instead
  • If you use spray cleaner, try a mixture of white vinegar and water instead (50% vinegar and 50% water in a spray bottle)
  • If you use wood polish or spray, try olive oil instead (rub in with a soft cloth for a rich sheen)
  • If you use tub and shower cleaner, use baking soda and a scrub brush for stains, then rinse with vinegar for soap scum remover (you will see a bubbly reaction when you rinse, this is a normal chemical reaction).
  • If you use rug cleaner, use baking soda instead. (Mix with 3-4 drops of essential oil if desired, sprinkle on carpet, and vacuum).
  • If you use glass cleaner, try vinegar or hydrogen peroxide instead (use a spray bottle and wipe with a soft cloth.
  • To lighten stains on a countertop or other surface, use lemon juice (do not use on white laminate, it can yellow the surface).
  • Replace paper towels with soft cotton cloths (you can knit, crochet, or stitch your own, or buy 100% cotton washcloths).

Every time you follow one of the natural household cleaning tips listed above, you make your home a cleaner, greener & healthier place to be.

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