In a world where everything from lotion to medicine is filled with chemicals, it’s no surprise that our cleaning products are as toxic as they come. Now-a-days we think we need heavy cleaners for every job and everything needs to be disinfected including the air (Lysol). Collaged with warning labels such as “Caution”, “Flammable”, “Keep Away from Children”, and “Do Not Inhale”, you start to think; “What are we trying to kill?!” Not only do these phlalates, ammonia and sodium hydroxide end up in our systems through our skin and nostrils but also into our ecosystem after being washed down the drain or tossed in the trash. These chemicals are so hazardous and so unnecessary. Gentler cleaners disinfect and remove stains just as well as leading cleaners especially when kept up with. Below I’ve explained simple swaps to replace your everyday products that are safer and money savers! These are also linked on my Resources page!

VINEGAR
Vinegar can be used on its own or diluted with water depending on the disinfecting level you need. I use it to clean burned of food from pots and pans as well as the stove. Another great use is as a multi surface cleaner for counters, glass, mirrors, tub and tiles!

BAKING SODA
I make a soft scrub with water and baking soda to scrub tough cleaning areas, then I spray with vinegar and wipe away. I also sprinkle the toilet bowl with baking soda along the top of the water line then spray with vinegar. As the baking soda fizzes I start scrubbing and rings disappear! Baking soda can also freshen up anything from the fridge to the carpets and can be used to lift stains from tiles to clothes!

CASTILE SOAP
This vegetable oil based soap has many cleaning purposes. It can be used as a dish soap straight from the bottle (which I prefer) or diluted with 1/3 water to 2/3 soap. It can also be used as a multi surface cleaner by combining equal parts water and soap. Another use is a floor cleaner by being mixed with water and vinegar. In a pinch it can be used with baking soda as a laundry detergent. I personally don’t use this method at the moment and you’ll read why next. There’s many variations of all of these recipes that you can find and personalize with your own essential oils!

SOAP BERRIES
Soap berries also known as soap nuts are dried berries from the Sapindus Mukorossi tree that have a natural soap within them. When mixed with water they create cleaning suds that can be used for a couple purposes. It can be mixed with water as well as vinegar to create a multi surface spray. My favorite use is as laundry detergent! My clothes often smell of food and it takes the smell right out! Although they don’t have a scent of their own you can always add essential oils to the dryer post wash. To use the soap berries, you place 5 of the berries into a canvas bag and toss it in the washer. They can be used in high efficiency washers and are good for up to 10 washes! For only $25 you can do 360 loads of laundry (thats a year or more)!

DRYER BALLS
Dryer sheets along with fabric softeners are one of the most toxic laundry products and they’re completely unnecessary. I see no difference in my clothes from no longer using a fabric softener and dryer sheets are easily swiped with dryer balls. I currently still have wool dryer balls (from before I was vegan) and when those ware down I’ll be replacing them with silicone dryer balls. These are great because they don’t trap bacteria and if you’d still like a scent on your clothing you can always spray the balls with some essential oils!

Using these products saves you money and trips to the store but even more importantly they’re better for your body, your family and our earth!