A Naturally Clean Home

Now more than ever, cleanliness is at the top of everyone’s priority list.  The recent coronavirus pandemic (see my blog post breakdown HERE) has made some re-evaluate how they clean their hands, homes, and spaces in general.  Working in healthcare for the last 11 years has made me highly aware and probably somewhat of a germaphobe so my home is always stocked with cleaners.  If I’m being honest, I’ve always been conscious of the types of products I use on my body, face/skin, and hair, but I have not always taken my home or the cleaning products that I use into consideration.  I grew up with a mama that believed in Pine-Sol, Ajax, and bleach, and it wasn’t clean if those things weren’t used.  Did you grow up with that mama or grandma?  Can I get a witness?

In the last couple of years, since my ladybug was born, I have been much more conscious and more careful about using clean products.  I’ve made the switch to the products that are more environmentally friendly and/or natural without all of the harsh chemicals and additives. What was that? Why didn’t I do this with me son? I’m older and wiser. I have a whole new set of beliefs at 42 than I had at 25. So yeah, you learn better, you do better, right?  And also, yeah, I know our parents used all types of cleaners and we didn’t die.  Got it.  But, again, know better, do better, be better.

Anyways, a lot of chemicals found in certain products can cause many issues, including skin irritation, hormone disruption, headaches, asthma triggers, and many other problems. Non-toxic ingredients are not only safe for the people in your home, but also safe for the planet.  Of course, not everything is 100% “good” unless you make it yourself and there are tons of DIY cleaning remedies all over Pinterest and the web.  Keep in mind, even some things labeled “green”, “natural”, and “organic” still have unwanted chemicals in them.  Use your judgement and do what’s best for your family and your home.  As for me and my house, the majority of products I use are environmentally friendly and mostly vinegar based cleaners as they have antibacterial and anti fungal properties.  Will I keep some sort of bleach or lysol product to use on occasion? YES! Absolutely! But the goal is to be 80% clean and sustainable.  I’ve even recently made the switch to an all-natural laundry detergent (more on that later) and it’s the best thing ever!

Here are some of the things I use to keep things clean and clean:

VINEGAR BASED CLEANERS

Vinegar cuts grease, deodorizes, and disinfects in addition to it’s anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. The high acidity level of vinegar helps loosen mineral deposits, such as lime and rust, and dissolve soap scum.  Always mix vinegar with water and add essential oils to freshen the air and diffuse unwanted odors.  I’ve found the above cleaner at TJMaxx and I absolutely love them! I stock up every time I visit the store.  Rosemary Mint is my favorite but eucalyptus is also pretty amazing.  Lemon is also one that I love for the kitchen.  So fresh and so clean!  Also of note, Heinz makes a cleaning vinegar that I always keep on hand as well. Regular white vinegar does just fine, too.

SILICONE SPONGE

Silicone sponges are super gentle but tough at the same time, making them perfectly safe for nonstick cookware.  I love these from Sur La Table.   There’s two sides: a bristle side and a scrubber side and you don’t have the holding on bacteria that happens with traditional sponges.  It rinses very easy and I just toss it in the dishwasher when I’m done to keep it fresh!

 GROVE COLLABORATIVE

This is an awesome source for all things earth conscious.  They have brands that are environmentally friendly and the best part is they’re shipped to you once you’ve selected the products you need for your home and your family.  In addition to household products, there are plenty of options to chose from in many categories from personal care to baby to pets.  It’s a one stop shop!  Shop and sign up HERE.

So there you have it! A clean home with natural clean products!  The environment will thank you!

Are you a natural cleaner user?