After I read about the drawbacks of commercial cleaners, I was just shocked at the lack of care for what horrible chemicals they put into those things. It doesn’t seem like the manufacturers have to tell customers what’s in them at all. It really upset me. So, I decided I wasn’t going to use brand name cleaners anymore, and I threw them all out.
One problem. I have no idea what to replace them with. So, now I have a house to clean and no cleaners! What are the best organic household cleaners I should buy?
Andrea, Irvine CA
Homemade natural cleaners are usually a much better alternative to commercial cleaners. They are better for the environment and your health, are more cost-effective and are often more versatile than commercial cleaners. If you decide on the natural cleaning route, there are a few staples you should own.
First, you’ll want some distilled white vinegar. Vinegar can clean just about anything, and it’s a natural DIY shoe deodorizer and makes a great disinfecting spray, as well as a variety of other household uses. Also, it’s essential in homemade detergents. You can even use it to keep away pests.
Next, using baking soda is another staple. Like vinegar, it’s a natural odor killer and is a homemade multipurpose cleaner ingredient. Since baking soda is a gentle abrasive, you can use it for tough stains vinegar can’t tackle. Also, when combined with vinegar, it works as a drain unclogger.
Finally, use isopropyl alcohol to clean electronics and microfiber couches. The alcohol can remove the toughest stains, like permanent marker, and is safe for most surfaces, and makes an excellent DIY whiteboard cleaner. It is useful for removing permanent marker from leather and removing Sharpie® from any surface,too.
For a detailed list of the pros and cons of these all-natural cleaners and others, check out our full article here: https://www.tipsbulletin.com/best-natural-cleaning-products/.