How to Clean Without Chemicals

Cleaning without chemicals helps you save money and clean without chemicals.

Companies make millions of dollars annually selling chemical-based cleaners. While these cleaners are frequently effective, they also can be expensive. Chemical-based cleaners also can have unintended effects on your health, according to the Science Daily website. This is especially true for children and pets, who can be exposed to them accidentally. Cleaning without chemicals helps prevent these risks while achieving similar cleaning results.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• White vinegar
• Spray bottle
• Microfiber towel
• Absorbent cloth
• Baking soda
• Vacuum
• Mineral oil
• Lemon juice
• Soft sponge

1. Mix together 1 part warm water and 1 part white vinegar in a spray bottle.

2. Spray the vinegar solution onto your glass surfaces, mirrors and counter-tops to clean off grease, remove mold and disinfect bathrooms. White vinegar is a very effective cleaner and a natural disinfectant. It also functions as a deodorizer and can help eliminate odors in the home.

3. Allow the solution to set for a minute before wiping it off with a dry towel. Microfiber cloths also are very useful for this and help pick up stains and debris.

4. Use the vinegar solution on carpets and other fabrics to eliminate stains and odors. Soak up any excess moisture with an absorbent cloth.

5. Sprinkle baking soda on the carpeting for further assistance with odors. Allow it to sit for several hours and then vacuum it up.

6. Mix together mineral oil with a few drops of lemon juice to create a natural wood cleaning and polishing agent. Apply it with a soft sponge. Color test the solution first on a portion of wood that isn't readily visible to ensure it won't stain the wood finish.

References

• Grist: How to Clean Your House Without Hurting the Planet
• Science Daily: Do Cleaning Products Cause Breast Cancer?