How to Clean Your House Using a Few Non-toxic Natural Ingredients
I thought I would end the year by addressing the sexy topic of cleaning the house.
In French, the phrase for house cleaning is “faire le menage,” so maybe I’m onto something!
Who am I kidding, cleaning house isn’t sexy. It isn’t fun, and it doesn’t put me in a very good mood. In fact, I would rather do almost anything else. However, it has to be done, so I try to be thorough. I do love the way the house smells after I clean it, so that keeps me going.
Anyway, I am well aware that many of us, myself included, make efforts to avoid toxic chemicals when we clean our homes. Those of us who are children of the 70’s and 80’s remember the bold chemical scents of commercial cleaners. My nose used to tingle when I would help my mom to spray the bathroom cleaner in the tub…the same tub I would later bathe in. Made by a chemical company with a reputation for health and wellness promotion, I’m sure.
I have worked to find cleaning solutions for my own home that depend less on mass-produced chemicals, yet still function well to clean, sanitize, and deodorize the home. Although the topic is not glamorous, with many of us doing post-holiday cleaning, it is timely. Today’s article will provide ideas for cleaning the surfaces of your home using non-toxic but effective ingredients that you probably already have in your cabinet.
Tip 1: White vinegar for linens, towels, and clothing
Hats off to my cousin-in-law for introducing me to white vinegar’s cleaning abilities! Although I use commercial laundry detergent, I use white vinegar in the pre-wash to eliminate stubborn odors in towels, bed linens, and clothing (especially workout clothing). Instead of having to frequently re-wash loads of laundry, as I used to do, white vinegar usually eliminates stubborn fabric odors with the first wash. Additionally, I have been able to decrease by half the amount of detergent I use per load.
Tip 2: Baking soda for bathrooms
Bathrooms require extra cleaning effort due to water minerals, soap and shampoo residue, and toothpaste splatters. Baking soda works well on porcelain and tile surfaces that require scrubbing, as the powder provides gentle non-scratch abrasion. It rinses with water and has no odor of its own. To make a baking soda paste that has a custom scent, I sometimes pour baking soda in a ramekin, and cut in a few drops of essential oil using a fork. Eucalyptus, tea tree, lavender, and lemongrass oils leave a clean, fresh scent in a bathroom, without overpowering the nose.
Tip 3: Castille soap for tile floors and countertops
Castille soap is a pure, vegetable-based soap that can be purchased at drug stores or box stores. Only a small amount is needed for effective cleaning, and it rinses clean, without streaking or residue. It can be purchased with scent added, or unscented. It is a great vegan choice for anyone who wants a non-toxic soap for solid surfaces. I have also used castille soap in water for cleaning my sealed hardwood floors, with great results.
Tip 4: Hydrogen peroxide for disinfecting and carpet care
Hydrogen peroxide is an amazing disinfectant! It works on viruses, bacteria, and fungi, and it doesn’t bleach fabrics. I use diluted hydrogen peroxide in my carpet shampoo machine, and it never fails to brighten dull carpets. Peroxide can also be used on porous surfaces such as fabrics, as long as they are tolerant of liquid. (It is always a smart idea to test on a small, discreet area first) One more thing: peroxide can be mixed with water and castille soap to make a floor and grout cleaner that will brighten dull grout and disinfect walking surfaces.
Tip 5: Rubbing alcohol and hydrogen peroxide for fabric stains
Have you ever had a chair or sofa that was on the receiving end of a slice of pizza, a spilled drink, or muddy dog paws? I certainly have! As long as your fabric can be soap-and-water washed, using a 50/50 mixture of hydrogen peroxide and rubbing alcohol may be all it takes to remove the fabric stain. The peroxide works to fade or eliminate the stain, while the alcohol breaks down oils and decreases the drying time. Also, the alcohol can leave a clean scent on fabrics, so it can freshen stale furnishings.
A few words of caution
When cleaning natural stone surfaces such as granite or marble, always check for compatibility with your cleaner of choice, whether commercial or homemade. Acidic cleaners can etch stone, dulling and damaging the surface. Fabrics should be checked for washability and compatibility with the cleaner of choice. Spot-testing prior to use is always wise. Also, before mixing ingredients together, check for compatibility using a search engine. Mixing many substances with bleach-containing cleaners, for example, can cause a potentially dangerous chemical reaction or the release of toxic gases.
Good luck cleaning up after the holidays, and see you in the new year!
Hillary McAlhany is the owner of Gate City Design. She is a certified professional home stager/redesigner, E-designer & color expert. Although she is based in North Carolina, she offers remote design services outside of the central North Carolina region.
