3 Non-toxic Cleaning Solutions You Can Make At Home

What do chlorine, ammonia and sodium hydroxide have in common? These are some of the chemicals that popular cleaning products employ to remove grease, stains and germs in households and offices. While these potent actors can certainly be effective on dirt and grime, they can undoubtedly be harmful to you, your children and the environment.

Even if you opt for a popular cleaning solution that boasts a “green” or “eco-friendly” label, there’s still a chance that the claim of environmental safety is inaccurate. Take a few minutes to carefully read the ingredients on the label before you commit. You may find ingredients you didn’t expect to see. Some of the symptoms you might experience from using cleaning products made with harsh chemicals include:

• Headache
• Red, watering eyes
• Difficulty breathing
• Skin irritation

If you continue to use these products, long-term ailments may include:

• Asthma
• Allergic reactions
• Other respiratory problems

In order to avoid certain disaster, more and more homeowners are turning to natural, homemade products for their cleaning needs. Ultimately, these efforts can alleviate the harmful impact on the environment and help avoid the negative effects of chemicals. Below, you can find three simple recipes to create effective, affordable and eco-friendly cleaning solutions. Always remember: Maid Sailors uses eco-friendly cleaning products when they clean your home ( perfectly).

Make sure you have this stuff:

• Plastic spray bottles
• Rubbing alcohol
• White vinegar
• Fresh lemon or lemon juice
• Cornstarch
• Water
• Baking soda
• Castile soap
• Essential oils
• Sponges and towels

1) Glass Cleaner

Set aside your go-to, chemical-ridden glass cleaner and whip up a streak-free solution with the help of a few standard kitchen items. For best results, use a newspaper to rub your homemade cleaner over the glass surfaces you’re polishing to a shine. Mix the ingredients thoroughly in a spray bottle to avoid clogs. Adjust the following recipe for larger or smaller bottles:

• ¼ cup white vinegar
• ¼ cup rubbing alcohol
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 cups distilled or tap water
• A few drops of your favorite essential oil ( optional)

2) Grease Fighter

It might be hard to believe that a handful of household items is all you need to effortlessly lift grease off counters, stovetops and microwaves – believe it. This formula uses three ingredients and zero chemicals to make one powerful de-greaser. Mix the ingredients in a plastic bottle and add a few drops of lemon juice until it’s fresh. The baking soda breaks up stubborn gunk and the lemon juice adds a hint of citrus-infused freshness. Assemble:

• 2 cups tepid water
• 2 tablespoons baking soda
• 2 teaspoons liquid castile soap
• 10 or more drops of lemon juice or essential oil

3) Carpet Cleaner

If you have kids or pets (they’re practically the same thing, right?), your carpet is probably used to a lot of foot traffic (amongst other things). Often, the perpetrators leave evidence behind in the form of tiny little footprints or mud-soaked paw prints. Ditch the powdery carpet treatment that requires a vacuum cleaner. Instead, parents and pet owners alike can spot-clean their rugs with this simple carpet cleaning solution. Gather the following ingredients and mix thoroughly for optimal results. Use a sponge to help you loosen dirt before you break the grime down even further. Ingredients include:

• Liquid castile soap
• Baking soda
• White vinegar
• Clean towel and sponge

Not only are these non-toxic cleaning solutions eco-friendly, they’re wallet-friendly. You can use these recipes in any room of your house, or use them to supplement other eco-conscious cleaning methods in your car. All in all, the homemade cleaning tools will set you back less than $10. We’ve tweaked these blends just slightly, and you can feel free to experiment with your solutions, as long as you’re taking the proper safety precautions. If you’re too lazy to do any of this, do yourself a favor and call Maid Sailors.