When James (now 11) was a baby I had a nightmare that he had found my cleaning supplies and drank some.
About that time I also noticed that he had a rash, only where his clothes were, which seemed to be an allergic reaction to our laundry detergent.
Both of these things prompted me to do research about what was in the cleaning products I was using. That is when I switched to using natural cleaning products, most of which I make myself.
Now, I’m not going to lie and say that I never use store bought cleaners. Sometimes I purchase dishwasher detergent or laundry detergent but I try to get natural brands.
I think our goal should be to keep our homes as toxin free as possible. For me, this means that I will opt for natural cleaning products.
While I personally believe that commercial cleaning products are not safe for my family, I think that each of us needs to do our own research and make the best choices we can for our families.
If, like me, you decide that you would prefer to use natural cleaning products here is a list of some that I use.
What items do I need to make my own natural cleaning products?
Some items I always have on hand for natural cleaning are:
- White Vinegar
- Baking Soda
- Essential Oils
- Salt
- Cream of Tartar
- Lemon Juice
Items I use for homemade laundry detergent and liquid soap are:
- Fels Naptha Soap
- Castille Soap
- Washing Soda
- Borax (I know there is debate about the safety of this one, but I do use it.)
So, how do I use these items for natural cleaning? Here are some recipes that you might find helpful.
Homemade Natural Cleaning Recipes
For a natural room freshening spray try my “Fauxbreeze” recipe.
Making your own liquid hand soap is simple if you follow my tutorial.
With some baking soda, dish soap, water and elbow grease you can clean your oven without the toxic fumes.
I love using just two ingredients to clean my cabinets and woodwork. Goodbye spray wood polish, hello clean clean cabinets.
Vinegar and water are a great combination for cleaning. I use them when I mop, wash walls, clean the counters, refrigerator, dishwasher, and much more.
You can even make your own reusable Swiffer cloths.
I have made my own liquid laundry detergent, but I like this powdered laundry detergent better because it is so simple.
I have used this natural dishwasher detergent recipe with success although I will note that it doesn’t work as well in the hot, sticky, summer months.
If you run out of dishwasher detergent you can simply use baking soda. Be sure to use vinegar in the rinse compartment.
Instead of dryer sheets I have been adding a few drops of an essential oil like lavender to a flannel cloth and tossing it into the dryer. It works great.
You can even make a natural cleaning gift set like I did a few years ago complete with “recipe cards.
Salt is great mixed with lemon juice to clean a stainless steel kitchen sink.
Cream of tartar mixed with water makes a wonderful soft scrub for tile and other bathroom cleaning.
I simply love using my homemade natural cleaners and I know you will, too.
