Keeping your sanctuary toxin-free is equally important for both physical and mental health. A clean space allows us to fully immerse ourselves in our daily rituals without distraction, while also preventing allergy triggers and the spread of harmful bacteria. Sadly most commercial cleaning products are laced with harmful chemicals that can cause more damage than good. The truth is, there is a natural alternative that can take down anything a store-bought product can, without all the nasty side effects. The good news is, they’re probably already sitting in your laundry cupboard! If not, they will only set you back a fraction of the price and are multi-purpose – meaning you don’t need a cupboard full of bottles with one specific purpose.
Here’s a list of the safest, most effective, natural products you can pick up at most stores for under $5.
Castile Soap A totally plant-based soap alternative that’s made from 100% plant oil. It’s gentle enough not to harm our health yet strong enough to destroy bacteria. This is a fabulous product to use as a base cleaner (along with bicarb), followed by something acidic (vinegar/lemon juice) for extra cleaning.
Use for: showers, white good, laundry, safe washing up & hand wash liquid.
Bicarb Soda Pretty much the go-to for any type of cleaning, bicarb soda is a completely natural product, cost-effective and is full of virus-killing properties that not only clean but also deodorise, brighten and destroy grease & grime.
Use for: as a paste for all stubborn grime, toilets, unclogs drains, metal surfaces, laundry etc.
Vinegar Vinegar truly is a wonder-liquid, both internally and externally. Used in cleaning, both white vinegar and apple cider vinegar use their naturally forming acidity to eliminate grease, soap scum, and grime; while moisturising clothes as a fabric softener alternative. Use for: fabric softener alternative, polish, general cleaner, glass/mirrors, in addition to bicarb to unclog drains.
Lemon Juice Natural lemon juice annihilates mildew and mould, cuts through grease, provides shine and has a lovely citrus aroma. Use for: rub on chopping boards, use with clove oil on mould, add to a spray bottle for general spritz.
Olive Oil As mentioned in last weeks blog, this healthy oil also works as a nourishing cleaner and polisher.
Use for: nourishing and polishing wood surfaces and chopping boards.
Essential Oils These wonder-oils are an excellent way to add super-powers to your cleaning products while adding gorgeous aromas to leave your space feeling and smelling divine. Tea Tree, Eucalyptus, Frankincense, Lavender and Peppermint all have an affinity for killing bacteria.
Make the switch easy with our favourite Multi-purpose Cleaner: Add to a spray bottle 1pt vinegar (white or ACV) to 1pt water, the juice of half a lemon plus 15 drops of your favourite essential oils. This is great for just about ANY cleaning job including all surfaces AND glass. What more do you need?
*Note that by adding vinegar or lemon juice (which are acidic) to castile soap (alkaline) you are effectively cancelling out the properties of each so best to use these products separately.
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