I came to a point where I had to start making changes to what I cleaned with because of health issues, like getting headaches and aggravating my allergies. I also didn’t want to expose my family to toxic cleaners any longer.

But it is difficult to make changes to your cleaning routine when you have been using the same products and methods for awhile. Not knowing where to start or what is best makes it even more overwhelming. This led me on a journey to change what I use in order to make my home into a healthy retreat that wasn’t complicated.

You can also switch out products you have in your home for nontoxic options that are better for you and your family.

How to Get Started

1. Be a Label Reader

If you are wondering how to make your home a healthier place, the first place to start is to become a label reader.

I did not learn to read labels until I was in college. I had a nutrition class and the teacher told us that the words that companies put on packaging were misleading. For example, the word “lite” on a product could mean that it is a lighter color, not necessarily more healthy than the regular version. This blew my mind! I was trusting what I saw on the packaging and didn’t think to read the ingredients and do my own research.

2. Avoid Synthetic Fragrance

One of the biggest offenders on an ingredient label is synthetic fragrance. Federal regulation allows undisclosed ingredients in products, which are usually trade secrets and then it gets listed as just fragrance. Fragrance, as well as solvents and phthalates, are all commonly found in cleaning products. They can negatively affect your skin, respiratory system, and hormones.

Even if it says natural on the label, unless you know how the company produces their fragrance, steer clear of it (or go for zero fragrance) if you are going for a healthier environment in your home.

3. Start Slowly

You don’t have to change everything you use all at once. I took time and researched what was effective, but not harmful to use. I slowly began to swap out the traditional cleaners I had learned to use. You can choose your one thing and start there. But keep things simple. I tried making my own laundry soap at one point, which required grating a bar of soap. After a few months of doing that, I had enough!

If you want to dip your toe in and try cleaning more naturally, use these 3 easy ideas with items you probably have in your cupboard: Lemons, Vinegar, & Baking Soda.

1. Cut a lemon in half and use the cut side and rub it on your wood cutting boards. Add a little salt too if needed to scrub it clean. Wipe clean. *Have a dedicated cutting board for meat and one for produce. I throw my plastic cutting board for meat in my dishwasher when I am done using it. No need for bleach!

2. Add equal parts vinegar and water to a spray bottle (you can also add in lemon essential oil in the water to neutralize the smell) and use to clean your windows and shower doors. The acidic nature of vinegar is great for getting a streak free finish.

3. Add 1/2 cup baking soda (deodorizes bad smells) to a cheese shaker (or use whatever container you have). You could also add 2-3 drops of lemon essential oil and stir. Sprinkle on carpets, let it sit for 10 minutes and vacuum. Lemon is known for its cleansing properties and fresh aroma that is an effective odor neutralizer.

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Cleaning Products to Start With:

• Plant based all-purpose spray (I recommend Thieves Household Cleaner)
  • What’s the big deal? It is a concentrated formula that is easy to mix to create a variety of cleaning solutions for inside and outside the home. Safe to use around children and pets as directed. Provides an effective, deep clean with the power of naturally derived, plant-based ingredients that lift dirt, pet stains, dried-on food, grime, and more.
• Baking soda
  • What’s the big deal? Baking soda is ideal for scrubbing certain surfaces, deodorizing bad smells, and removing stubborn stains (don’t use on aluminum, antique silver, copper cookware, fiberglass bathtubs, glass, marble, leather, and painted surfaces).
• White vinegar
  • What’s the big deal? The acidic nature of vinegar is great for getting a streak free finish on your windows or glass shower doors, and it can descale your coffee maker or electric kettle (read the instruction manual to make sure that it is safe to use on your model). You want to avoid using vinegar on stone countertops, stone flooring, and hardwood floors because the acid can dull or dissolve these finishes.

Is Cleaning More Naturally Effective?

Yes! I have been cleaning with less toxic products for the past seven years. I have had to make some adjustments as to what works best for me, but how I clean is effective and less expensive than using multiple cleaning products. Plus you have fewer products to store, so you can space as well! If you want to go all in, download my free Simple Cleaning DIY’s.

Download my free Cleaning DIY printable

Would you change how you clean to make your home a healthier place? Leave a comment before you go.

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