Traditional cleaning products often contain phosphates and other toxins that pollute your indoor air. Volatile organic compounds commonly found in such household products as cleansers, disinfectants, paints and pesticides can cause headaches, nausea, fatigue and ear, nose and throat irritation, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. You can reduce your exposure to indoor toxins by switching to natural cleaning products for your home.
White Vinegar
Use white vinegar as a cleanser and disinfectant. The HGTV website provides several natural cleanser recipes that call for white vinegar. Mix 1/2 cup vinegar with one gallon of water to clean glass surfaces, countertops and stovetops, per HGTV. To make your own dusting spray, combine 1/2 cup vinegar and one tsp. olive oil in a spray bottle. The Worldwatch Institute recommends a mixture of white vinegar and salt for cleaning mold and mildew.
Lemon Juice
Lemon juice is acidic and effective for cutting through grease, deodorizing and general cleaning. HGTV suggests adding lemon and pure soap to water for dishwashing. A few teaspoons of cream of tartar mixed with lemon juice cleans grout, and lemon juice is effective at removing stains from wood and plastic surfaces, according to RealSimple.com.
Baking Soda
Baking soda is a gentle abrasive and a natural deodorizer. The Worldwatch Institute recommends using baking soda as a carpet deodorizer and using a paste made of baking soda, salt and hot water to clean your oven. Unclog a drain with 1/4 cup baking soda, followed by 1/2 cup vinegar and a hot water flush. To clean your tub and tile, the HGTV website suggests that you add baking soda to a white vinegar-based surface cleaner.
Natural Cleaning Products
The market for green, natural cleaning products is growing. When shopping for household cleaners, look for full ingredient disclosure on packaging, dye-free and fragrance-free products and third-party certifications, such as Green Seal, Leaping Bunny and the EPA's Design for the Environment, advises National Geographic's Green Guide for Everyday Living.
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