Home Cleaning with 5 Natural Products

Everyone wants their home fresh and clean, so they can live in the healthiest environment possible. Many people go overboard using strong commercial chemicals and cleaners in an effort to create a fresh-smelling atmosphere. You can instantly smell the chemicals in these types of cleaners the second you open the bottle. In fact, the label warns you to avoid any contact with eyes and skin, not to breathe the fumes, and to wear rubber gloves. What does this say about the ingredients?

As a result, many people today are starting to use more natural alternatives to clean their homes. But buying these kinds of products can get very expensive—sometimes even more than their commercial counterparts. Thankfully, you don't need to buy either kind, since you can make your own cleaning products using simple, natural ingredients. Not only will you save money, you'll also protect your family's health and reduce your impact on the environment.

Avoid cleaning products that contain toxic ingredients

It's more important than ever to adopt healthier lifestyle habits at home. Chemicals like Triclosan, often found in hygiene and cleaning products, have been linked to increased cases of asthma. It's no surprise that certain products are initially introduced as harmless and then later recalled as dangerous. Adding some of these harsh substances into the place where you eat and live could have serious consequences.

What's the alternative?

Using your own natural cleaning solutions will give your home a powerful, effective clean—without the toxic fumes and harsh chemicals. Check under your sink or in the pantry for more nontoxic, economical ingredients that work either alone or combined to make your home shiny and clean.

Here are five naturally organic products that can be found in virtually any home that do a great job of cleaning without the chemicals

1. Vinegar

White vinegar is known for dissolving grease effectively and makes the ideal surface cleaner in the kitchen as well as the bathroom. Vinegar is a strong cleaning agent due to its acidic nature. Research conducted in Japan discovered that the effects of vinegar were enhanced as the solution's temperature increased, therefore emphasizing the advantage of using warm, natural cleaning solutions.

2. Lemon Juice

Ever notice how many commercial brand cleaners include lemon in their product? There's a reason for that. Lemon juice effectively kills mold and swiftly cuts through grease to leave a fresh, streak-free shine. Researchers in Nebraska took a closer look at lemon oil's ability to reduce the growth of mold by applying a coat of vinegar and lemon juice to roast beef. The study illustrated the prevention of mold spore germination and development. Combine natural lemon juice and vinegar and/or olive oil to create a tough cleaning solution that leaves a natural-smelling scent behind in the room.

3. Salt

Salt is a natural, gentle abrasive, and disinfectant. It's used for cleaning kitchen utensils and clearing drains. When combined with baking soda, it can easily cut through grease. It can also whiten discolored cutting boards if used with cool water as an everyday scrub as well as remove burn marks around dishware edges and stains from delicate chinaware.

4. Cream of Tartar

Cream of tartar is actually a by-product as a result of the winemaking process. When wine is made, a powder develops inside the wine barrels while fermenting. This powder stems from tartaric acid, which naturally occurs during winemaking. It's left behind in the sediment in the wine barrels after the wine is fermented and subsequently becomes purified into a white, powdery substance that's used in baking. Cream of tartar can be used for a variety of household cleaning tasks such as cleaning bathtub tile and grout cleaning, removing rust stains, renewing scratched dishes, and cleaning the gunk off your toaster.

5. Baking Soda

Baking soda is a natural deodorizer and offers an abrasive quality that outperforms other toxic, powdered commercial cleansers. Use it on a variety of surfaces in the kitchen and bathroom to effectively eliminate stains and even clean grimy ovens inside. Also, adding salt to baking soda gives it an extra boost of scrubbing power.

While some spray cleaners and fabric softeners help make rooms and clothes smell fresh, they also contain toxic quaternary ammonium compounds, including benzalkonium chloride, which is known for causing asthma in otherwise normal, healthy individuals. Natural carpet cleaning and upholstery cleaning agents are far better for both you and the environment. Consider using organic carpet cleaners and organic upholstery cleaners to support the health of your family.