5 Ingredients For a Cleaner, All-Natural Household

Do you know what is in your typical home cleaning product? Common commercial cleaners are loaded with toxic and polluting substances, and the cost of these chemical-based products can be high. There are long-term health concerns for the family and environmental pollution caused by their manufacture and disposal.

Swapping out typical cleaning products is one of the places that parents look to eliminate toxins and chemicals from their households. Making homemade all-natural cleaning projects is a logical first step for having a healthier home.

Cooking up your own cleansers is actually really easy, and the key ingredients you need just might be hiding in your pantry. Some of the items in your pantry (like baking soda and vinegar) are effective cleaners and, even better, inexpensive.

So the next time you have guests coming over, but you're out of your favorite cleaning product, don't run to the store — try one of these standbys instead and you will have a cleaner, all-natural home.

Baking Soda

You probably have an open box of baking soda in your fridge to absorb odors. In addition to being an effective deodorizer wherever you want to get rid of stinky smells, it's also an effective antiviral agent and surfactant that eliminates grease and grime. You can use it to clean countertops, sinks, tubs, bathroom floors and your outdoor grill. To keep carpets and rugs fresh, sprinkle on some baking soda and vacuum after 15 minutes. Keep your combs and hairbrushes clean by soaking them in some water with a teaspoon of baking soda. And make your tile floors sparkle with a mop and a half cup baking soda in a bucket of warm water. There are so many uses for baking soda around the house you'll want to have some handy at all times.

Citrus Fruits

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Fresh citrus, particularly lemons and lemon juice, are amazing natural cleaners. Like vinegar, the key to citrus’ cleaning power is its acidity. Lemons contain antibacterial properties which aid in fighting unwanted germs and bacteria in the home. Plus, citrus provides an amazing fresh scent to homemade cleaners. In addition, the peels of citrus fruit contain limonene, the active ingredient of citrus oil, which is effective as a degreaser. It is also a great alternative to your typical bleach product. You can use citrus fruits to gently bleach stains from surfaces, and it can brighten and whiten clothing in your laundry. When you add some salt, you've got an effective cleaner for metal grills and a polisher for chrome.