Pros & Cons of Natural Cleaning Products

Natural cleaning products can be bought in premixed solutions, or you can make cleaning products from ingredients at home. Salt, vinegar, baking soda and lemons are all key ingredients in making your own cleansers.

Cost

Homemade cleaning products are much cheaper than chemical cleaners, but natural cleaning formulas--such as Clorox Green Works or Seventh Generation--can be more expensive than traditional cleansers.

Convenience

If you are making your own cleaners, it can be time-consuming to have to mix them before each cleaning, but you will usually have the necessary ingredients in your staples. Commercial natural cleaning products are premixed and ready for use.

Environment

Natural cleaning products and homemade cleansers are biodegradable and safer for the environment. These cleaners lack many of the chemicals and phosphates used in chemical products, so they might clean less efficiently.

Health

Using homemade or natural cleaners reduces the amount of chemicals in your home, which can make everyone in the family healthier. These types of cleaners, especially homemade cleansers, might not be as effective at killing germs as chemical products.

Ease of Use

It can be difficult to clean stubborn stains and problem areas with natural and homemade cleaners. Chemical cleansers typically include an ingredient that breaks down the enzymes in organic stains.

References

• Green Footsteps
• 25 Safe, Non-toxic, Homemade Cleaning Supplies
• Michigan State University Extension

Resources

• Recipes for Homemade Cleaning Products