Get Rid of Toxic Products in Your Home

Once we become parents, it seems as if we suddenly start paying more attention to labels — food labels, soap labels, cleaning labels. You name it.

While most store-bought cleaning products work just fine to clean your home, many of them contain toxic chemicals that could be harmful to children in excess exposure, or accidental ingestion. Luckily, you can make your own natural cleaning products at home with everyday substances. These non-toxic options will still get the cleaning job done without the risks.

Here are some great alternatives to commercial cleaners, as provided by About.com:

Vinegar: Vinegar cleans just like an all-purpose cleaner. The trick is to mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle. This is because improperly diluted vinegar is acidic, so it can actually eat away at certain substances — like tile grout. For this reason, it’s typically a good idea to test out homemade vinegar cleaner on a hidden area first, just to ensure no damage to the surface happens. Avoid marble surfaces, too. Worried about your house smelling like vinegar? No biggie; the signature smell goes away after it dries.

Lemon: Another natural option is that can be used to clean your home is lemon juice. This versatile substance is good for cleaning and shining brass and copper. It’s also perfect for dissolving hard water deposits, as well as soap scum. A cut section of lemon sprinkled with baking soda can be used to scrub away stains, or to clean surfaces and even dishes. One important thing to keep in mind: Lemon can act as a natural bleach, so be sure to clean a hidden area first to test it out.

Baking soda: You’re probably familiar with the old trick of placing a box of baking soda in the refrigerator to absorb orders. This is because baking soda is a great deodorizer. (Try putting some in stinky sneakers; it works wonders!) Baking soda can also be used to scrub surfaces, or as an addition to laundry.

Any of these common items can serve as great substitutes for harsh chemicals. They help save money at the grocery store, while still leaving your home squeaky clean and fresh-smelling. Parents can also enjoy the peace of mind that comes with nontoxic cleaners.