Healthy Home Cleaning Formulas

We all know that cleaning products contain numerous amounts of toxins. Over the years, questions regarding the hazards of chemicals in our environment have been largely overlooked. Evidence shows that what we put in our home to clean our house is just as important as what we put inside our body. Products that we use in our homes enter into our bodies via the air we breathe, through our skin, and through the water we drink.  Cleaning can actually make us ill if we don’t pay attention to the cleaning supplies we use and try to use supplies with minimal amounts of chemicals in them.

We have gathered together some healthy cleaning formulas so that you and your family can have the healthiest home possible.

Inexpensive Natural Cleaners

• Lemon – Effective against household bacteria
• White Vinegar – Cuts grease, wax buildup, removes odor, mildew and some stains
• Isopropyl Alcohol – Disinfectant
• Unscented Liquid Soap – Will clean just about anything
• Baking Soda – Cleans and deodorizes
• Cornstarch – Polish furniture, clean windows
• Hydrogen Peroxide – Disinfectant

Natural Cleaning Recipes

Air Fresheners

• Lemon ground up in the disposal
• An open baking soda container to absorb odors
• Cinnamon simmering in water on the stove
• Dried herbs and flowers placed in bowls throughout the house
• Houseplants to keep the air clean and fresh
• Simmer vinegar on the stove while cooking pungent smelling meals to cut the odor

Removing Spots and Stains from Painted Surfaces

• Take baking soda and a damp clean cloth to rub off ink, dirt, pencil, crayon or marker from painted surfaces.  Follow up by rinsing off with warm water.

Metal Cleaners and Polishers

• Chrome – polish with baby oil or vinegar
• Copper – wipe with baking soda sprinkled on a clean cloth with lemon juice
• Brass – polish with a dab of ketchup on a soft clean cloth
• Aluminum – use a clean cloth with equal solution of cream of tartar and water
• Gold – make a paste of salt, flour and vinegar for polishing the gold
• Stainless Steel – can be polished with olive oil on a clean cloth