Say Goodbye To Harsh Chemicals: A Guide To Making Your Own Non-Toxic Cleaning Supplies At Home

Mastering The Art of Homemade Non-Toxic Cleaning Supplies

Keeping our homes clean is essential not only for aesthetic reasons but also for our health. However, many store-bought cleaning supplies are loaded with toxic chemicals that can be harmful to us and the environment. 

Many people are very sensitive or allergic to them. Fortunately, making your own homemade cleaning supplies is easy, affordable, and eco-friendly. I have been making them for 20 years, and I could not be happier. I discovered that I became allergic to commercial cleaning supplies, laundry detergents, dryer sheets, Clorox, bleach, and perfumes. They make me nauseous, I get migraines, and sometimes I have a hard time to breath when I’m exposed to the harsh smell and chemicals so I had no other choice than to make my own. 

Finding cleaning supplies that won’t cause an adverse reaction can be challenging if you’re allergic to chemicals. Many commercial cleaning products contain harsh chemicals that can trigger allergies or asthma. However, making your own cleaning supplies can be a safer and more eco-friendly option.

In this blog, we will explore the benefits of homemade cleaning supplies and share some simple recipes to get you started.

Benefits of Homemade Cleaning Supplies

1. They are safer: Many commercial cleaning supplies contain harsh chemicals that are harmful to your health and the environment. So , When you make your own cleaning supplies, you know exactly what ingredients are in them, and you can avoid using anything that might be harmful, or you are sensitive to.
2. They are cheaper: Making your own cleaning supplies is cheaper than buying them from the store. Most of the ingredients you need are already in your pantry, and buying them in bulk can save even more money.
3. They are eco-friendly: Commercial cleaning products often come in plastic bottles that end up in landfills. By making your own cleaning supplies, you can reduce your plastic waste and help the environment.
4. They are customizable: You can customize your cleaning supplies to suit your specific needs. For example, if you have pets, you can make a pet-friendly cleaner that won’t harm them.
5. They are easy to make: Making your own cleaning supplies is surprisingly easy, and you don’t need any special equipment or skills. Many times all you need is water, vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, rubbing alcohol, or baking soda. Yes, it is that easy!
6. Fun and creative: Making your own cleaning supplies can be a fun and creative activity. You can experiment with different ingredients and recipes to find what works best for you and even personalize the scents and fragrances to your liking.
7. They are healthier for your skin, lungs, and overall health because you are exposed to fewer toxins.

Here are some tips for making homemade cleaning supplies if you’re allergic to chemicals:

1. Read ingredient labels carefully: When buying ingredients for your cleaning supplies, read the labels carefully to avoid anything that might trigger an allergic reaction. Look for natural ingredients and avoid anything with synthetic fragrances or harsh chemicals.
2. Use natural ingredients: There are many natural ingredients that you can use to make effective cleaning supplies. Vinegar, baking soda, lemon juice, and essential oils are all great options that are less likely to trigger allergies.
3. Test your cleaning supplies: Before using a new cleaning supply, test it on a small, inconspicuous area to see if it causes an adverse reaction. Stop using the cleaning supply immediately if you notice any redness or irritation.
4. Wear protective gear: If you’re using a cleaning supply that might trigger an allergic reaction, wear gloves, a mask, and eye protection to protect yourself.
5. Store your cleaning supplies safely: Keep your cleaning supplies in a cool, dry place out of reach of children and pets.

Making your own cleaning supplies is easy!

Making homemade cleaning supplies is generally quite easy and straightforward. Many recipes use simple, readily available ingredients that can be found at your local grocery store or online. In most cases, you’ll need a few basic tools, such as measuring cups and spoons, mixing bowls, and spray bottles.

Making homemade cleaning supplies involves mixing the ingredients in a spray bottle or container, then shaking or stirring to combine. Depending on the recipe, you may need to heat some of the ingredients or let the mixture sit for a period of time to allow the ingredients to infuse and combine.

The time required to make homemade cleaning supplies can vary depending on the recipe and the number of ingredients involved. Some recipes can be made in just a few minutes, while others may require more time and effort. However, even the more complicated recipes are generally not difficult to follow. With a bit of practice, you’ll likely find that making your own cleaning supplies becomes a quick and easy part of your regular cleaning routine.

Homemade cleaning supplies are better for our pets.

Homemade cleaning supplies can be a better option for pets, as many commercial cleaning products contain harsh chemicals that can be harmful to animals. By making your own cleaning supplies with natural and non-toxic ingredients, you can avoid exposing your pets to potentially harmful substances.

Some common ingredients used in homemade cleaning supplies, such as vinegar and baking soda, are safe for pets and can benefit their health. For example, vinegar is a natural deodorizer that can help eliminate odors and bacteria, while baking soda can be used to clean and deodorize carpets and upholstery.

Keep in mind that not all homemade cleaning supplies are safe for pets! Some ingredients, such as some essential oils, can be toxic to animals if ingested or applied directly to the skin. 

When making homemade cleaning supplies, it’s important to choose ingredients that are safe and non-toxic for pets. You can also consult with your veterinarian or do research online to find recipes and ingredients that are safe for pets. By taking these precautions, you can ensure that your homemade cleaning supplies are both effective and safe for your furry friends.

Are fragrances bad for health?

The fragrances in cleaning supplies can vary in toxicity, depending on the specific chemicals used to create them. Some fragrances can contain potentially harmful chemicals, such as phthalates, which have been linked to health issues such as hormone disruption and reproductive problems.

The use of fragrances in cleaning supplies is not regulated; the same goes for cosmetics or personal care items. This means that manufacturers are not required to disclose the specific ingredients used to create fragrances, and the overall safety of these ingredients can be challenging to assess.

In addition to potential health risks, fragrances in cleaning supplies can also cause allergic reactions or irritate the skin, eyes, or respiratory system. People with asthma or other respiratory issues may be particularly sensitive to the fumes from fragranced cleaning products.

If you are concerned about the potential toxicity of fragrances in cleaning supplies, you may want to consider using fragrance-free or unscented products. Alternatively, you can make your own cleaning supplies using essential oils to create a pleasant scent. When using essential oils, it’s important to use them in small amounts and avoid direct contact with the skin or eyes, as some oils can be irritating or toxic if used incorrectly.

Now that we’ve explored the benefits and toxicity of homemade cleaning supplies, let’s look at some simple recipes you can make at home.

All-Purpose Cleaner

Ingredients:

• 1 cup white vinegar
• 1 cup water
• 10-15 drops of essential oil (optional)

Instructions:

1. Combine all the ingredients in a spray bottle and shake well.
2. Spray on any surface that needs cleaning, then wipe with a clean cloth.

This all-purpose cleaner is perfect for cleaning countertops, sinks, and other surfaces. The vinegar and water combination effectively removes dirt and grime, while the essential oils add a pleasant scent.

Glass Cleaner

Ingredients:

• 1 cup water
• 1/4 cup white vinegar
• 1/4 cup rubbing alcohol

Instructions:

1. Combine all the ingredients in a spray bottle and shake well.
2. Spray on glass surfaces such as windows or mirrors, then wipe with a clean cloth or newspaper.

This glass cleaner is effective at removing streaks and smudges from glass surfaces. The rubbing alcohol helps the solution evaporate quickly, leaving no streaks behind.

Wood Cleaner

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup white vinegar
• 10-15 drops of essential oil (optional)

Instructions:

1. Combine all the ingredients in a spray bottle and shake well.
2. Spray on wooden surfaces such as furniture or floors, then wipe with a clean cloth.

This wood cleaner is perfect for maintaining the beauty of your wooden surfaces. The olive oil helps nourish the wood, while the vinegar removes any dirt or grime.

Bathroom Cleaner

Ingredients:

• 1 cup baking soda
• 1/4 cup liquid castile soap
• 1/4 cup hydrogen peroxide
• 1/4 cup water
• 10-15 drops of essential oil (optional)

Instructions:

1. Combine all the ingredients in a spray bottle and shake well.
2. Spray on surfaces in the bathroom, such as the toilet, sink, or shower, then scrub with a brush or sponge.
3. Rinse with water.

This bathroom cleaner is effective at removing soap scum, mold, and mildew from bathroom surfaces. The baking soda helps scrub away grime.

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