Image courtesy of digitalart / http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/

The days are getting longer, the temperature is warming up, and ’tis the season to clean! But why pollute your air as you clean your house? Most household cleaners are loaded with chemicals that will do your sinuses and lungs no favors. Doesn’t that defeat the purpose? Therefore, I have compiled a small list of a few cleaners and common household items that can be made with simple ingredients that will keep your house, and your air, clean:

• Kitchen

For kitchen cleaning, I like the idea of a Citrus Degreaser–deep cleaning, grease removal without the harsh fumes and residue. Try 1/2 cup Lemon Juice, 1/4 cup Baking Soda, and up to 10 drops of Citrus Essential Oils. This creates a paste to spread over the area which you can then wipe with a damp cloth. Also, in an effort to keep your sink drains free and clear and smelling fresh, use plain boiling water (or hot water if the pipes are plastic) to remove heavy food or grease buildup. Follow with a generous use of white vinegar to disinfect and a few drops of tee tree oil, a natural disinfectant, to add a fresh smell. Baking soda, followed by vinegar will also help clear up drain residue via a natural chemical reaction. Just make sure to follow up with the boiling or hot water as well to rinse it down!

• Living Areas

Dusting/Wood Furniture spray can be made by combining 2 tsp Light Olive Oil, 20 or so drops of your favorite smelling Essential Oil (Lemon and Lavender are my favorites for a fresh smelling home), and 1/4 cup Vinegar in a 16-oz spray bottle. Top off with warm water and just make sure you shake it before each use to recombine the ingredients. For stagnant smelling carpets and rugs, make your own deodorizer using 1 cup Borax, 1 cup Baking Soda, and 10 drops Essential Oils. Combine and store in an airtight tub. Sprinkle on when needed, let sit for a bit, then vacuum the area to complete.

• Laundry

Being surrounded by three boys at all times, I feel like I am always having to do some heavy-duty, hard-core laundering, so why not be effectively environmentally-friendly as I’m forever washing grass, mud, and blood-stained clothing? When afore-mentioned Stain-Removing begins, I let them soak for at least 20 min to overnight in a mixture of 1 cup Hot Water, 1/2 cup Baking Soda, and 1/2 cup Hydrogen Peroxide. Test first on a small area of clothing for any discoloration, but otherwise make this concoction as you need it because it will lose its potency when being stored over time. And for a Powdered Laundry Soap, combine 1 bar Castille Soap, grated, 2 cups Borax, 2 cups washing soda, and 1 cup baking soda. Store in a covered jar and use 1/4 cup per load.

• Bathrooms

Scum and Mildew buildup = DISGUSTING. Make a solution for disinfecting the hard surfaces in your bathroom and slaying mildew. Mix 12 oz. of water and 2 tsp. of the tea tree oil that you already have from earlier in a spray bottle and spray on counters, toilets and other surfaces before wiping away. Pre-treat heavily soiled surfaces with white vinegar before disinfecting.

Well, I hope this has been most helpful in assisting your cleaning supply in anti-toxicity levels. Your body will be thanking you. Also, don’t forget about the many benefits that CleanAir4Life‘s air purifiers will administer on you, including, but not limited to: removing unpleasant odors, pet dander, dust, outdoor allergens and unwanted smoke and chemicals from the air and killing and eliminating mold spores, viruses, and bacteria from your home. Spring Clean Your Home and Your Air!

If you have any questions about our air purifiers or other suggestions for non-toxic, chemical-free home cleaners, please let me know! We love hearing from you!!!