Natural cleaners

One thing that I have been asked by many people is what I use to clean with since I'm against chemicals.  Well I have several options for you. 

My favorite cleaner is made by Young Living and it's called Thieves Household Cleaner.  I buy it in a 14.4 ounce concentrate and it lasts me several months of daily cleaning.  It is non-toxic, safe for use around children and pets, and I don't have to worry that my toddler will get into it.  Plus it smells good, reminds me of cinnamon and oranges. :) If you'd like to get some, please visit me here for more information on that.

Of course I do also have some more readily available options.  For glass and all purpose cleaner, plain white vinegar in a spray bottle works great just wipe with newspaper for nice clear glass!  Don't like the smell of vinegar?  Well then, try soaking orange, lemon, lime, or grapefruit (or any combination of) peels in your glass jar filled with vinegar for a few days to a week, and you'll have lovely citrus scented vinegar.

Want a germ killing cleaner that gives you peace of mind?  Try Vodka, yup just the cheap stuff here though.  You can even soak the citrus peels in vodka to get a citrus scent in your cleaner.  Then just use a spray bottle to spray the counters or floors and wipe.  

Need to clean your toilet bowl?  That's easy!  Pour in some white vinegar, then add baking soda.  Let the fizz settle and then just brush and flush.  My big boys think this is great fun! Another great toilet cleaner is simple hydrogen peroxide, just pour in 1/2-1 cup and let it set for 5-10 minutes then brush and flush.

Cleaning carpets more your need, well then just add plain vinegar to your machine or add in a few drops of essential oil for scent.  Clean as usual and watch as your carpets are restored to their lovely color in no time at all!  The vinegar scent can be overwhelming, but with open windows it's not an issue and once the carpet is dry there's no smell left.

 What about room fresheners, those are easy too.  Just pick yourself up a few travel size spritzer bottles, though glass is best plastic will work in a pinch.  Just put a few drops of essential oil (I use Young Living exclusively because I know it's safe and high quality) into a couple ounces of purified water.  Carpet freshener, same thing only instead of water I use baking soda in a shaker canister with a few drops of essential oil.  Let it set for 5 minutes or so and then vacuum up as you usually would.

Something gooey stuck on your counter?  Use baking soda and warm water to create an abrasive paste to help loosen the mess and then just wipe it away with a towel or sponge.

Speaking of those sponges, how do I keep them fresh and clean?  Well, when I'm done with them I rinse thoroughly, and then soak it in bit of vinegar, wring it out and let it dry.  Smells clean every time I use it!

Of course there are MANY great chemical free, green cleaners out on the market and I've used some of them and still do use some of them, but I wanted this to be a way to clean on the cheap.  I will be discussing some of those other cleaners another time, but for now I'll just recap with a list of common household things that can be used for cleaners.

Vinegar - all purpose including glass (soak citrus peels in the vinegar for a more citrus-y, less overpowering scent), also works great in mop water!

Baking Soda - Combined with vinegar makes a great toilet cleaner, as well as disposal cleaner, and drain un-clogger.  Also works great as an abrasive for those sticky messes.  Good carpet deodorizer as well.

Vodka - all purpose cleaner, and disinfectant.  Can soak citrus in this as well to give a more desirable aroma. 

Spray bottles, large and small

Labels or Permanent Marker

Essential Oils for scent

Birbitt thinks that green cleaning can be cheap and easy.  The cabinet under my sink has never been cleaner or less cluttered!