Much has been written on the subject of natural cleaning. With environmental allergies being so common in this day and age, converting to natural cleaning products is worth the investment of both your time and effort.
The use of natural cleaning products is often cheaper in the long run than continuing with commercial chemical products. You may already have many natural cleaning ingredients in your home; it's just a matter of getting to know what they are and how to use them. I have found that the big question for many is, "Where do I start?" What do you really need to know to make the changes to benefit from natural and healthy cleaning in your home?
Basically, you need to learn what ingredients and tools to use, cautions of using some natural cleaning products, proper cleaning technique and where to find natural cleaning recipes.
Basic Natural Cleaning Ingredients
Let's begin with basic "safer" environmentally-friendly ingredients that you likely have at home:
- Vinegar
- Baking Soda
- Corn Starch
- Washing Soda
- Pure, Natural Soap
- Water!
Additionally, these 3 ingredients are used by many who implement green cleaning methods, but they do have some risks associated with using them:
- Borax
- Hydrogen Peroxide
- Household Ammonia (never mix this with bleach, as they will produce a harmful gas)
Even some fruits can be used in disinfection, such as lemons and limes.
Essential oils can also be used in cleaning, as many have broad-spectrum disinfecting abilities. Many essential oils leave a pleasant scent which can add to your satisfaction of natural cleaning. Be sure to only use the essential oils to which you and your family do not have any sensitivities. Use as recommended by the manufacturer.
Caution When Using Natural Cleaning Products
Many natural cleaning recipes call for certain combinations of some of the above-listed ingredients. It's important to note, that not all "natural" products are considered safe, and that virtually any chemical, when used improperly, poses health risks.
Examples of improper use of chemicals and ingredients are:
- mixing with incompatible ingredients
- mixing in overly large quantities
- mixing in high concentrations
Basic Natural Cleaning Tools and Gear
Cost-effective natural and environmentally-friendly cleaning tools may be more readily available than you think. For instance, check your local grocery or health food stores for these items:
- 100 percent cotton towels (use them for cleaning household surfaces. Wash and dry before reuse).
- Natural bristle brush (for washing fruits and vegetables).
- Environmentally-friendly sponges (such as silk sea sponges
Additionally, you may like to purchase some cotton-lined cleaning gloves to use when handling products such as borax, washing soda or other chemicals. They also keep your hands from drying out when handling wet cleaning cloths.
Spray bottles will also come in handy. And even if they are plastic, if you are reusing them for your natural cleaning products over and over again, you are not contributing to the plastic piling up in landfills. Be sure to label the spray bottles according to the recipe you are using and clean and dry them before refilling for future use. This will help to avoid cross-contamination of the residue from previous mixtures.
Where to Find Natural Cleaning Recipes
The library is a great source for books and DVDs on natural cleaning recipes. Many websites, such as those listed below may also prove helpful in finding the recipes and techniques that fit your needs and lifestyle.
Proper Cleaning Technique
Thorough cleaning is achieved with following these basic steps:
- Remove the surface dirt. After all, how can a disinfectant do it's job properly with hard and dried food or other substances on the surfaces that you are trying to clean?
- Apply the cleaning solution to the surface you will clean.
- Allow the solution to dwell for enough time to clean and disinfect.
- Wipe off the dissolved dirt with a clean towel.
Remember that these steps with a little elbow grease can go a long way to clean effectively.
Hopefully these few tips will get you started in your journey to a greener and naturally cleaner home.
Sources:
Berthold-Bond, Annie. Clean and Green – The Complete Guide to Non-Toxic and Environmentally Safe Housekeeping, 1994, Updated Edition. (Ceres Press Woodstock, New York U.S.A.), 19-25.
The Canadian Green Consumer Guide, 1991. (McClelland and Stewart Inc. Toronto, Ontario, Canada), 40-42, 53.
Brandy Pearce - As a seasoned traveler, dental professional, educator and jewelry designer, Brandy's articles are insightful, interesting, and full of ...
