Simple Natural Cleaning DIY

Make the switch to a simple, natural home.

We spend most of our time at home, so it should promote our best health. That means having clean air and limiting toxins. Take these small steps toward a more natural home - gradually and sustainably over time, as you run out of your current cleaners and home products.

Make It

SWITCH TO A DIY ALL-NATURAL CLEANER

The easiest way you can make your home healthier and more natural is by ditching your brand name cleaners that contain toxic chemicals. Hint- it's all of them. Here's a list of the bad stuff. 

As you run out of your current cleaners, simply switch them out for an all-natural cleaner you can make yourself and use the same spray bottle that you’ve just emptied. My favourite? The all-purpose cleaner.

 

All-Purpose Cleaner

This is what I use for cleaning counters, sinks, tubs, toilets, windows and floors. It will cut grease because of the lemon oil and disinfect (to a degree) with the lavender oil. Repurpose an old spray bottle or buy bottles here. 

  • 1 cup water

  • 1/2 cup white vinegar

  • 3 tsp dish detergent (optional)

  • 10 drops lemon essential oil

  • 3 drops lavender essential oil

Tips

  • Don't use vinegar on granite or marble countertops as it will etch them over time. Switch out the vinegar for rubbing alcohol instead.

  • Try good ol' baking soda for scrubbing tough grime and build-up on counters, stoves, sinks and showers. Baking soda chased with vinegar is also an excellent sink de-clogger!

  • Lemon essential oil is great for grease and goo like that leftover from tape or price tags. Just dab it on a cloth and use it directly on the spot needed.

USE ESSENTIAL OILS AS AIR FRESHENERS

Stop using spray air fresheners and non-soy or beeswax candles - they contain harmful chemicals that you end up breathing in. Instead, use essential oils to detoxify your air and make your space smell wonderful at the same time.

 

Natural Room Spray

Find a few small or medium sized glass bottles with misters - find them in the beauty section in stores like Winners or a natural health store (use up what comes in them or empty them), or buy amber glass misting bottles here. Fill them up to have on hand in bathroom and bedrooms for a natural and calming way to freshen the air. 

  • 3/4 cup water

  • 2 tbls rubbing alcohol or vodka

  • 5 drops lavender essential oil

  • 5 drops lemon essential oil

  • 5 drops rosemary essential oil (or other favourite essential oil)

You can also use essential oils and blends in misting air diffusers like this one.

FURNISH AND DECORATE WITH HEALTHY, SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTS

We often think of green or sustainable design as out of reach for the average homeowner. Yet there are many things we all can do to move closer to living sustainably and naturally healthy lives at home.

 

  • Switch out your vinyl shower curtain (that’s off-gassing PVCs) for a natural one made of 100% cotton, hemp or linen, plus a PEVA liner.

  • Invest in bedding that’s all-natural - such as linen, hemp, cotton or bamboo sheets. Use these organic materials as pillowcase covers and a mattress cover as well. When you’re ready to invest in a whole new mattress, look for organic options which are becoming more and more available.

  • Use no-VOC paint for every project in your home.

  • Purchase used or vintage furniture instead of buying new. Often the best quality pieces are those made years ago by hand using natural materials. You can always paint them or sand and re-stain them if needed.

  • Seal any current furniture that might be off-gassing. If you have particleboard pieces that don’t already have a coating over them, seal them with a no-VOC water-based sealer.

  • Add plants. They add a natural feel to your home and help eliminate toxins in the air. Choose from these top easy-care, air-purifying houseplants.

  • Decorate with natural things like baskets, wood, branches, rocks, shells and plants.

SWITCH OUT PERSONAL CARE PRODUCTS FOR NATURAL OPTIONS

A healthy, natural life includes using products that are good for our bodies and good for the environment. Switching to natural, organic products is easier when you know what to try. As you run out of your current products, restock with natural and organic ones.

 

Homemade Natural Hand Sanitizer

Mix a big batch of natural hand sanitizer and store in a mason jar so you have it on hand to refill your smaller bottles. Just reuse the small purse bottles of the brand name sanitizer and fill with your new healthy mixture.

Gentle version:

  • 1/4 cup aloe vera gel

  • 1/3 cup rubbing alcohol

  • 10 drops of tea tree oil (an antibacterial)

  • 10 drops other essential oil of your choice (I like orange, lavender or peppermint)