The cleaning products that you use in your home may help make it spotless and shiny, but they could do more harm than good.
I first started learning about toxins in cleaning products when my daughters were babies.
I discovered that many of these chemicals are linked to health issues like allergies, eczema, and hormonal disruptions—which can contribute to conditions like diabetes and other diseases.
Since both of my girls had eczema, I knew I needed to remove as many toxic cleaners from our home as possible.
It wasn’t something I could do overnight, but little by little, I learned what to look for and even started making my own non-toxic cleaners.
If you have kids at home, it’s important to be mindful of the products you use—even if they don’t have noticeable health issues.
Harmful chemicals can build up in the body over time and may lead to problems later in life.
The good news?
Safer cleaning alternatives are easier than you think!
Keep reading to discover simple, effective ways to clean your home using ingredients you probably already have.
Clean With What You Have On Hand
Researchers are discovering that all the anti-bacterial ingredients and chemicals are not good to be using because it keeps us from building a healthy immune system.
It’s actually better for our immune system to be exposed to some germs so totally sterilizing our homes with harsh chemicals and bleach isn’t needed.
Most of the time you can easily clean your home with ingredients you already have on hand.
Items like baking soda, vinegar, essential oils, lemons, cream of tartar, and castile soap can all be used for cleaning without having to use toxic ingredients.
An essential oil diffuser is nice to have on hand when you want to deodorize or disinfect the air. My 2 favorites are:
If you see that diffuser under $20. Grab it. I personally own 4 of them and they work great.
DIY Ideas For Non-Toxic Cleaning
I love Sarah’s video about non-toxic cleaning.
It goes perfectly with my post here and she will give you lots of ideas for cleaning your home.
My solutions below the video aren’t exactly like Sarah’s so sure to watch it so you get lots of ideas.
Remember, don’t try to switch out everything in one day or you will make yourself crazy.
Just try something new each week.
Clean The Sink and Oven
- Mix baking soda with water until you get a pasty mixture.
- Apply it to the oven and leave it for a few hours.
- After you wipe it clean, you can see how clean it looks.
Similarly, to clean your sink yo
u can use a mixture of baking soda and water.
Clean Windows And Floor
You can use a vinegar and water solution to clean the windows.
To mop the tiles and laminate floors, you can add vinegar to warm water with a few drops of essential oil to make the floors smell nice as well as look spotless.
Clean Your Mattresses Without Toxins
Your sofa or mattress can get dirty, but it won’t be too often that you will require cleaning it.
When the time comes, prepare a mixture of baking soda and a few drops of essential oil and sprinkle it on.
Leave it for an hour before you vacuum the solution up and you’ll see the difference.
Also, try this mattress spray I’ve pinned on Pinterest.
Wash Without Bleach
To get your clothes white without bleach mix up this non-toxic recipe in the image below.
Mix all the ingredients together in a 1/2 gallon jug and shake well.
Keep the solution out of direct sunlight when not in use.
Use it as you would regular laundry bleach in your washing machine or around your house.
Clean The Microwave With Ease
For baked on food in the microwave place a cup of vinegar on high until it boils and the insides are laced with vinegar condensation.
Wait for 3 minutes and then remove the bowl and clean the insides with a cloth or paper towel.
Keep The Air Fresh And Toxin Free
Most of the air fresheners used around the home contain toxins that aren’t safe to breathe.
Make your own toxic-free, natural air freshener by combining rosemary, vanilla, and sliced lemon in a simmering quart of water.
If you have an oil diffuser just add some water and your favorite essential oils.
Cozy Home Diffuser Blend
4 Drops Lemon
4 Drops Orange
4 Drops Peppermint
4 Drops Rosemary
Clean The Toilet Without Toxins
- Toss one cup of baking soda in the toilet and leave it for an hour.
- Pour one cup of white vinegar and flush it off after 5 minutes.
- Scrub if needed.
Scrub Tough Dirt With The Least Amount Of Effort
If you have tough dirt and grime that needs a nice scrub with the least amount of effort try a mixture of:
- 1 part Castile Soap and 1 Part Cream of Tartar.
- Rub over the surface that needs to be cleaned then spray with some hydrogen peroxide.
- Let stand for a few minutes and whip clean.
Disinfectant Naturally Without A Toxic Spray
Fill a bottle with water, lavender, lemon, rosemary, and tea tree essential oils then use as you would Lysol disinfectant.
You can also use the Plant Therapy Germ Fighter in the same way.
Bottom Line
There are many different chemicals used in store-bought cleaning products that it’s just not worth the risk. It’s easy to make your own and most times will save you money.
One of my favorite sites to check dangerous ingredients in products is EWG.org. They give ratings to products according to their level of toxins.
Let me know what less toxic cleaners you use to clean around your house.
