Natural, non toxic cleaners are safer to use than chemical cleaners. When it comes time to dispose of the cleaner, they create less impact on the environment than their chemical counterparts. It is important to note that all natural cleaners are not necessarily non-toxic. Borax, for example, is an effective natural cleaner that kills bacteria and mold, deodorizes surfaces and fabrics and removes stains. It is not considered non-toxic however, and should be kept out of reach of children and pets.
Baking Soda
Baking soda is a mild abrasive, according to New Mexico State University, which makes it an excellent choice for cleaning bathtubs and sinks. It also deodorizes. Sprinkle a little baking soda on areas you wish to clean and scrub gently with a sponge. Rinse when finished and wipe dry. Use a paste of baking soda and water to scrub stains from coffee mugs. Scrub toilets by sprinkling baking soda in the bowl, followed by a squirt of vinegar. Scrub clean with a toilet bowl brush.
Lemon
Lemon juice cuts through grease, making it a good choice for kitchen cleanup. Squeeze some lemon juice on greasy surfaces and wipe clean. For greasy items that can tolerate abrasive cleaning, add a sprinkle of salt to the lemon juice to boost effectiveness. Lemon juice can bleach some surfaces, so test in an inconspicuous area first.
Salt
Combine salt with liquid cleaning agents, such as vinegar or lemon juice, to boost their effectiveness. Salt makes the cleaner abrasive, which makes it easier to scrub off burned on residue or stubborn stains. Do not use salt on items that scratch easily, such as ceramic cooktops.
Vinegar
Vinegar cuts through grease and can also remove stains. Use a solution of vinegar and salt as a good general purpose cleaner. Combine one-quarter cup of vinegar and one quart of water in a spray bottle and use as a glass cleaner. After spraying your homemade solution on windows, wipe dry with crumpled newspapers rather than paper towels.
Castile Soap
Castile soap is a gentle, vegetable based soap that is an effective all-around cleaner. Use a bucket of hot, soapy water to mop vinyl or wood floors, wipe down surfaces and hand wash laundry. Castile soap is generally considered safe for all types of cleaning.
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