Toxin Free Household Cleaners

In order to reduce constant exposure to common pollutants, neurotoxins, endocrine disruptors, carcinogens, lung irritants, skin irritants etc. I recommend that clients replace as many of their household cleaners with effective but toxin-free alternatives as they can.

An online search will find you a host of recipes and organic alternatives but these are the replacements I use on a daily basis:

Bathroom

  • Toilet, bath, bathroom sink and tile cleaner: scrub each with half a tablespoon of sodium bicarbonate and a cloth. Rinse with water.
  • Shower screen and floor: white vinegar and water (1:1) sprayed on, left for a few minutes and wiped with a cloth.

Kitchen

  • Kitchen sink: scrubbed with half a teaspoon of sodium bicarbonate and a cloth. Rinse with water.
  • Stove top: white vinegar and water (1:1) sprayed on, left for a few minutes and wiped with a cloth
  • Washing up: eco-friendly washing up liquid
  • Wipe stained teacups with a small amount of sodium bicarbonate, leave for five minutes and wash as usual
  • Wooden worktops: polished up occasionally with Bearwood Balm
  • A cup of sodium bicarbonate left in the fridge and kitchen cupboards absorbs undesirable smells
  • Replace antibacterial sprays with white vinegar and water (1:1)

Laundry

  • Detergent: I use half the quantity suggested of eco-friendly laundry powders and add a tablespoon of sodium bicarbonate
  • Fabric conditioner: half a cup of white vinegar
  • Ironing water: distilled water

Windows

  • Spray with white vinegar and water (1:1) and wipe off with an old t-shirt

Carpets and floors

  • Sprinkle carpets lightly with sodium bicarbonate before vacuuming.
  • Mop floors with hot water and a little added white vinegar

Air fresheners and room scenting

  • Windows open!
  • Beeswax pillar candles or salt lamp candle holders with organic soy tea-lights
  • Essential oils dropped onto a cloth or saucer of water and left on warm radiators
  • Real incense
  • Musty fabrics or clothes in need of “airing out” can be sprayed with water and cheap vodka (2:1) and left to dry
  • Charcoal blocks can be left in shoes overnight to freshen