Wholesomely Fit

Green Cleaning and House Care

Did you know that most of our household cleaning supplies are toxic?! So toxic in fact that we are always told to make sure our cleaning supplies are out of reach of our children. If our children shouldn’t be caught playing with them, should we be using these same products to clean our houses?! We are breathing in that very toxic cleaner when we use it…..

In my opinion NO!! Many studies have shown the harmful effects of conventional cleaning supplies to both our health and the environment. They are hazardous and poisonous to our health. Even though we are not directly consuming them, they can be found in our drinking water and inhaled when we are simply breathing.

It’s easier now than ever to find Eco Friendly cleaning products and laundry care, without the harsh and harmful chemicals. It’s even more simple to make your own, which I do for most of my cleaning supplies.

You’ll find my top brands for safe cleaning supplies and some recipes for making your own. Check out EWG’s (Environmentally Working Group) website for more information on safe, green cleaning products.

Bathroom Cleaners

Kitchen Soaps / All Purpose Cleaners

Laundry 

DIY (Do It Yourself) Cleaners

  • Unclogging Sinks: This is simple really, and most households contain all you need: Vinegar, baking soda, and boiling water. Simply pour 1/4 c baking soda down drain, followed by 1/2 c white vinegar, then a boiling kettle of water. Do this every other day for a week, and you’ll see results. I do this religiously to prevent clogs and build up (twice a month) as well. Make sure not to use the sink for a couple hours after unclogging, and then run warm water.
  • Kitchen Cleaners: Again with a few household ingredients you have great kitchen cleaners. I put half part water, with half part vinegar in a spray bottle. I spray this on dirty counter tops and wipe clean (don’t worry about the smell it will be covered up with the next step). I follow with hydrogen peroxide. I pour hydrogen peroxide into a spray bottle, and cover with duck tape (it needs to remain in a dark bottle). After spraying counters with hydrogen peroxide, I wipe clean again.
  • Window / Glass Cleaner: This is my favorite!! Lemon juice, water, white vinegar, cornstarch and some peppermint oil (which deters flies). 1 part fresh lemon juice and/or 1 part white vinegar, 1 part water, 1 tsp cornstarch and 1/2 tsp peppermint oil (optional). 
  • Toilet Bowl Cleaner:Using just baking soda or borax and a little vinegar works great. Using a good toilet brush. Borax is great for cleaning bathtub, shower and sinks.

Quick Tips for a Healthy Home: 

  • Don’t use a sponge – they are a breeding ground for bacteria and never fully dry out like a rag
  • Use a different wash clothe for washing dishes and washing counters – Dishes already carry enough germs, no need to spread more onto the counters and vice versa. It grosses me out when I think the same rag for cleaning dishes was used to washed the counters, and then the dishes again. Gross!!
  • Use a different hand towel for drying hands in the kitchen and drying dishes – No need to spread germs and bacteria. Clean dishes should be dried with a clean towel, not a towel other’s use to wipe their hands.
  • Buy Plants: Plants are great at purifying the air and reducing dust. You’ll notice less dust on your furnishings and frames with more plants in the room. Some great picks include: English Ivy, Spider Plant, Aloe Vera (great for burns and acne too), pot mum, Ficus and Rubber tree, Bamboo palm, Chinese evergreen and mass cane.
  • Open windows throughout the week: Letting fresh air in helps to bring in clean air and freshen a room. Open your windows for at least 5 minutes a couple times a week to help air out rooms.
  • Leave your shoes at the door: Shoes will bring in everything from outside, and you don’t want all that junk from the streets on your floors.
  • Invest in an air purifier / humidifier: A great way to keep the air less dry and more clean.
  • Ditch the Glad plug-ins and get a Diffuser: The scents for Glad plug-ins or the scensy are toxic and let out toxins in the air. A diffuser can make a room smell just as great, with out the toxins. It uses essential oils (just make sure you buy pure essential oils).
  • Use Essential oils for cleaning purposes: – using sweet orange oil for spraying on plants. Place 24 drops with 6 ounces of water and shake well. Spray on houseplants to discourage pests. Place several drops in your indoor garbage cans to improve scent and discourage bugs. Even use a couple drops on grease to lift grease from surface. – Lemon oil is great when mopping white floors and removing stains. – Peppermint purifies the air and acts as mild pest repellent