5 Natural Home Cleaner Substitutions

The more we learn about cleaning products, the more we can be put off. Studies have shown links to cancer, asthma, skin allergies, the list goes on and on. As result, a new market emerged. Businesses like Honest started popping with home cleaning products that are good for the environment and good for the soul. People wanted to use something that wouldn’t harm their children or their pets. Soon after, websites like Pinterest were filled with DIY home-cleaning products. Not only does this help your budget, but they are easy to make and are created with everyday household items. Such as:

White Vinegar

Vinegar is a known disinfectant. In fact, it kills germs better than the leading cleaning products. For the most part, it has no smell and essential oils can be added for a better scent. If you combine equal parts water and white vinegar in a spray bottle, you can use it to clean grease, grime, mildew and wipe down counters.

Baking Soda

Baking Soda isn’t just for putting out grease fires. It’s a great natural deodorizer. Many people put it in their cats litter boxes to mask the smell, but they are also commonly used in homemade toothpastes to whiten teeth (Homemade Toothpaste) and, when mixed with warm water, can be used to mop and shine floors.

Cornstarch

Cornstarch isn’t just for creating creamy soups. When mixed with water, it turns into a paste that’s great for scrubbing away grease, grime and mold. Think of it as a mold-be-gone that often plagues our bathroom showers.

Isopropyl Alcohol

Better known as rubbing alcohol. Due to its high alcohol content, it should be kept out of the reach of children and animals, but when combined with water, it’s one of the best options for a homemade disinfectant. Back before cleaning products were a house hold essential and doctors had local anesthetics and wound washes, alcohol was a great way of decontaminating wounds and surfaces.

Lemon Juice

Not only is lemon juice a great salad dressing, but it also helps bleach and clean surfaces. You can combine with just water or, for a better clean, combine with other household products like baking soda or vinegar for a harsher disinfectant. For example, lemon juice, baking soda and water make a great drain cleaner when combined together (Homemade Drain Cleaner)

Bonus

If you combine equals parts water with hydrogen peroxide and apple cider vinegar, you have a great ear cleaner, wound wash and hand disinfectant that can be used on both humans and animals. To add scent, use any essential oil.

If you’ve been trying to save while still wanting the best cleaning products for your home, look no further than your pantry. Websites like Pinterest offer great methods of cleaning while living on a budget and using what you already have. If you’re simply wanting to create a safer environment for yourself and those around you while keeping away from harsh cleaners that can do more harm than good, avoid the chemicals and go natural. Whatever your reason, there are a multitude of options for you.