Spring Cleaning: Five Non-Toxic Cleaning Solutions

Spring is here! Now that it is, we are ready to open our windows and get to work on cleaning out the dust and cobwebs that built up over the winter. For many, however, spring cleaning can be unhealthy and even dangerous due to the toxic cleansers that are frequently used to clean house. This article shares five non-toxic, eco-friendly cleaning solutions to help you get your house sparkling clean and smelling good.

1. Base Cleanser and Clothes Detergent

A base cleanser will be something you use either alone or as part of another mixture. This cleanser gives all of your cleansing products that extra boost to get the job done.

Materials

5 Gallon Bucket

Handmade Soap

Washing Soda

Borax

Distilled Water

Directions

1. Use a food processor, salad shooter or grate to grate the soap into small soap flakes.

2. Fill bucket to halfway mark with hot, boiling water.

3. Add soap flakes to water and mix slowly. Allow to stand until soap melts and becomes mushy. Stir again.

4. Stir in two cups of washing soda and two cups of borax.

5. Fill bucket to two or three inches from the top with hot, boiling water.

6. Mix slowly and thoroughly. Texture should vary from runny to slimy.

7. Keep covered

This mixture can be used to wash your clothes (1/2 cup per wash) as well as to clean your home. You can purchase handmade soap online, in local specialty shops, in health stores or you can make your own. You may also add essential oils such as lavender, tea tree, clove, sweet orange, lemon, lime, etc. to this mixture to increase its cleansing, antifungal and antibacterial powers. You can scent the entire bucket or only portions, as you use the cleanser.

2. All-Purpose Cleanser

This cleanser can be used like 409. It is a simple combination of the Base Cleanser and water. You can add essential oils to the cleanser to add a nice scent and to add antifungal and antibacterial properties. Some essential oils, like lemon, also add grease-cutting properties.

Materials

2 Tablespoons Base Cleanser

Water

Spray Bottle

Directions

1. Add Base Cleanser to a clean spray bottle.

2. Optional: add 1/8 Teaspoon of essential oil.