Its hard to imagine the number of harsh, toxic chemicals that go into most over the counter cleaning products. The risks to your health are many, and the risks to the environment are just as bad.  Sadly, much of the wasted product is either flushed down the toilet, dumped down the drain, or even worse……some people actually dump these things into sewer drains on the side of the road.  Those drains head straight to river and other waterways without the benefit of going to a waste water treatment plant.  The effects on aquatic species are drastic!

Luckily, you don’t have to use any of those cleaning products. There are safe, natural cleaning products and alternatives available….probably hiding in your kitchen cupboards right now!

Alternative Household Cleaning Products

Vinegar –
Vinegar must be one of the most popular alternative cleaning products used. It is an alcoholic liquid that has gone bad, or to sour. Commonly used to can foods and in dressings, vinegar also has many excellent cleaning abilities.

Lemon Juice –
Lemon Juice smells great, and does a heck of a job of cleaning. The juices of this yellow citrus fruit are great for removing grease from grimy dishes. Squeeze a lemon into the sink the next time you are doing the dishes and you’ll probably notice the grease comes off of dishes much easier.

Salt –
Salt as a cleaning product? Sure, especially for things that need a really good scrub…..like stained cups of dishes.

Baking Soda –
Baking Soda is another great scrubbing product that is much finer, and thus less abrasive than salt. Great for cleaning porcelain sinks and tubs.

Recipes for Household Cleaning Products:

• Natural All Purpose Cleaner
• Natural Toilet Cleaner
• Furniture Cleaner
• Clogged Drains
• Natural Glass and Window Cleaner