The lifestyle changes I implemented to help me recover from my severe fibromyalgia symptoms included creating a chemical-free life. As part of that process, I ditched household cleaners made with toxic chemical ingredients and replaced them with products made by companies like Seventh Generation, Method, and Better Life that specialize in safer cleaning products. As I roamed the internet looking for alternative cleaning solutions, I discovered something really awesome. I can make my own cleaning products from inexpensive ingredients like plain white vinegar, baking soda, mild soap, borax, and other common items you probably already have in your pantry. One of my favorite finds is this simple recipe for making all-purpose cleaner from just two ingredients: white vinegar and water.
ALL PURPOSE CLEANER
Mix equal parts of plain white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Shake to mix. Label the container so you will remember what's in there. I currently have homemade tile floor cleaner, toilet bowl cleaner, shower cleaner, wood floor cleaner, wood restorer, and more in my cleaning supplies cabinet. So, I definitely need labels.
Some folks like to add a drop or two of essential oil to their homemade cleaners. This can be risky because pure organic essential oils can cause skin and eye irritation and synthetic essential oils may contain artificial preservatives and other toxic ingredients. I think it's safer to skip the scent.
Use the all-purpose cleaner on countertops, mirrors, appliances, chrome, faucets, and anything else you would normally clean with a commercial all-purpose cleaner. Spray the solution on the surface you want to clean. Wipe it off with paper towels or a micro fiber cloth. No rinsing needed. Be sure to use a micro fiber cloth when cleaning mirrors, glass, and chrome. It will leave them sparkling clean without leaving behind paper towel residue.
Interesting factoid: Vinegar contains 5 % acetic acid which kills bacteria and viruses. Vinegar is such an effective germ killer that it is used in some hospital high risk neonatal units to protect vulnerable newborns from exposure to both germs and harsh chemicals.
What is your favorite nontoxic cleaning product? Do you have a great recipe for making a nontoxic cleaning product at home? Please share your favorite finds in the comments. Here's to a chemical-free healthy life for all!
Mix equal parts of plain white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Shake to mix. Label the container so you will remember what's in there. I currently have homemade tile floor cleaner, toilet bowl cleaner, shower cleaner, wood floor cleaner, wood restorer, and more in my cleaning supplies cabinet. So, I definitely need labels.
Some folks like to add a drop or two of essential oil to their homemade cleaners. This can be risky because pure organic essential oils can cause skin and eye irritation and synthetic essential oils may contain artificial preservatives and other toxic ingredients. I think it's safer to skip the scent.
Use the all-purpose cleaner on countertops, mirrors, appliances, chrome, faucets, and anything else you would normally clean with a commercial all-purpose cleaner. Spray the solution on the surface you want to clean. Wipe it off with paper towels or a micro fiber cloth. No rinsing needed. Be sure to use a micro fiber cloth when cleaning mirrors, glass, and chrome. It will leave them sparkling clean without leaving behind paper towel residue.
Interesting factoid: Vinegar contains 5 % acetic acid which kills bacteria and viruses. Vinegar is such an effective germ killer that it is used in some hospital high risk neonatal units to protect vulnerable newborns from exposure to both germs and harsh chemicals.
What is your favorite nontoxic cleaning product? Do you have a great recipe for making a nontoxic cleaning product at home? Please share your favorite finds in the comments. Here's to a chemical-free healthy life for all!
Find more recipes for nontoxic cleaners, healthy living tips, effective strategies to improve fibromyalgia symptoms, methods to reduce toxic chemical exposure from common household products, and recipes and resources for creating a personalized healthy living plan in my new book, Practical Priorities for Fibromyalgia Recovery. Now available in paperback and eBook versions at amazon.com. Buy your favorite version today. Buy Kindle eBook. Buy Paperback.
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