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Alright, friend, it’s time to talk about something we all hate but can’t avoid – cleaning. But before you reach for that bottle of chemical-laden cleaner that promises to scrub your soul clean, let’s get real about what’s in that stuff. Spoiler alert: It’s a toxic cocktail that’s doing more harm than good. If you’re tired of breathing in fumes that could probably power a small jet engine, let’s dive into the world of safe, non-toxic DIY cleaning solutions. Trust me, your lungs, skin, and overall health will thank you.
Why your current cleaners are probably screwing you over
You know those bright-colored bottles with fancy labels promising the best clean ever? Yeah, most of them are filled with harsh chemicals that are basically just waiting to mess with your health. From phthalates that disrupt your hormones to VOCs that pollute your indoor air, these cleaners are more about marketing bullshit than actual safety.
Check out more on VOCs here: VOCs: The Toxic Air Invaders Hiding in Your Home
& more on phthalates here: The Truth About ‘Natural’ Home Fragrances: Are They Really Safe?
Let’s take a look at some of the worst offenders you’ve probably got under your sink:
Bleach
Sur, it kills everything in sight, but it’s also a respiratory irritant that can cause headaches, dizziness, and, in some cases, more severe lung issues (CDC).
Ammonia
Great for cutting through grease, terrible for your lungs and eyes. It’s also a nightmare if you mix it with bleach – hello, toxic gas (EWG).
Fragrances
Remember when I told you about the horrors lurking behind the word “fragrance” in your products? Yeah, that applies here too. It’s a catch-all term for a bunch of chemicals that could be doing God knows what to your body (EWG).
Behind on the times? Check out my post about “fragrance” in your products: The Truth About ‘Natural’ Home Fragrances: Are They Really Safe?
And let’s not forget about VOCs – those sneaky little bastards that contribute to indoor air pollution. We covered this in detail when talking about “natural” home fragrances and VOCs, but let’s just say they’re not your friend.
Check out more about VOCs here: VOCs: The Toxic Air Invaders Hiding in Your Home
Natural diy cleaning concoctions that won’t kill you slowly
So, what’s the alternative? DIY cleaning solutions made from stuff that’s probably already in your pantry. These mixtures are not only safer, but they’re also way cheaper than the overpriced crap you’ve been buying. Plus, you can make them smell however the hell you want without worrying about hidden toxins.
All-purpose cleaner
Let’s start with the basics: an all-purpose cleaner that you can use on pretty much everything. This one’s a crowd-pleaser because it’s effective, safe, and smells like citrusy heaven.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup white vinegar
- 1 cup water
- 10-15 drops of essential oil (lemon, lavender, or tea tree work great)
How to use it: Mix the vinegar and water in a spray bottle, add your essential oils, and shake it up. Use it on countertops, sinks, and just about anywhere else you need to wipe down. The vinegar cuts through grass and grime, while the essential oils add a natural antibacterial kick.
Notes: When making your own DIY cleaning solution, the last thing you want to do is put it into a BPA chemical nightmare. So make sure you opt for BPA-free glass for the safest cleaner. Check out this BPA-Free Glass Spray Bottle on amazon.
As I talked about in a previous post – your essential oil choices matter. You don’t want to spend your time making this safe cleaner just to load it up with toxic essential oils. So make sure you opt for high-quality safe essential oils like these.
🐾 It’s also important to do your research when selecting your essential oils, as some can be particularly harmful to pets. So if you have little furry friends at home, definitely check that your selection is safe for them. All else fails, you can forgo the essential oils altogether and just embrace the natural citrusy scent (the vinegar smell will disperse quickly).
Glass cleaner
Forget the blue stuff that leaves streaks and fumes behind. This DIY glass cleaner will have your windows and mirrors shining like new, minus the toxic haze.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
How to use it: Mix all ingredients in a (BPA-free, glass) spray bottle and shake well. Spray on glass surfaces and wipe with a microfiber cloth. The cornstarch helps to prevent streaks, leaving your glass surfaces crystal clear.
Notes: When DIYing your glass cleaning needs, make sure to pair it with a streak-free microfiber cleaning cloth for a spotless finish.
Bathroom scrub
Bathrooms are where the nasties stuff can build up, but you don’t need bleach to tackle it. This scrub will leave your bathroom sparkling without the toxic aftermath.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup baking soda
- 1/4 cup hydrogen peroxide
- 1 teaspoon liquid Castile soap
How to use it: Mix the ingredients into a paste and apply it to your bathtub, sink, and tiles. Let it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing with a brush and rinsing clean. Baking soda tackles grime, hydrogen peroxide disinfects, and Castile soap helps lift away dirt.
Wood polish
Keep your wood furniture and floors looking good without the chemicals that can damage the finish – or your health.
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup white vinegar
- 10 drops of lemon essential oil
How to use it: Mix ingredients in a small bowl or jar. Apply a small amount to a soft cloth and rub it into the wood in a circular motion. The olive oil conditions the wood, while the vinegar cleans and disinfects. The lemon oil? That’s just for the smell-good factor.
Make sure to use microfiber cleaning cloths on your floor, because nothing’s worse than pulling paper towel lint off your floors for weeks.
🐾 If you use lemon essential oil in your homemade cleaning products, make sure the surfaces are completely dry before allowing your pets to access them. Residue left behind could be ingested if your pets lick the area. It can be harmful to both cats and dogs if not used properly.
Floor cleaner
Your floors see a lot of action, and the last thing you need is to coat them in chemicals. This DIY floor cleaner will have them shining without any toxic residue.
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Castile soap
- 1 gallon of warm water
How to use it: Mix all the ingredients in a mop bucket and mop away. The vinegar and soap cut through dirt and grime, leaving your floors clean and safe for bare feet.
Notes: For a streak free shine, be sure to use a microfiber mop.
Why the hell should you care
By now, you should be convinced that making your own cleaning products isn’t just a good idea – it’s practically a necessity. Those commercial cleaners are doing nothing but filling your home with toxic fumes that are scented like a fresh meadow and health risks. We’ve covered this before when talking about the hidden dangers in your everyday products, and let’s not forget the formaldehyde bombshell. Do you really want to keep exposing yourself and your family to that kind of crap?
How to make the switch without losing your mind
Going DIY doesn’t have to be a pain in the ass. Start by replacing one or two of your go-to cleaners with these natural alternatives. You’ll notice the difference in your air quality, your skin, and maybe even your sanity. Plus, once you get the hang of it, you’ll be whipping up these concoctions faster than you can say “detox.”
Start small
Replace one cleaner at a time. Maybe start with the all-purpose cleaner – it’s the most versatile and will give you the biggest bang for your buck.
Customize your scents
One of the perks of DIY is that you control the scent. Hate lavender? Skip it. Love citrus? Go nuts. Just make sure you’re using high-quality essential oils.
🐾 When taking your four-legged friends into consideration, make sure to look up your essential oil choice as some essential oils are not safe for them. Don’t just look up the brand, make sure to look up the actual scent, because the scent safety differs.
Share the wealth
Once you’ve perfected your cleaning concoctions, share them with friends and family. Spread the love and save them from the toxic crap they’ve been using.
the gist
the good shit
•HEALTHIER HOME: You’re ditching the chemical cocktails for natural ingredients that won’t make your house smell like a toxic waste dump. Breathing easy never felt so good!
•PET-FRIENDLY: Most of these DIY solutions are safe for your furry friends. No more worrying about Fluffy licking up something dangerous from the floor – just don’t let them drink the vinegar, okay? And remember to check your essential oil scents to make sure they’re safe for your pets.
•CHEAP AS HELL: These DIY concoctions cost pennies compared to those overpriced, toxic cleaners. More money in your pocket means more treats for you (and maybe your pets).
•CUSTOMIZABLE SCENTS: You get to pick your own scents! Love lavender? Go for it. Hate lemon? Leave it out. Just do’t mix something that smells like a skunk’s armpit, okay?
•ECO-FRIENDLY VIBES: You’re cutting down on plastic waste and reducing your carbon footprint. Mother Earth would give you a high-five if she had hands.
THE BULLSHIT
•REQUIRES EFFORT: You actually have to make the damn cleaners. No more grabbing a bottle off the shelf – you’re in the DIY business now, baby!
•NOT MAGIC: These cleaners work, but they won’t dissolve your grime instantly like some of those chemical-laden ones. Elbow grease is still required. Sorry, no magic wands here.
•VINEGAR SMELL: Let’s be real – vinegar smells like you’ve just opened a jar of pickles. Your house might smell a bit salad-y until you get the hang of balancing scents. Luckily – it doesn’t last long.
•MESS POTENTIAL: Mixing your own solutions can get messy. One wrong move and you might end up with more to clean than you started with. But hey, at least you’re cleaning with something non-toxic, right?
•NOT ALL PET SAFE: While most ingredients are safe for pets, some essential oils aren’t. You’ll need to do a little extra homework to make sure your cleaning routine doesn’t send Fluffy to the vet.
the verdict
Switching to DIY cleaning solutions isn’t just about being eco-friendly or saving money – it’s about protecting your health from the bullshit chemicals that big companies keep pushing on us. With these natural alternatives, you can keep your home clean, fresh, and safe without the side of toxins. It’s a win-win, and your lungs will thank you for it.
Stay informed, stay empowered, and remember: knowledge is your best defense against bullshit!
Share to clear up the bullshit!
