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How to Make Your House a Clean, Green Home

If you have ever looked at the labels on cleaning supplies, I would venture to guess you have no idea what they are. What should alarme toulouse us all, are the warning labels on most of them. I will be the first to admit that I cannot clean my bath tub without my Ajax. However, with all the issues associated with toxins put into cleaners these days, I set out to find the best all natural substitute cleaners. There are many products available; these are the ones that work best for my home. Baking soda, washing soda, vinegar, mineral oil, borax and lemon juice are some of my favorites.

Let's start in the bathroom. I use vinegar for almost everything in this room. Mix water and vinegar in a spray bottle and use it to clean counter tops, toilet, mirror, walls, windows, shower and most floors. If you have a mold issue, put the bleach away and use full strength vinegar. I also spray my shower down every couple of days to keep it fresh and keep mildew at bay. Remember my issue with Ajax, well I tried baking soda and was not too impressed. I then mixed the baking soda with washing soda and it worked great. Considering, the scouring cleaners are one of the most harmful cleaners, this is a great alternative.

For the kitchen, the bathroom supplies work just as good. I do mix up a different solution of vinegar, washing soda, borax and hot water for an all-purpose cleaner. It works great on the cabinet doors, stove, fridge and countertops. I have laminate floors in my kitchen and bathrooms, so the vinegar and water works good, but I prefer the smell of mineral oil. 

If you use this, make sure to only put a tablespoon of the oil mixed with water so you will not leave a film. Putting a cut up lemon down the disposal once a week keeps the drains fresh and smelling good. For the cutting board, use the vinegar solution, baking soda or lemon juice. Lemon juice has a natural bleaching component and works well for things that need disinfected. To keep all your drains clean, once a week pour a half cup of baking soda and one cup of vinegar down the drain. This is a fun activity for your kids as well. You can also boil a pan of water and put down the drains.

To dust I simply use the same mineral oil mixture as I use on the floors. If I am looking for a little more fragrance, I add a drop or two of tea tree oil or any other essential oil I am feeling at the time. Also, instead of spending a ton of money on those candles or wax for melting pots, just mix up a drop or two of essential oils with some water. Put into your melting pot or in a pan on the stove or wood burner. This smells great and will not break the bank.

It is important to think about why we should use all natural products in the first place. One of the biggest problems in waste water treatment plants today are the chemicals that are being flushed. These plants do what they can, but it is impossible to treat it all. Our fish and drinking water is paying a huge price for this. Our families are the most important thing in the world; you can do your part in keeping them safe and have a clean home at the same time.