Whether you live in a six-bedroom house or studio apartment, you understand that a home can get dirty in a matter of days. In fact, it’s impressive how quickly dust, stains, or general grime starts to accumulate. It’s up to you to take action and keep the home clean. So what do you do? You go straight for the high-touch surfaces and make sure that they pristine. That is an excellent start, but there are so many neglected areas of the home that require cleaning. 

Spring cleaning has become a trendy movement, and people tend to go into somewhat of a frenzy. Some people decide that a furniture move is important or that getting rid of junk is the primary goal. Others seem to do a general once-over of the counters, fridge, floors, and carpets. This is wonderful, but spring cleaning is the perfect time to address those areas of the home that often go unnoticed. We are talking about every nook and cranny in the home. That means under the couch, the backsplash behind the stove, and the other parts of the home in this article. 

Remember, good health starts with a clean home. Start the spring season on a healthy note by including the following neglected areas in your cleaning routine. 

Base Of Toilets

When is the last time you cleaned the base of your toilet? Chances are that you neglect the base when you clean the seat and the bowl. If you don’t clean it, urine can accumulate, especially in a home with children. Leaving urine at the base of the toilet can harbor germs, while the moisture can increase the risk of mold, which can cause respiratory problems. Use an antibacterial cleaning agent to scrub the base of the toilet so that the porcelain sparkles.

Under The Couch

Unless you have a robot vacuum, chances are that you aren’t cleaning under the couch. Even the robot doesn’t get every square inch under there! Spring is here, which means that you need to move the couch, bed, or other furniture item and get in there. You may need a vacuum and a mop to complete the task. It’s not the most difficult thing to do, but it can be annoying. Get those spots clean once and for all, but don’t continue to neglect them from now on. 

Rugs

Area rugs can accumulate a lot of dirt, dust, and more, especially if they are in high-traffic areas. If you have pets, their hair doesn’t come off with each vacuuming session either. For small rugs that are machine washable, read the directions and toss them in the washer. For larger rugs, you may need a separate piece of machinery or plan of attack to deep clean them. Check the material of the rug and research how to wash it before you just go for it. The last thing you want to do is ruin a rug and have to buy a new one.

Windowsills

It’s common to see dust on windowsills, but mold can easily grow in these areas. Unfortunately, many homeowners or renters don’t consider this when it comes to cleaning. Mold spores are very small, discolored areas on the windowsills. If you don’t regularly clean them, it’s possible to damage your windows and indoor air quality. People with mold allergies or respiratory conditions have a higher risk of experiencing symptoms in regards to mold accumulation. It’s best to clean mold and condensation from windowsills with bleach diluted with water. Be sure to wear protective gloves and a mask. 

The Curtains

Sure, curtains help to keep out the sunlight and the rest of the world from looking in, but they are dust traps. You could make the argument that a curtain’s sole purpose is to collect dust. Most people don’t realize how dusty they are until they give them a quick shake and see the dust linger in the sunlight. Depending on the type of curtains you have, you may want to have a professional do the job. Some curtains, however, are machine washable and you can clean them yourself. 

HVAC Filters

If you have central ventilation, heating, or an air-conditioning system in your home, you should change the filter regularly. Most filters should be changed every three months, so be sure to check if you are overdue. Filters work to catch particles that affect indoor air quality, including animal allergens, mold spores, and pollen. If you don’t change your filters, they can fill up and become less effective. 

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Get those harsh chemicals out of your home with a natural alternative to a classic toilet bowl gel cleaner. This homemade scrub is nearly as effective as store bought cleaners and it doesn’t plague your home with harsh chemicals. Made with borax and baking soda, this scrub may help you remove stains from a dirty toilet bowl. 

Cleaning a toilet is not necessarily the first thing on everyone’s to-do list. In fact, nobody wants to do it, but nobody wants to look into a stained porcelain bowl either. You want to keep that porcelain looking polished and as good as new. Many chemical cleaning products promise that they can keep your bowl looking as sparkly as ever, but seldom do they do the trick. The difference between those products and the DIY toilet bowl cleaner in this article lies in the ingredients. 

Borax

Borax, not to be confused with boric acid, is composed of oxygen, sodium, and boron. It is commonly used as a cleaner, mildew remover, flame retardant, and handful of other things. Because borax has a 9.5 pH, it is alkaline and forms a basic solution when combined with water. A basic solution has an easier time breaking down acidic, fatty, and oily substances. For example, borax can loosen the accumulated grime in a toilet bowl, but just know that it does not disinfect. 

Baking Soda

Baking soda has a lot of uses, both in and out of the kitchen. Due to its mildly abrasive nature, baking soda has an innate ability to clean and remove stains. Baking soda reacts with the grease in stains to form glycerol, a common ingredient in soaps. When you mix baking soda with vinegar, it creates carbonic acid, which is a weak base that boosts vinegar’s corrosive nature. Additionally, baking soda is a weak alkali, meaning it can neutralize acids in odor molecules, which can help eliminate strong smells. 

Castile Soap

The genius of castile soap is the fact that it is equally gentle and powerful at the same time. Created from saponified oils with moisturizing properties, castile oil is commonly used as a gentle, natural soap for the skin. That said, it is capable of fighting tough stains. In fact, you can use castile soap to clean just about anything. Just do not mix castile soap with acidic ingredients, such as vinegar, or else it may leave behind a sticky film on the surface you’re cleaning. 

DIY Toilet Bowl Cleaner

Ingredients:

• 2 cups distilled water 
• 1/2 cup borax
• 1/2 cup baking soda
• 1 cup castile soap
• 25 drops essential oil of choice (optional)

Instructions:

• Add all of the ingredients to a medium-sized mixing bowl and still until the borax and baking soda are dissolved. 
• Pour the mixture into a squirt bottle and use when ready. 
• Make sure to shake well before each use. Spray a generous amount of the cleaning solution on the toilet bowl and use a scrub brush to clean. Let it sit for 15 minutes before flushing.

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As a child, your parents tell you to clean your room or take care of other household chores. When you graduate to adulthood, the cleaning doesn’t stop. The only difference is that you don’t have someone bribing you with an allowance to clean your space. If you decide to have kids of your own, you will likely find out that they aren’t so neat. The moral of the story: the cleaning cycle never ends. 

We don’t mean to sound like defeatists, but cleaning is a part of life. If you are a maker of messes, you have to know how to clean up properly. If you clean up after your kids, you may want to consider using natural cleaning products, as the harmful chemicals in commercial products may be dangerous to young ones. You can also reduce your own risk of chemical exposure by switching to all-natural cleaning products that you make yourself. 

Why Make Your Own Natural Cleaner?

First of all, it can be very difficult to create or find an all-purpose and all-natural cleaning spray. Maybe you experiment with a concoction of your own, only to find that it really doesn’t do much. The cleaning power of the all-purpose cleaner in this recipe uses essential oils, borax, vinegar, and castile soap to help remove grime, soap scum, and everyday dirt. 

Making your own cleaner takes less than a minute, and you can save money in the process. It is eco-friendly and free of the toxins found in many conventional household cleaning sprays. Plus, you can customize the surface cleaner by adding different essential oils that work for you. 

Borax

You can incorporate borax into an all-purpose cleaning spray and use it on countertops, appliances, and windows. Some people find that it is highly effective at removing tough stains, dust, and food residue. You can often combine borax with water, shake it up, and pour in a spray bottle for use. In the case of this all-purpose cleaner, you combine it with other ingredients for safe and effective cleaning. If you are weary about using borax, you can always omit it from the recipe. 

Essential Oils

First of all, not all essential oils are created equal. There are many essential oils out there, but a lot of them are not pure essential oils. That means that other ingredients are added, so you won’t get the maximum benefits. When making a cleaning product, make sure to add your essential oils last to the spray bottle. Oils and water don’t mix well, so make sure to give your bottle a good shake prior to use. 

Washing Soda

Washing soda is different from baking soda. Baking soda is usually used alongside detergent to help get rid of stains or foul odors. It is usually gentler than washing soda, so it is not as efficacious. Washing soda is like a more amped-up version of baking soda that does a better job of removing stains and brightening colors when doing laundry. If used in excessive amounts and too frequently, though, it can be harsh on certain materials, specifically fabrics. 

Natural All-Purpose Cleaner

Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon borax
• 1 teaspoon castile soap
• 1/2 teaspoon washing soda (not baking soda)
• 4 drops lemon essential oil
• 4 drops lavender essential oil
• 10 drops orange essential oil
• 2 cups distilled water

Instructions:

• Place the borax, castile soap, washing soda, and essential oils in an amber glass spray bottle.
• Pour in the distilled water until the glass is nearly full. Make sure to leave room for the sprayer to slide into the bottle. 
• Screw on the lid, shake well, and use as needed. It is great for bathrooms, kitchen, or even on toys.

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Do you have lemons and hate chemicals and artificial fragrances? If that describes you then it’s time to start making your own non-toxic household cleaning spray. The beauty of the cleaning spray recipe in this article is that it only contains two ingredients: lemons and distilled white vinegar. If you don’t have lemons but have an abundance of limes or oranges, feel free to use them instead. Any citrus fruit will do!

Citrus season runs from late fall to late winter, so you may have a lot of oranges, lemons, tangerines, limes, or grapefruits on hand. This is especially true if you have citrus trees in your yard or neighborhood. Do you have friendly neighbors who leave boxes of wonderful citrus fruits outside their house for the neighborhood to take? Those are the best people! The point we are trying to make is that you will most likely have a lot of citrus scraps if you have a lot of citrus. Instead of throwing them in the trash or compost (more ideal than the trash), save them and make your own cleaning spray. 

Vinegar For Cleaning

It is important to note that vinegar is not a powerful disinfectant. It has some disinfectant properties, but it is nowhere near as effective as bleach or other commercial disinfectant products. This is why it is important to decide if you want to clean or disinfect. If you want to disinfect surfaces (kill most bacteria), you may want to use a classic disinfectant spray or cleanser that specifically kills germs. 

Distilled white vinegar can be an effective household cleaner on certain surfaces. It is an inexpensive, easy-to-obtain product that is about 5% acetic acid, which works to break down the structure of certain stains, oils, films, or bacteria. That same acidic quality can harm certain surfaces, such as hard wood floors, aluminum, cast iron, waxed wood, or natural stone. Vinegar can be a highly effective cleaner for glass, refrigerator shelves/drawers, or removing water stains from showers. Just make sure to do the research on whether the surface you want to clean will or won’t be harmed by vinegar. 

Gather Your Lemon Rinds

In order to make the cleaning spray in this article, you have to gather lemon rinds (or other citrus rinds) in a large glass container. Ideally, you should use a half-gallon mason jar, but a small pitcher or a few smaller jars will also work. A great time to make this cleaning spray is after you make freshly-squeezed lemonade, pesto, or similar recipe involving lots of citrus. If it is going to take you more than a week to collect all your rinds, add a little white vinegar to the jar by day six or seven. Pour enough to submerge the citrus rinds in order to prevent molding. 

Once you have a good amount of citrus rinds in the jar (doesn’t have to be completely full), pour the white vinegar into the container to submerge the rinds completely. You can add some fresh herbs for increased aromatherapy, if you so desire. Let the rinds soak for at least one week, and up to three weeks. You can let the container sit out at room temperature, but make sure to give it a shake every few days to mix things up. 

Lemon Vinegar Cleaning Spray

Equipment:

• Large glass jar (or other container for steeping)
• Spray bottle
• Fine mesh strainer/cheesecloth

Ingredients:

• Lemon rinds or citrus rinds (enough to fill the jar)
• Distilled white vinegar 
• Optional: fresh aromatic herbs (such as lavender, rosemary, or thyme)

Instructions:

• Collect your lemon or citrus rinds and stow them inside a large glass container. If you cannot collect all the rinds at one time, store the jar in the fridge as you continue to collect them. Should you need longer than a week, freeze the jar. 
• Once your jar is nearly full of citrus rinds, pour distilled white vinegar into the jar to completely submerge the rinds. Feel free to add a handful of fresh herbs at this time before you screw on the lid. 
• Allow the citrus rinds to soak in the jar of vinegar at room temperature for at least one week, and up to three weeks. Give the jar a shake every few days.
• Strain the citrus rinds after the soaking period, removing as many rind chunks as possible to avoid clogging the spray bottle. 
• Pour the strained liquid into a spray bottle and use when ready. It’s great for laminate kitchen counters, stainless steel appliances, showers, sinks, inside the fridge, or other durable surfaces.

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From descaling coffee makers to getting rid of grime and water stains, vinegar is an excellent cleaning agent. Distilled white vinegar is a versatile cleaner in the non-toxic cleaning world, but multi-purpose does not mean it is all-purpose. When it comes to cleaning with vinegar, there are household items that can easily damage if you clean them with vinegar. Additionally, if you mix vinegar with other cleaning agents, especially bleach, the acid in vinegar can create dangerous chemical reactions.

People like vinegar because it is both inexpensive and non-toxic. Even though it is readily available, it is not a one-size-fits-all solution for every cleaning obstacle you face. You don’t want to ruin wood finish or damage your stone countertop. For these reasons, we’ve highlighted seven things that you should never clean with vinegar.

Grout

If you have unsealed or damaged grout, do not clean it with vinegar. Over time, vinegar can wear grout away and cause it to deteriorate. If you have sealed grout, however, you can clean it with vinegar, but you should still use non-acidic cleaners to avoid ruining your grout. 

Cast Iron

Don’t let any cast iron lovers ever see you soak your cast iron pans in vinegar. There is a specific set of rules to follow when it comes to seasoning and cleaning your cast iron pans. The seasoning process slowly builds up a coat of oil that helps keep cast iron non-stick. The reason that you should not use vinegar to clean your cast iron is because it cuts through that film, in addition to reacting with cast iron and causing it to rust.

Hardwood Floors

Tile floors can take a beating, but hardwood floors are a little more sensitive. People have mixed feelings about completely avoiding vinegar on hardwood floors or using a diluted vinegar solution to clean them. Most flooring manufacturers recommend that you do not clean floors with vinegar because the strong acid can eat away at the finish, causing it to dull over time. 

Rubber Gaskets And Hoses

If you repeatedly expose rubber gaskets and hoses to vinegar, they will disintegrate over time. Make sure that you check the manufacturer’s instructions before you clean household appliances with vinegar. Dishwashers, washing machines, and refrigerators may contain rubber that can easily disintegrate when exposed to vinegar. 

Pet Messes

If you have a pet, especially a new one, they will most likely pee or poop in the house. Vinegar is not an ideal cleaning agent for surfaces like mattresses, upholstered furniture, or carpeting. The Humane Society of the United States does not recommend the use of vinegar on pet messes. The reason for this is because the strong chemical odors may encourage your pet to reinforce the urine scent mark in that area. Ideally, use an enzyme-based cleaning agent for pet messes. 

Your Phone Or Tablet

Maybe you are following a recipe and dirty the screen of your phone or tablet. Whatever you do, don’t clean the screen with vinegar. Additionally, if you are making dressing or something that calls for vinegar, avoid splashing vinegar on the screen. The screen has a fingerprint-resistant coating that vinegar can damage. Should you need to clean your screen, use a microfiber cloth dampened with water. 

Natural Stone Surfaces

Marble, granite, and other natural stone surfaces, such as slate, should not be cleaned with vinegar. That means don’t use vinegar on home furnishes like countertops, floors, or shower walls, or household goods like tabletops or serving pieces. The acid in vinegar can etch stone or cause pitting that you cannot undo.

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Do you love to clean? No, nobody loves to clean, but cleaning is a necessary part of life. Cleaning helps get rid of germs, keeping you and anyone else who lives in your house safe. That said, many people clean with chemical cleaning products that contain toxic ingredients, many of which can damage endocrine function. 

Instead of polluting the home with chemicals while you clean, use a homemade, vinegar-based cleaner that is 100% safe. Vinegar is frequently recommended as a household cleaner and can be very effective on certain surfaces. We are, of course, referring to distilled white vinegar, not apple cider vinegar or wine vinegar. It is important to note that vinegar is a cleaner and not a disinfectant like bleach or commercial cleaners. Because of that, it is not as effective at killing certain germs when compared to disinfectant sprays. 

Why Should You Clean With Vinegar?

Vinegar is about 5% acetic acid, which works to break down the structure of some oils, dirt, films, bacteria, and stains. That same acetic acid can also harm certain surfaces, which is why vinegar cleaners aren’t meant to clean every inch of your home. Do not use vinegar on natural stone, cast iron, aluminum, or waxed wood. The “set time,” or the time a cleaner has to set on a surface in order to work, varies with a vinegar cleaner. Experts suggest that the set time for vinegar can be up to 30 minutes, especially if you use it to clean stained pots and pans. 

How Does Vinegar Work?

The acidity, as mentioned previously, makes vinegar a great cleaning agent. It can help dissolve soap scum, brines left behind by hard water, and even the glue from stickers. If you want to clean your windows or mirrors, mix vinegar with water and wipe with newspaper (not a paper towel) to avoid streaks. You can also use vinegar to get rid of stubborn stains, for example, from sweaty armpits or grass. Most of these types of stains are slightly acidic, meaning they will dissolve away in the presence of another acid, like vinegar. A paste made with vinegar and baking soda can help dissolve red wine stains. You can even use vinegar to get dog or cat urine out of carpets or clothes!

When To Not Use Vinegar

Because vinegar is highly concentrated, it can stain delicate fabrics and harm other surfaces. It will scratch natural stone like marble or granite. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), vinegar is not approved to disinfect surfaces. Unfortunately, there is no supporting evidence that shows that vinegar can get rid of harmful pathogens, like salmonella, that lurk on surfaces. Additionally, using vinegar on hardwood floors can eat away at the finish and make it look dull over time. 

Orange Basil Vinegar Cleaner

Not only does this recipe help clean certain surfaces, but it also leaves your home smelling floral and zesty. Instead of tossing orange peels into the trash, use the peels to provide that citrus scent to your vinegar cleaner. The peels from four oranges and four to five sprigs of basil will do the job!

Ingredients:

• 1 (16-ounce) wide-mouthed mason jar
• Peels from 4 oranges
• 4-5 sprigs of basil
• Distilled white vinegar

Instructions:

• Add the orange peels and sprigs of basil to the wide-mouthed mason jar and fill it to the top with vinegar. Tighten the lid and let it set for a minimum of 10 days. 
• After this infusion time, prepare a spray bottle and fill it halfway with the vinegar mixture (only the liquid, not the peels or sprigs). Add water to the spray bottle to fill it up. Shake well and use when ready. 
• Once you finish this solution, you can use the rest of the vinegar to create more. You shouldn’t keep your vinegar solution longer than one month, as you don’t want it to spoil.

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Ever since the COVID-19 pandemic, people have upgraded their hand soap game. There are so many soaps on the markets, and the truth is that many of them are filled with harmful chemicals that are difficult to pronounce. Are there non-toxic hand soaps in stores? Some brands use reputable ingredients, but they may also use fragrances or other substances that can disrupt the skin barrier. 

Unlike making body butters, lip balms, or bath bombs, making your own non-toxic soap is a very simple process. When you go to purchase ingredients for the soap, you will also need to acquire a soap dispenser. You can either purchase a foaming soap dispenser, or any old hand soap dispenser. If your old hand soap is running out, give it a good rinse, let it dry, and use that for this DIY hand soap. 

Castile Soap

Is castile strong enough to kill germs? The short answer is: no, but it is still effective. Rather than killing bacteria, castile soap, which is a surfactant, removes germs and bacteria (like dirt and grease) with the aid of running water. That makes castile soap an excellent ingredient for cleaning your hands. Liquid castile soap, such as Dr. Bronner’s, is free of synthetic ingredients or foaming agents. It is a blend of ethically sourced carrier oils and aromatic essential oils.

Dermatologists like to say that castile soap speaks the language of the skin. That means that it incorporates three essential moisturizing components: humectants, emollients, and occlusives, all of which benefit the skin. 

Humectants

Humectants are substances that attract water from the air or from deeper layers of the skin. Coming in naturally derived, unchanged, or synthetic forms, humectants bind with water and break down dead skin cells. They typically break down those skin cells first, making it so your pores remain unclogged. Once humectants loosen dead skin cells, they draw moisture from the air or deeper layers of the skin. 

Emollients

Emollients are ingredients in skin care products that help to relieve dryness or skin irritation. Skin care experts refer to emollients as skin barrier creams because they help form a protective film on the skin’s outer. Dermatologists usually recommend emollients for skin conditions that cause dryness, for example, eczema and psoriasis. Emollients attract moisture to the skin, help prevent moisture loss in the skin, and work to soften peeling or scaling skin. An emollient differs from a moisturizer because it works to soften the skin, whereas a moisturizer contains other ingredients that bring water into the skin.

Occlusives

Occlusives are moisturizing agents that help form a protective barrier on the skin’s surface. Typically, they are waxy or oily and almost act like plastic wrap for the skin. What we mean by this is that plastic wrap forms a barrier between food and the outside environment. Similarly, occlusives aim to prevent harmful pathogens or particles from entering the skin, while keeping the skin moist at the same time. They help protect against dehydration, infection, and environmental damage, making them a great addition to any skin care regimen. 

DIY Non-Toxic Hand Soap

Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup filtered water
• 1/4 cup liquid castile soap
• 20 drops lemon essential oil
• Soap dispenser

Instructions:

• Pour the water into the soap dispenser, followed by the liquid castile soap. 
• Add 20 drops of lemon essential oil, which works to remove odors and provides a refreshing aroma. 
• Screw the top on the soap dispenser, shake well, and use when ready.

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It’s no secret people have changed quite a bit over the years. The demand for higher-quality products with little to no harmful ingredients is greater than ever. There has been a shift to more natural cleaning products, hygiene products, skin care products, and more in recent years. Given what people know about the harmful ingredients in certain products, more and more people continue to opt for non-toxic products. 

Did you know that you can easily make non-toxic renditions of products that you buy in stores or online? Not only is making your own products more cost-effective, but it is also more sustainable and you are in complete control. That means that there are no surprise ingredients that may cause adverse side effects. There are no fragrances or “natural flavors” that hide ingredients that can damage lung function or disrupt the endocrine system. 

We don’t mean to scare you out of the store because it can be quite labor-intensive to make every single product you use. That said, there are certain things that are just as effective as the products you purchase in stores, not to mention a whole lot safer, too. Below, you’ll find some of our favorite DIY recipes. We’ve got everything from cleaning products to hygiene products, and we think that your body and health will appreciate them. If you make some of the products, leave a comment to let us know how you liked them. 

Cleaning Products

DIY All-Purpose Cleaner

Having an all-natural, all-purpose cleaner that’s free of vinegar is quite rare in the DIY cleaning space. Feel free to use this spray almost anywhere in the house because it is essential for cleaning.

Click here to make the cleaner.

Bathroom Disinfectant Spray

Kill those germs in the bathroom without using harmful chemical cleaners. This DIY bathroom disinfectant is eco-friendly, efficient, and doesn’t make your lungs hurt if you inhale the aroma!

Click here to make the spray.

DIY Bathroom Spray To Get Rid Of Odors

Nobody wants to leave the bathroom like a smelly wasteland. Make this DIY bathroom spray with simple ingredients that help eliminate odors.

Click here to make the spray.

All-Natural Glass Cleaner Spray

Don’t you wish you could clean windows and mirrors without spraying toxins all over the home? That’s exactly what this DIY glass cleaner is for. You don’t need chemicals to make those windows streak-free.

Click here to make the glass cleaner spray.

Orange-Scented Grease Cleaner

Cut through the toughest grease and clean up the grimiest messes in your kitchen with this DIY all-natural, orange-scented grease cleaner.

Click here to make the grease cleaner.

Beauty/Hygiene Products

DIY Lavender Sage Deodorant

Reduce sweating and help establish healthier bacteria under your pits with this DIY deodorant that is very refreshing and fragrant. You’ll smell great without the need for a bunch of aluminum or chemicals.

Click here to make the deodorant.

DIY Olive Oil Moisturizer

Four ingredients yield an incredible olive oil-based moisturizer that is a wonderful, natural alternative to store

Click here to make the moisturizer.

Lemon Vanilla Body Butter

Silky smooth skin is just a few ingredients away! Whip up a batch of this lemon vanilla body butter and keep your skin soft all day long.

Click here to make the body butter.

Homemade Rosemary Mint Shampoo

Nourish the hair and scalp with ingredients that contain compounds that may promote hair growth, increase thickness, and reduce inflammation.

Click here to make the shampoo.

Shaving Butter For Smooth Skin

Shave with ease and moisturize the skin at the same time when you lather up with this all-natural homemade shaving butter. It’s very safe and there’s room for customization.

Click here to make the shaving butter.

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The New Year is synonymous with weight loss, dieting, and new career goals. People often put so much emphasis on themselves that they don’t pay attention to their homes. Unlike the human body, the home is not something that can clean itself. You are responsible for limiting the build-up of grime and keeping it a space for wellness by maintaining awareness. 

There are many ways to establish a healthy home, but with the New Year approaching, one of the best ways to clean the slate is through a home detox. Over time, the home can easily accumulate dust, allergen, mold, and germs. Not only can these things cause allergic reactions, but they can also weigh down the energy in your home. If you are into the concept of Feng Shui, then you understand how simple detox tips can spruce up your indoor space. Below, we detail simple ways that you can detox your home for a fresh start in the New Year. 

Shoes Stay At The Door

When you walk in the front door of your home, remove your shoes, plain and simple. When you wear your shoes inside the house, you track pesticides, bacteria, and more via the soles of your shoes. Removing your shoes prior to entering your home also supports the idea that your home is a sacred space, separate from the outside world. Wear socks, go barefoot, or have slippers for chilly days. 

Use Green Plants As Natural Detox Agents

Certain houseplants have the ability to remove pollutants from the air, ultimately improving indoor air quality. Some studies found that houseplants can remove substances like benzene, carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene from the air. Breathing easier is much easier when the air in your home is cleaner. Click here for the best houseplants to clean your air. 

Open Your Windows When You Cook

Cooking over a gas flame can generate large amounts of nitrogen dioxide and other tiny particles that can irritate the nose and lungs. In addition to using the exhaust hood or range, open your windows to ventilate your space. This process helps remove particular gasses from your home, reducing the risk of future headaches or fatigue from inhaling those pollutants. 

Bye Bye Dryer Sheets

Not all dryer sheets are bad, but they aren’t necessarily eco-friendly. Instead of contributing to more waste, do your part to help the environment and opt for wool dryer balls. These dryer balls are chemical-free and help soften your laundry during the drying process. Wool dryer balls tend to last up to 1,000 loads, which is 1,000 less dryer sheets in landfills. They also reduce drying time, which can lower your energy usage. 

Use Simple DIY Cleaning Products

There are many non-toxic cleaning products that you can purchase in store, but a lot of them still contain synthetic fragrances, colors, and other preservatives. If you are trying to detox your home, you don’t want to continue polluting it. You can easily make your own cleaning products that are 100% non-toxic. We have a large catalog of these recipes on our website, but you can click here to view some great ones to have on hand. 

From Floor To Ceilings

When you vacuum, it’s best to use one that has a HEPA filter, as that not only helps decrease allergens in the home, but also creates a healthier, more breathable space. The HEPA filter in your vacuum traps bacteria, dust, pathogens, and particles. Additionally, it also reduces the levels of many chemicals in your home. Don’t just vacuum your carpets or rugs, though. Vacuum under your furniture, behind bookshelves, on the side of your washer, and the corners of your house. 

Ditch Synthetic Air Fresheners

We cannot stress the importance of this point! A lot of people love the scents of synthetic air freshener sprays or plug-ins, but these products are filled with irritants and chemicals. You can still create a pleasant smelling home without these chemicals. There are essential oil diffusers, bouquets of fresh flowers, potpourri, and more. You can also make all-natural air freshener sprays by clicking here. 

Even the simplest of home detox efforts can improve the entire energy of your home. Do whatever you feel is best and simplest on this list to begin your home detox. Relish in the results you feel when the new year arrives!

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Over the years, we’ve shared a handful of DIY, non-toxic cleaning products. There are many people who want to reduce the amount of harmful chemicals they spray in their homes. That’s why we continue to post recipes for all-natural cleaning products, just like the homemade grease cleaner in this article. 

Once you discover a few ingredients that can clean various areas of your house, you never want to let them go. The reason for that is because you only need a few items to clean areas of your house. When it comes to grease, though, you need the right ingredients to cut through the grime. That’s where Castile soap comes into play! You can use this oil-based, biodegradable soap in DIY beauty and cleaning products!  For the entire recipe, you’ll need:

• 1.75 cups distilled water
• 2 tablespoons Castile soap
• 20 drops orange essential oil
• Spray bottle

Making The Grease Cleaner

The great thing about this DIY recipe is that you don’t need a double boiler, stand mixer, or any fancy kitchen appliance. A funnel and spray bottle will do the trick! You simply pour the distilled water into the bottle, followed by the Castile soap and essential oil. Both the soap and the essential oil work to clean, disinfect, and degrease the surface you decide to clean. The reason that this recipe calls for distilled water is because it helps to lengthen the shelf life of homemade cleaners. 

Castile Soap For Cleaning

Because Castile soap is oil-based, it is an excellent ingredient for dissolving grease or stubborn dirt. Chemically, like dissolves like, meaning that the best way to degrease your kitchen is by using an oil-based cleaner like Castile soap. If you see light grime, a simple solution of Castile soap and water can do the trick with a wipe down. For stubborn grease, you may need to use a toothbrush and some good old fashioned elbow grease. 

Orange Essential Oil

Not only does orange essential oil leave your kitchen smelling floral and citrusy, but it also works to remove sticky residue. A lot of DIY cleaning enthusiasts prefer orange essential oil for this reason. Orange essential oil also exhibits antiseptic and anti-fungal properties, which makes it an effective cleaner. It helps to get rid of dirt, dust, and even disease causing bacteria like salmonella or E. coli. Like Castile soap, orange essential oil is both an oil and chemical-free. Like dissolves like, people! That is the point of this degreaser, which you can learn how to make below. 

DIY Orange-Scented Grease Cleaner

Ingredients:

• 1.75 cups distilled water
• 2 tablespoons Castile soap
• 20 drops orange essential oil

Instructions:

• Place a funnel in the top of a spray bottle and pour in the distilled water. Next, add the Castile soap.
• Pour in the orange essential oil and then screw on the spray top. Shake well to combine and it is ready to use. 

How To Use:

• Make sure to shake well before each use. There are no chemicals or binders in this recipe, so the ingredients may separate while it sits. 
• Spray the surface you want to clean liberally and then wipe away with sponge or cloth. You won’t believe how well this works!

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