Spring Cleaning: Five Non-Toxic Cleaning Solutions

Spring is here! Now that it is, we are ready to open our windows and get to work on cleaning out the dust and cobwebs that built up over the winter. For many, however, spring cleaning can be unhealthy and even dangerous due to the toxic cleansers that are frequently used to clean house. This article shares five non-toxic, eco-friendly cleaning solutions to help you get your house sparkling clean and smelling good.

1. Base Cleanser and Clothes Detergent

A base cleanser will be something you use either alone or as part of another mixture. This cleanser gives all of your cleansing products that extra boost to get the job done.

Materials

5 Gallon Bucket

Handmade Soap

Washing Soda

Borax

Distilled Water

Directions

1. Use a food processor, salad shooter or grate to grate the soap into small soap flakes.

2. Fill bucket to halfway mark with hot, boiling water.

3. Add soap flakes to water and mix slowly. Allow to stand until soap melts and becomes mushy. Stir again.

4. Stir in two cups of washing soda and two cups of borax.

5. Fill bucket to two or three inches from the top with hot, boiling water.

6. Mix slowly and thoroughly. Texture should vary from runny to slimy.

7. Keep covered

This mixture can be used to wash your clothes (1/2 cup per wash) as well as to clean your home. You can purchase handmade soap online, in local specialty shops, in health stores or you can make your own. You may also add essential oils such as lavender, tea tree, clove, sweet orange, lemon, lime, etc. to this mixture to increase its cleansing, antifungal and antibacterial powers. You can scent the entire bucket or only portions, as you use the cleanser.

2. All-Purpose Cleanser

This cleanser can be used like 409. It is a simple combination of the Base Cleanser and water. You can add essential oils to the cleanser to add a nice scent and to add antifungal and antibacterial properties. Some essential oils, like lemon, also add grease-cutting properties.

Materials

2 Tablespoons Base Cleanser

Water

Spray Bottle

Directions

1. Add Base Cleanser to a clean spray bottle.

2. Optional: add 1/8 Teaspoon of essential oil.

3. Fill spray bottle to about an inch from the top with warm to hot water.

4. Shake to mix thoroughly.

5. Shake before each use.

Floor Cleanser

The floor cleanser is made using the Base Cleanser and a few other ingredients. For a nice, clean scent, you can add a citrus essential oil like sweet orange, lemon or lime.

Materials

Mop bucket or other container

1/4 Cup of Base Cleanser

1/2 Cup of White Vinegar

Water

Optional: Essential Oil(s)

Directions

1. Fill mop bucket halfway with warm to hot water.

2. Add Base Cleanser and stir until dissolved.

3. Add white vinegar until mixed thoroughly.

4. Optional: add 1/2 Teaspoon of essential oils.

You can add tea tree essential oil to boost the antifungal and antibacterial qualities of the Floor Cleanser. Other essential oils that can be added are peppermint, spearmint, clove, bay spice, patchouli and lavender. You can also mix the essential oils to come up with a unique scent or even to change the tea tree scent to something more enjoyable. Another option is herbal tea. You can brew herbs like lavender and peppermint, with antibacterial properties, to add to your Floor Cleanser as well.

3. Window Cleanser

If you have been using a commercial window cleanser, are cleaning a window near the stove or if you have a smoker in the home, you will need to use the Extra Cleansing Variation to remove grease, tar and wax buildup. If not, then the Simple Variation should do nicely.

Simple Variation

Materials

1/2 Cup of Vinegar

Water

Spray Bottle

Newspaper

Directions

1. Add vinegar to a clean spray bottle.

2. Optional: add 1/8 Teaspoon of essential oil.

3. Fill bottle to about an inch from the top with warm to hot water.

4. Close and shake to mix thoroughly.

5. Spray on window surface, wipe and dry with the newspaper.

Extra Cleansing Variation

Materials

1/2 Cup of Vinegar

1/2 Teaspoon Base Cleanser

Water

Spray Bottle

Newspaper

Directions

1. Add vinegar to a clean spray bottle.

2. Add Base Cleanser to the bottle.

3. Fill bottle halfway with warm to hot water and shake to mix thoroughly.

4. Optional: add 1/8 Teaspoon of essential oil.

5. Finish filling to about 1 inch from the top of the bottle.

6. Close and shake to mix thoroughly.

7. Spray on window surface, wipe and dry with newspaper.

4. Wet Scrub Cleanser

Wet Scrub can be used to clean sinks, bathtubs, shower walls, counters and stovetops. You would use this cleanser as you would use the commercial Soft Scrub. Wet Scrub should only be created in small quantities, per use; else, it will dry out.

Materials

1/4 Cup Base Cleanser

1/2 Cup Baking Soda

Bowl or other Container

Sponge

Directions

1. Mix Base Cleanser and Baking Soda together until a frosting-like consistency is created. Add more of either to accomplish this.

2. Optional: add 6 to 8 drops of essential oils to the mixture.

3. Wet dirty area with warm water and then, using a clean, wet sponge, apply the cleanser and scrub the area clean.

4. For stubborn areas, try spraying on the All-Purpose Cleanser and letting it sit a while then use the Wet Scrub Cleanser to finish.

5. Carpet Freshener

Why spend money on commercial carpet fresheners when you can make your own cheaper and healthier carpet freshener? This is another simple recipe using baking soda.

Materials

Baking Soda

Essential Oil

Pringles Can or other container

Directions

1. Fill container as full as you like. For every cup of baking soda, add approximately 10 to 15 drops of essential oil(s).

2. Mix baking soda and essential oils thoroughly.

3. If using a Pringles can, make sure it is clean. You can use a hole-punch to punch shaker holes in the plastic lid. If you are using another container, you can simply use a small scoop to distribute the Carpet Freshener.

4. Sprinkle over carpet and let set a little while before vacuuming the mixture up.

5. Keep stored in a cool, dry place.

There you have five simple and healthy cleaning solutions to help you with your spring cleaning. These cleansers work wonderfully without releasing any toxic fumes into your home. Making your own cleansers also allows you to decide on the fragrance you like best. Essential oils and handmade soap can be found in local specialty stores or online on the internet. Check out the Resources box for links to some great places to buy natural ingredients for your homemade non-toxic cleaning solutions.

Happy Cleaning!