Chemical-Free Cleaning

Have you ever looked at that bottle of cleaner you are using? Not the front of it where you see the brand name to make sure you are grabbing the right bottle. The back of the bottle, where the ingredients are listed. Maybe you have to lift up the top label to even see that list of ingredients. Go look, I'll wait a minute...

Ok, now you have looked at the list. How much of it was stuff you couldn't pronounce? How much of it was stuff that you aren't even sure what the heck it is? How much of it just sounds a little scary or creepy? Are you ready to put that bottle away and not look at it again? Good.

Let's look at some "alternative" ways to clean.

My go to cleaning option is good ole vinegar. I have been using vinegar as a household cleaner for years. It can clean and disinfect. Here and here are a couple of examples to start your research. Do more research. I assume if you are reading this, you are not one to "just take my word for it". Good for you!

I have used vinegar for cleaning mirrors, bathroom sinks, counters, toilets and tubs. I have used vinegar in the kitchen for sticky messes and cleaning counters. I have used vinegar in the rinse cycle for laundry. I have used vinegar for mopping floors. Believe it or not, it does not leave a smell behind. Of course you can smell it while you are using it, but that's it.

Another option for cleaning that I like is Tea Tree Oil. If you are in for some dry reading, try here, if you are just looking for how to use it, try here. I also like to put a few drops into a pot of water on the stove and set it to simmer. It adds a wonderful smell to the air while adding some moisture. Very important in the winter with all the dry heat. A caution for tea tree oil - do NOT consume it. It is for external use only. Never eat or drink anything with TTO in it. TTO can also be used for health applications. Here is another site to go to that has a wealth of info on using essential oils.

These two options are just two of the available choices for alternative cleaning products. If you look into it, you can find a wealth of articles on how to make your own cleaning products that do not use harsh chemicals. If you can eliminate those harsh cleaning chemicals from your home, why wouldn't you? Also, what would you do if you couldn't get to the store to buy more of those commercial cleansers? Vinegar can be made at home. Essential oils can be made from plants you can grow in your own yard. If you don't have a yard, you can plant them in a container on a patio or balcony. There are many essential oils that can be used for cleaning. Look them up and decide which ones you like. For example, lavender is easy enough to grow and can also be used for cleaning. It smells good, too.

One more thing, plain old soap and water will do a whole lot for cleaning. There are a variety of "soap plants" out there. Depending on your location in the US, there is a soap plant that will grow in your region. Start here to get some ideas on which plants you could grow in your own yard.

Now, look these ideas up, see which ones you like and get some plants growing in your yard. Then even if you can't get to the store to buy those chemical cleaners, you can march yourself out the door and pick your cleaners.