Chemical-Free Cleaning

Natural cleaning solutions and detergents rely on plant-based ingredients instead of petroleum-based chemicals. If you don’t want to expose yourself or your family to potentially toxic substances like chlorine, ammonia or phosphates, look for alternative products with essential oils such as thyme, eucalyptus and lavender. They work as well as ordinary household products and won’t pollute the air in your home or the water supply in your community.

It’s also fairly easy and inexpensive to mix your own cleaning solutions from ordinary ingredients like baking soda, vinegar and essential oils.

Recipes for Homemade Cleaners

• Glass Cleaner

Mix 2 cups water +  ½ cup vinegar +  ¼ cup rubbing alcohol and several drops of orange, lavender, cinnamon, or clove essential oil in spray bottle

• Bathroom Tile Cleaner

Mix ½ cup water + ¼ cup hydrogen peroxide in a spray bottle. Spray on tile and grout and leave for one hour before rinsing.

• Drain Cleaner

Pour 1 cup of baking soda in the drain and follow with 1 cup of vinegar. Wait 10 minutes before flushing with boiling water.