5 Cleaning Products You Can Replace With Natural Alternatives

When we can do something for the environment that is also good for our health, it is a win-win situation. Replacing harsh cleaning chemicals with natural substances is pretty easy to do, and your nose, lungs and general health will thank you for it. Here are some natural alternatives to chemical laden cleaning products.

1. Window and Multi-purpose Cleaners

   We all use these things in our homes. Window and multi-purpose cleaners are cleaning staples, yet most of these products contain toxic substances that you and your family can do without. Old newspapers and white vinegar diluted with water make glass gleam. Throw out your kitchen cleaners and substitute Bon Ami powder, which contains natural ingredients, instead. Baking soda and lemon juice also clean surfaces well if used with a coarse sponge. Want a fresh smelling kitchen or bathroom drain? Pour some baking soda down the drain followed by white vinegar. The fizzing action will freshen the pipes. Rinse with hot water.

2. Cleansers, Bleach, Toilet Cleaners and Laundry Whiteners

   The fumes from some of these products, like bleach, can irritate your lungs. Hydrogen peroxide and white vinegar disinfects just as well without the noxious smells. Borax powder is wonderful for whitening clothes. Lemon juice is a wonder elixir for pretty much any job, and it smells terrific!

3. Cleaning Your Oven

   Those store-bought oven cleaners are horribly irritating to eyes, skin and lungs. An alternative is to use baking soda, vinegar, salt and water. Fill an ovenproof dish with water, then turn the oven on to let the moisture soften the baked on grime. After the oven cools down, spread on a paste of equal parts baking soda, vinegar and salt. Let it sit for a while, and then use your muscle to scrub the mess off.

4. Furniture Cleaner

   Most manufactured furniture polishes are flammable and some even contain formaldehyde. Microfiber cloths will do just as good a job in collecting the dust off your furniture. To give the surfaces a nice sheen, mix a half cup white vinegar with one teaspoon of olive oil. Apply it using a dust-free rag and you’ll be able to see your reflection in your table tops.

5. Dish Soap

   There are many organic and fragrance free products on the market today for washing dishes. Choose fragrance-free or all-natural organic products and simple detergents and soaps with short lists of ingredients. Just try to stay clear of the antibacterial brands which contain triclosan, which promotes bacteria that is drug resistant.