When it comes to cleaning the house, it’s tempting to enlist off-the-shelf products with ingredients like bleach and ammonia. They get the job done but not without also doing a number on your eyes, airways, and, with enough exposure, your nervous system. Ironically, these cleaners also pollute Disinfectants and other chemicals washing down drains now contaminate more than two-thirds of U.S. streams. Largely because of these same products, our indoor air can be up to five times more polluted than the air outside. But you don’t have to sacrifice health for a clean home. Nontoxic DIY cleaners deliver considerable power at minimal cost. “Making your own is easy,” says Annie Bond, author of “Better Basics for the Home.” “All you need is a little trust in yourself and six ingredients.” We worked with Bond to gather these easy, essential recipes, so you can start green cleaning today.
What You’ll Need
Baking soda (aka sodium bicarbonate)
A deodorizer and gentle scrub; that softens hard water, removes acidic stains, and polishes shiny surfaces like stainless steel without scratching.
Distilled white vinegar
A deodorizer, disinfectant, mild acid, and preservative; breaks up dirt, grease, mineral deposits, mold, and soap scum.
Essential oils
Aromatic plant oils, including eucalyptus, lavender, and tea tree, are natural disinfectants and antifungals. Pure essential oils can irritate eyes and skin upon contact, so handle them carefully. Pregnant women should consult a healthcare practitioner before using. Available from mountainroseherbs.com and natural foods stores.
Lemon
A deodorizer, stain remover, and grease cutter; acts as a mild bleach when exposed to sunlight.
Olive oil
A natural oil that helps to nourish and polish wood.
Plant-based liquid soap
Gentle soap is made with oils such as olive (“Castile soap”), palm, and coconut, rather than petroleum derivatives or animal fat. Available from natural foods stores and drbronner.com.
