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