Late last year, I started eliminating toxic household and beauty products in our home. Since then, I've found I only need four products to clean my house, all of which you probably have in your pantry!
White Vinegar: An all-purpose cleaner that can be used on virtually anything. Dilute it in a spray bottle with water and use it to clean windows, countertops, floors, stainless steel, toilets, tubs, and showers. For toilets and tubs, I use a more concentrated solution. It is not recommended to use white vinegar on marble. If you find the smell offensive, add a drop of your favorite essential oil.
Baking soda:In combination with white vinegar, it acts like Comet. I use it on my tub, toilet, and bathroom sink. Check out the back of the box for its countless uses!
Hydrogen Peroxide: A natural disinfectant, and versatile all-purpose cleaner. Depending on your task, you can either dilute it or use the standard 3% solution out of the bottle. Hydrogen peroxide can be safely used on marble!
Dr. Bronners Pepperment Soap: After cleaning the tub with vinegar and baking soda, I use Dr. B's with my scrub brush to make it extra clean. Dr. Bronners can be used for a variety of household chores, just check the bottle!
Not only are these products noN-toxic, they're incredibly inexpensive!
A gallon of white vinegar ($2.59), 1lb of baking soda ($0.77), and 16 oz of hydrogen peroxide ($0.99). I was aleted by a reader that this hydrogen peroxide (35% solution), while more expensive, is better for you and goes a long way! The most expensive product is Dr. Bronner's soap ($10.79 for a 16 oz bottle), but I use it as soap too!
In addition, here are a few of my favorite tools to use in conjunction with these products:
OXO MOP: The Makerista introduced me to this mop and I am obsessed with it. Fill it will your own cleaning solution (vinegar + water), so there's no need to run to the store for refills. The mop head can be laundered, it swivels to clean under virtually anything, and it has a handy scrub brush attachment. Goodbye Swifer!
IKEA TOWELS: Please, I BEG YOU, let's cut down on our paper towel usage! These dish towels are attractive and inexpensive. I will admit, I still use paper towels to clean my toilets.
Green sponges: These are the only sponges to use.
Scrub brush: A handy tool to clean the tub!
Spray bottle: I use this one from Home Depot.
So, what are you waiting for? Say goodbye to your store-bought cleaners, and travel back to a simpler time with me!