Sometimes, you feel like bleach is the only cleaning agent that will get the job done. You might be in a bit of a dilemma, though, especially if you are trying to switch to a non-toxic lifestyle. Chlorine bleach is not necessarily the best thing for your health, but it does tackle tough cleaning jobs. The non-toxic bleach alternative in this article is beautifully effective without the side effects of traditional bleach. And it’s only made with three simple ingredients you probably have in your house. 

Why Is Chlorine Bleach Bad For You?

Traditional chlorine bleach can be fatal if you ingest it. If you have little ones running around your home, you may not want something like that in the house. Bleach contains sodium hypochlorite and other potential stabilizers, perfumes, and surfactants, depending on the brand. You can experience irritation of the mouth, throat, and gastrointestinal tract if you swallow household bleach. That can result in vomiting, abdominal pain, and nausea. Swallowing concentrated bleach products can permanently damage the digestive system, or even result in death. 

Bleach can also cause poisonous effects, including tissue damage and skin burns, if you swallow or inject it into the skin. It is always best to wear protective gloves when cleaning with bleach, as it can irritate and burn the skin. Typically, contact with bleach can cause redness, pain, and irritation. Only in severe cases can one experience ulcers, blisters, and long-term scarring. If your skin comes in contact with bleach, make sure to rinse the area with water for 10 to 20 minutes. 

Hydrogen Peroxide For Cleaning

On our website, you can find many cleaning products that contain distilled white vinegar. The non-toxic bleach alternative in this article does not contain it; rather, it focuses on hydrogen peroxide as the cleaning agent. Hydrogen peroxide can be helpful for disinfecting and stain removal. Sometimes, you can use a 50/50 mix of hydrogen peroxide and water to clean. Because hydrogen kills germs, it is a valuable cleaning agent, especially for the following objects and surfaces:

• Doorknobs
• Counters
• Cutting boards
• Refrigerators
• Mirrors
• Toys
• Toilets
• Sinks and bathtubs
• Garbage cans

You can also mix a small amount of hydrogen peroxide in a large bowl of water to clean your fruits and vegetables. Soak your produce items in the bowl before rinsing and drying them. That method helps remove germs and pesticides, and may even help your produce items last longer. Finally, you can spray hydrogen peroxide on clothing or carpet stains to help remove them. Some people even use hydrogen peroxide to clean nail clippers, tweezers, eyelash curlers, and other beauty tools!

Non-Toxic Bleach Alternative

Ingredients:

• 2.5 cups distilled water
• 1.25 cups hydrogen peroxide
• 1/4 cup lemon juice (either store bought or freshly squeeze)

Instructions:

• Add all of the ingredients to a large storage jar or spray bottle. Close the lid and swirl to combine. 
• Store the liquid at room temperature in a dark place to extend the shelf life. For the longest shelf life, store the mixture in an amber glass jar. 
• For cleaning, you can use this on enameled sinks, some tile and grout, and countertops. You can do a small patch test in one area of the surface you want to clean to make sure it does not negatively affect the surface.

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Why are colds, flus, and other respiratory illnesses more common in colder months? People tend to stay indoors, which allows viruses to pass more easily from one person to another. The cold, dry air outside and warm indoor air with poor circulation may weaken the body’s resistance to these viruses.

You may strive to create a germ-free household, but this can prove difficult. That’s why health experts recommend that you set up a disinfecting routine. First, though, you have to understand the difference between cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention defines these terms as follows:

• Cleaning: A process that involves scrubbing a surface with water and soap, which helps remove most, not all, germs and grime from the surface. 
• Sanitizing: A process that uses a diluted bleach solution or sanitizing spray to remove germs from surfaces or objects. Always clean before you sanitize. 
• Disinfecting: A process that uses chemicals or a stronger bleach solution to clear the majority of germs from surfaces or objects. Again, always clean before you disinfect. 

Before you embark on your cleaning journey, identify the most high-touch surfaces in your home. Doorknobs, light switches, countertops, appliance handles, and faucets require frequent cleaning. It’s best to regularly wipe down countertops and other visibly dirty surfaces. 

Wash Linens And Bedding Regularly

Shedding skin cells and sweat is completely natural, whether you are walking around or sleeping. All that grime can build up on soft surfaces in your home, including your pillows, blankets, and bedsheets. Health experts encourage you to change and wash your sheets weekly to prevent bacterial build-up. When you launder your bedding and bed clothes, you can reduce the presence of dust mites or other allergens that can hide in bedding. Get a second or third set of sheets to swap them out more easily. 

Check And Change Your HVAC Filters

If you have a heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system in your home, you have to change filters regularly to keep indoor air clean. Some smart thermostats will even remind you to change your filters, which is very helpful. Thicker air filters tend to last longer and trap more allergens or illness-causing particles. Regarding HVAC filters, most companies recommend the following:

• One-inch thick filters: change every 30-60 days. 
• Two-inch thick filters: change every three months.
• Four-inch thick filters: change every six months. 

Manage Humidity Levels

Humidity levels in the home can affect your risk of contracting a virus. According to a study from 2021, moderate humidity levels between 40-60% may reduce the risk of viral transmission. That helps make viruses less likely to survive in the air. Most home thermostats can detect or display indoor humidity levels. If the humidity level drops below 30%, you may want to invest in a humidifier, especially when cold and flu season is around the corner. Additionally, wash your hands and disinfect surfaces more frequently if humidity levels drop.

Declutter Every Night

Some people feel tremendous anxiety if they go to bed without cleaning up their mess. When you wake ups to a tidy room, bathroom, kitchen, and living room, some of that morning stress may not be there. You don’t have to deep clean your house every night, but a minimal cleaning session can go a long way in preparing your mind and body for bed. Put away loose items, wipe down countertops, do all the dishes (or put them in the dishwasher), and don’t leave cosmetics all over the bathroom counter. If all of that seems stressful, consider rounding everything up in a basket and placing that in one spot as a start. 

Revamp Your Entryway

If you walk into your house and don’t remove your shoes, you are tracking dirt and other germs inside. The entryway, be it grand or small, is a place to shed your outside self before fully entering the home. Maybe you toss your jacket somewhere, fling your shoes, and discard your bag aimlessly. A tidy entryway can minimize clutter and help prevent germs from entering the home. Below, you’ll find a few tips to help keep your entryway clean:

• Take off your shoes once you enter your home.
• Use a basket or other receptacle to collect things that don’t belong in the entryway. Empty it regularly.
• Create a designated spot for outdoor footwear, for example, a shoe rack.
• Organize your cleaning supplies, such as disinfectant spray and wipes, and keep them on a nearby shelf near the entryway.
• Install a light to ensure proper lighting in your entryway. This can make it easier to spot dirt or grime when cleaning.

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Although there are myriad cleaning products that are a bit more natural than traditional chemical-laden classics, they don’t compare to DIY non-toxic cleaners. You know exactly what goes into the products that you make yourself. There are no hidden fragrances or hard-to-pronounce names on products that you make yourself. And one the easiest household products to clean with is vinegar, which is probably in your pantry as you read this.

Distilled white vinegar, which is available in organic versions, is a powerhouse in the natural cleaning world. You don’t want the house to smell like pickles, though, so you have to include other ingredients, like citrus or essential oils, to mask the scent.

How To Clean With Vinegar

There are many surfaces that are acceptable to clean with vinegar. There are also a few things that vinegar can damage because of the low pH that can dissolve certain substances. Although vinegar is technically viewed as a weak acid, it is powerful enough to damage certain surfaces. Avoid cleaning the following surfaces with vinegar:

• Mold: Yes, vinegar does kill mold and you can use it for that; however, it may only scratch the surface of a larger problem. We will explain this in more detail a little later in the article. 
• Finished wood: Adding a little vinegar to a mop bucket may be acceptable on hardwood floors, but using too much, or using it on certain types of wood, can damage the finish. The same rule applies to furniture. 
• Tile grout: It is occasionally acceptable to use a diluted vinegar solution to keep sealed grout clean, but using too much vinegar too often can erode the grout. 
• Dishwashers and washing machines: This is controversial because a lot of people use vinegar to clean these appliances. Adding too much vinegar to these, or using it too often, can damage the rubber components over time. 
• Stone countertops: Vinegar can very easily damage marble, granite, and natural stone countertops. 

Window And Mirror Cleaner

If you want some spot-free shine on your windows and mirrors, vinegar is a highly effective ingredient. Forget the glass cleaner spray and mix one part vinegar with three parts water in a spray bottle. Add one or two drops of essential oil, such as lemongrass, and an optional 1/2 teaspoon of dish soap. Shake it up and use it to clean your windows, mirrors, and shower doors. 

Mold Remover

As previously mentioned, vinegar can be used to treat mold in certain situations. If you notice mold in your house, though, that may just be the tip of the iceberg, indicating a potentially serious issue. If you want to use vinegar to help get rid of mold, mix one part borax with four parts white vinegar together in a spray bottle. Spray onto non-porous surfaces, wait about an hour, and wipe away. The mold should wipe right off in areas where mold is miniscule. 

Toilet Cleaner

Vinegar is a great ingredient for breaking down minerals on hard surfaces. It is particularly effective when mixed with baking soda. Pour a little baking soda into the toilet and add one cup of vinegar, watch it bubble, scrub, and then admire the shine. 

Cabinet Cleaner

If you have oil buildup, food spots, or minor stains on your cabinets, vinegar can effectively remove them. Mix one part vinegar with three parts water and scrub the dirty cabinet with a rage or sponge. The vinegar helps cut through any grease, which leaves your cabinets shiny and clean. 

Hardwood Floor Cleaner

If you have hardwood floors in your house, you know that mopping and sweeping are par for the course. People have robot vacuums and such, but those aren’t as effective as a good old fashioned sweep and mop. It can be beneficial to mix 1/3 or 2/3 cup of white vinegar in one gallon of warm water to clean hardwood floors. Just be careful because vinegar can damage certain wood finishes, so check with the manufacturer before dumping vinegar on your floor.

All-Purpose Vinegar Spray

If you want an all-natural, all-purpose cleaning spray with vinegar, here is how to make it: 

• Add one part white vinegar and four parts water to a spray bottle. 
• Add about 10 to 20 drops of essential oil of your choice (citrus oils are great), and one teaspoon of natural dish soap. 
• Shake it up and use when ready. 
• This spray is great on high chair trays, baseboards, appliances, floors, walls, countertops (provided the surface), and sinks.

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The beginning of the year is a common time to adopt new habits and make big life changes. Spring also marks a time of starting fresh, as flowers bloom and temperatures rise. There is a big push for a lot of people to freshen up the home and surrounding environment. Not only does spring cleaning create a more visually appealing space, but it also brings some notable health benefits for the body and mind. 

Mental health experts note that people with less clutter in the livers report higher psychological well-being. They may also express more happiness being in their own space. Additionally, people with respiratory problems, such as allergies or asthma, may find symptom relief after deep cleaning their indoor space. 

Now, spring cleaning should not be viewed as a chore, even though it technically is. Focus on the mental and physical health benefits that spring cleaning can provide and you’ll be scrubbing the floors in no time. Continue reading to learn about five possible health benefits of spring cleaning. 

May Enhance Productivity

One study found that people with cluttered office spaces experienced higher rates of emotional exhaustion, indecision, and job-related tension than those with less clutter. They also reported lower rates of job satisfaction and were not as efficient at time management. All of these factors contributed to poor overall job performance. Basically, cleaning your home or office desk may help clear your head and contribute to better workflow. Additionally, you may experience a boost in productivity, especially if you work from home. 

Potentially Minimize Allergies

Allergic to dust, pollen, dander, or other allergens? A deep spring clean may help reduce the severity (or completely get rid of) your allergy symptoms. If you are allergic to anything inside your home, such as pet dander or dust mites, spring cleaning may benefit your nose, eyes, and chest. According to health experts, removing indoor allergens from the home can reduce the signs and symptoms of allergic rhino-conjunctivitis. Such symptoms include runny nose, sneezing, itchy eyes, and general congestion. Use a vacuum with a high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter to remove allergens as you clean. You can also use an indoor air purifier to help improve air quality in the home. 

May Boost Your Mood

Do you ever feel a sense of pride and mood elevation when you clean up your space? Well, researchers have observed that spring cleaning is a helpful strategy to improve overall mental wellness. One study found that people with less clutter in their homes reported a higher sense of well-being than those with more clutter. Additionally, other research indicates that more clutter in the home causes higher levels of cortisol (the stress hormone), especially in women. The reason for this is because clutter can cause distress or impairment in a person’s life. Getting rid of items that no longer serve a purpose can help bring about a greater sense of self. 

May Promote Heart Health And Longevity

Spring cleaning, or any cleaning for that matter, is a form of light exercise. It gets your heart pumping and helps you burn some calories. In fact, the American Heart Association (AHA) even recommends spring cleaning as a way to get active and boost heart health. By improving heart health, you could positively affect your longevity as well. An earlier study found that housework was one of the many daily activities that contributed to a lower risk of cardiovascular disease. The only thing that would get in the way of cardiovascular benefits is using extremely harmful chemical cleaners. You can easily avoid this by using all-natural DIY cleaning products. 

May Improve Asthma Symptoms

The birds are singing and the flowers are in bloom, but people with asthma may dread this time of year. Flower plants and pollen can worsen asthma symptoms, but not all allergens exist outside. You can easily encounter asthma triggers in your home, but spring cleaning can help you keep your home allergen-free, potentially curbing your symptoms. Researchers note that spring cleaning can help remove cockroach allergens, dust mites, and pet dander in your home. Removing such allergens, if allergic, will help relieve any respiratory irritation or symptoms. Finally, consider wearing a mask while cleaning to help you avoid inhaling large amounts of allergens while cleaning.

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Whether you look under the kitchen sink or in the hall closet in the average home, you will most likely see an assortment of cleaning products. People have their preferences for brands and scents, but there are sprays or scrubs for different needs. One product cleans the countertops, while another one makes wood furniture shiny. And then you have products that clean showers, toilets, the floors, and so on. 

Building this collection of cleaners can be expensive, not to mention damaging to your health. According to a 2018 study from the University of Bergen in Norway, people exposed to cleaning products for 20 years have the same lung function as people who smoke 20 cigarettes per day. They also experience a 40% greater risk of developing asthma. There’s a reason why you cough or find it difficult to breathe when you use oven cleaner. In fact, many of these products have warnings that you should wear protective gloves or masks while using them!

Making the switch to natural products can seem challenging or overwhelming, but it’s an easy transition to make. You just need to master a few simple cleaning hacks with ingredients you may already have in your home. There are many harmless ingredients that prove to be excellent non-toxic cleaners. Continue reading to learn more about seven natural cleaning hacks. 

Load Up On Vinegar

Whether you need to clean tubs, windows, tile, or other surfaces, distilled white vinegar is right for the job. Although it isn’t a proper disinfectant, it does work great as a natural cleaner. It works to clean and mildly sanitize many surfaces, especially bathtubs, shower doors, and metal faucets. The downside to vinegar is the smell, but you can mix it with essential oils to counteract the intensity. Click here to learn more about scented vinegar cleaners. 

Lemon Essential Oil For A Clean Microwave

Need to clean your microwave and make it smell great at the same time? Combine 15 drops of lemon essential oil and one and a half cups of water in a heat-safe bowl. Microwave for five to 10 minutes, allowing the steam to condense inside the microwave. Once complete, remove the bowl safely and wipe the grime away with a damp sponge. 

Degrease Your Stove With Baking Soda

Stovetop cleaners and degreasers are some of the harshest cleaning products to inhale. They emit very unpleasant odors and it can be difficult to breathe when you use them. Instead, pour baking soda on your stove, sprinkle with a little water, allow it to sit for one hour, and then wipe away. Your stove will look shiny and clean as ever!

Baking Soda Removes Carpet Smells

Because it’s such a great natural cleaner, let’s stick with baking soda for a moment. If you want to get rid of carpet odors, baking soda is right for the job. Next time you vacuum your carpet, sprinkle some baking soda on it first. Vacuum the carpet and you’ll be left with an odor-free carpet. This is great if you have pets that love to get their stank on carpets. 

Remove Pet Hair With Rubber Gloves

This isn’t so much a natural cleaning hack as much as it is a useful pearl of wisdom. Pet hair can be very difficult to vacuum off carpets or furniture, especially if your pet sheds a lot. When your standard vacuum can’t get the job done, slide on the rubber gloves and rub any areas that need extra cleaning. You’ll find that pet hair clings to your rubber gloves, and it will only unstick when you wash it away. 

Dust With Coffee Filters

Need to dust your electronics, which you probably neglect to clean for most of the year? Grab a coffee filter or two to help clear dust from tv screens, computer monitors, and any other electronics you have in the home. The great thing about dusting with coffee filters is that they don’t leave behind any fibers. 

Buff Surfaces With Olive Oil

You may be familiar with the health benefits of olive oil, but do you know that it can help you clean the house? Olive oil can help buff stainless steel, pots and pans, and other appliances. Drizzle some olive oil on a soft cloth and apply it in a circular motion to buff out any dirty spots. You may need to give the surface a wipe with a clean rag to reduce oil residue on the surface you buff.

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Get those harsh chemicals out of your home with a natural alternative to a classic toilet bowl gel cleaner. This homemade scrub is nearly as effective as store bought cleaners and it doesn’t plague your home with harsh chemicals. Made with borax and baking soda, this scrub may help you remove stains from a dirty toilet bowl. 

Cleaning a toilet is not necessarily the first thing on everyone’s to-do list. In fact, nobody wants to do it, but nobody wants to look into a stained porcelain bowl either. You want to keep that porcelain looking polished and as good as new. Many chemical cleaning products promise that they can keep your bowl looking as sparkly as ever, but seldom do they do the trick. The difference between those products and the DIY toilet bowl cleaner in this article lies in the ingredients. 

Borax

Borax, not to be confused with boric acid, is composed of oxygen, sodium, and boron. It is commonly used as a cleaner, mildew remover, flame retardant, and handful of other things. Because borax has a 9.5 pH, it is alkaline and forms a basic solution when combined with water. A basic solution has an easier time breaking down acidic, fatty, and oily substances. For example, borax can loosen the accumulated grime in a toilet bowl, but just know that it does not disinfect. 

Baking Soda

Baking soda has a lot of uses, both in and out of the kitchen. Due to its mildly abrasive nature, baking soda has an innate ability to clean and remove stains. Baking soda reacts with the grease in stains to form glycerol, a common ingredient in soaps. When you mix baking soda with vinegar, it creates carbonic acid, which is a weak base that boosts vinegar’s corrosive nature. Additionally, baking soda is a weak alkali, meaning it can neutralize acids in odor molecules, which can help eliminate strong smells. 

Castile Soap

The genius of castile soap is the fact that it is equally gentle and powerful at the same time. Created from saponified oils with moisturizing properties, castile oil is commonly used as a gentle, natural soap for the skin. That said, it is capable of fighting tough stains. In fact, you can use castile soap to clean just about anything. Just do not mix castile soap with acidic ingredients, such as vinegar, or else it may leave behind a sticky film on the surface you’re cleaning. 

DIY Toilet Bowl Cleaner

Ingredients:

• 2 cups distilled water 
• 1/2 cup borax
• 1/2 cup baking soda
• 1 cup castile soap
• 25 drops essential oil of choice (optional)

Instructions:

• Add all of the ingredients to a medium-sized mixing bowl and still until the borax and baking soda are dissolved. 
• Pour the mixture into a squirt bottle and use when ready. 
• Make sure to shake well before each use. Spray a generous amount of the cleaning solution on the toilet bowl and use a scrub brush to clean. Let it sit for 15 minutes before flushing.

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As a child, your parents tell you to clean your room or take care of other household chores. When you graduate to adulthood, the cleaning doesn’t stop. The only difference is that you don’t have someone bribing you with an allowance to clean your space. If you decide to have kids of your own, you will likely find out that they aren’t so neat. The moral of the story: the cleaning cycle never ends. 

We don’t mean to sound like defeatists, but cleaning is a part of life. If you are a maker of messes, you have to know how to clean up properly. If you clean up after your kids, you may want to consider using natural cleaning products, as the harmful chemicals in commercial products may be dangerous to young ones. You can also reduce your own risk of chemical exposure by switching to all-natural cleaning products that you make yourself. 

Why Make Your Own Natural Cleaner?

First of all, it can be very difficult to create or find an all-purpose and all-natural cleaning spray. Maybe you experiment with a concoction of your own, only to find that it really doesn’t do much. The cleaning power of the all-purpose cleaner in this recipe uses essential oils, borax, vinegar, and castile soap to help remove grime, soap scum, and everyday dirt. 

Making your own cleaner takes less than a minute, and you can save money in the process. It is eco-friendly and free of the toxins found in many conventional household cleaning sprays. Plus, you can customize the surface cleaner by adding different essential oils that work for you. 

Borax

You can incorporate borax into an all-purpose cleaning spray and use it on countertops, appliances, and windows. Some people find that it is highly effective at removing tough stains, dust, and food residue. You can often combine borax with water, shake it up, and pour in a spray bottle for use. In the case of this all-purpose cleaner, you combine it with other ingredients for safe and effective cleaning. If you are weary about using borax, you can always omit it from the recipe. 

Essential Oils

First of all, not all essential oils are created equal. There are many essential oils out there, but a lot of them are not pure essential oils. That means that other ingredients are added, so you won’t get the maximum benefits. When making a cleaning product, make sure to add your essential oils last to the spray bottle. Oils and water don’t mix well, so make sure to give your bottle a good shake prior to use. 

Washing Soda

Washing soda is different from baking soda. Baking soda is usually used alongside detergent to help get rid of stains or foul odors. It is usually gentler than washing soda, so it is not as efficacious. Washing soda is like a more amped-up version of baking soda that does a better job of removing stains and brightening colors when doing laundry. If used in excessive amounts and too frequently, though, it can be harsh on certain materials, specifically fabrics. 

Natural All-Purpose Cleaner

Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon borax
• 1 teaspoon castile soap
• 1/2 teaspoon washing soda (not baking soda)
• 4 drops lemon essential oil
• 4 drops lavender essential oil
• 10 drops orange essential oil
• 2 cups distilled water

Instructions:

• Place the borax, castile soap, washing soda, and essential oils in an amber glass spray bottle.
• Pour in the distilled water until the glass is nearly full. Make sure to leave room for the sprayer to slide into the bottle. 
• Screw on the lid, shake well, and use as needed. It is great for bathrooms, kitchen, or even on toys.

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Do you have lemons and hate chemicals and artificial fragrances? If that describes you then it’s time to start making your own non-toxic household cleaning spray. The beauty of the cleaning spray recipe in this article is that it only contains two ingredients: lemons and distilled white vinegar. If you don’t have lemons but have an abundance of limes or oranges, feel free to use them instead. Any citrus fruit will do!

Citrus season runs from late fall to late winter, so you may have a lot of oranges, lemons, tangerines, limes, or grapefruits on hand. This is especially true if you have citrus trees in your yard or neighborhood. Do you have friendly neighbors who leave boxes of wonderful citrus fruits outside their house for the neighborhood to take? Those are the best people! The point we are trying to make is that you will most likely have a lot of citrus scraps if you have a lot of citrus. Instead of throwing them in the trash or compost (more ideal than the trash), save them and make your own cleaning spray. 

Vinegar For Cleaning

It is important to note that vinegar is not a powerful disinfectant. It has some disinfectant properties, but it is nowhere near as effective as bleach or other commercial disinfectant products. This is why it is important to decide if you want to clean or disinfect. If you want to disinfect surfaces (kill most bacteria), you may want to use a classic disinfectant spray or cleanser that specifically kills germs. 

Distilled white vinegar can be an effective household cleaner on certain surfaces. It is an inexpensive, easy-to-obtain product that is about 5% acetic acid, which works to break down the structure of certain stains, oils, films, or bacteria. That same acidic quality can harm certain surfaces, such as hard wood floors, aluminum, cast iron, waxed wood, or natural stone. Vinegar can be a highly effective cleaner for glass, refrigerator shelves/drawers, or removing water stains from showers. Just make sure to do the research on whether the surface you want to clean will or won’t be harmed by vinegar. 

Gather Your Lemon Rinds

In order to make the cleaning spray in this article, you have to gather lemon rinds (or other citrus rinds) in a large glass container. Ideally, you should use a half-gallon mason jar, but a small pitcher or a few smaller jars will also work. A great time to make this cleaning spray is after you make freshly-squeezed lemonade, pesto, or similar recipe involving lots of citrus. If it is going to take you more than a week to collect all your rinds, add a little white vinegar to the jar by day six or seven. Pour enough to submerge the citrus rinds in order to prevent molding. 

Once you have a good amount of citrus rinds in the jar (doesn’t have to be completely full), pour the white vinegar into the container to submerge the rinds completely. You can add some fresh herbs for increased aromatherapy, if you so desire. Let the rinds soak for at least one week, and up to three weeks. You can let the container sit out at room temperature, but make sure to give it a shake every few days to mix things up. 

Lemon Vinegar Cleaning Spray

Equipment:

• Large glass jar (or other container for steeping)
• Spray bottle
• Fine mesh strainer/cheesecloth

Ingredients:

• Lemon rinds or citrus rinds (enough to fill the jar)
• Distilled white vinegar 
• Optional: fresh aromatic herbs (such as lavender, rosemary, or thyme)

Instructions:

• Collect your lemon or citrus rinds and stow them inside a large glass container. If you cannot collect all the rinds at one time, store the jar in the fridge as you continue to collect them. Should you need longer than a week, freeze the jar. 
• Once your jar is nearly full of citrus rinds, pour distilled white vinegar into the jar to completely submerge the rinds. Feel free to add a handful of fresh herbs at this time before you screw on the lid. 
• Allow the citrus rinds to soak in the jar of vinegar at room temperature for at least one week, and up to three weeks. Give the jar a shake every few days.
• Strain the citrus rinds after the soaking period, removing as many rind chunks as possible to avoid clogging the spray bottle. 
• Pour the strained liquid into a spray bottle and use when ready. It’s great for laminate kitchen counters, stainless steel appliances, showers, sinks, inside the fridge, or other durable surfaces.

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From descaling coffee makers to getting rid of grime and water stains, vinegar is an excellent cleaning agent. Distilled white vinegar is a versatile cleaner in the non-toxic cleaning world, but multi-purpose does not mean it is all-purpose. When it comes to cleaning with vinegar, there are household items that can easily damage if you clean them with vinegar. Additionally, if you mix vinegar with other cleaning agents, especially bleach, the acid in vinegar can create dangerous chemical reactions.

People like vinegar because it is both inexpensive and non-toxic. Even though it is readily available, it is not a one-size-fits-all solution for every cleaning obstacle you face. You don’t want to ruin wood finish or damage your stone countertop. For these reasons, we’ve highlighted seven things that you should never clean with vinegar.

Grout

If you have unsealed or damaged grout, do not clean it with vinegar. Over time, vinegar can wear grout away and cause it to deteriorate. If you have sealed grout, however, you can clean it with vinegar, but you should still use non-acidic cleaners to avoid ruining your grout. 

Cast Iron

Don’t let any cast iron lovers ever see you soak your cast iron pans in vinegar. There is a specific set of rules to follow when it comes to seasoning and cleaning your cast iron pans. The seasoning process slowly builds up a coat of oil that helps keep cast iron non-stick. The reason that you should not use vinegar to clean your cast iron is because it cuts through that film, in addition to reacting with cast iron and causing it to rust.

Hardwood Floors

Tile floors can take a beating, but hardwood floors are a little more sensitive. People have mixed feelings about completely avoiding vinegar on hardwood floors or using a diluted vinegar solution to clean them. Most flooring manufacturers recommend that you do not clean floors with vinegar because the strong acid can eat away at the finish, causing it to dull over time. 

Rubber Gaskets And Hoses

If you repeatedly expose rubber gaskets and hoses to vinegar, they will disintegrate over time. Make sure that you check the manufacturer’s instructions before you clean household appliances with vinegar. Dishwashers, washing machines, and refrigerators may contain rubber that can easily disintegrate when exposed to vinegar. 

Pet Messes

If you have a pet, especially a new one, they will most likely pee or poop in the house. Vinegar is not an ideal cleaning agent for surfaces like mattresses, upholstered furniture, or carpeting. The Humane Society of the United States does not recommend the use of vinegar on pet messes. The reason for this is because the strong chemical odors may encourage your pet to reinforce the urine scent mark in that area. Ideally, use an enzyme-based cleaning agent for pet messes. 

Your Phone Or Tablet

Maybe you are following a recipe and dirty the screen of your phone or tablet. Whatever you do, don’t clean the screen with vinegar. Additionally, if you are making dressing or something that calls for vinegar, avoid splashing vinegar on the screen. The screen has a fingerprint-resistant coating that vinegar can damage. Should you need to clean your screen, use a microfiber cloth dampened with water. 

Natural Stone Surfaces

Marble, granite, and other natural stone surfaces, such as slate, should not be cleaned with vinegar. That means don’t use vinegar on home furnishes like countertops, floors, or shower walls, or household goods like tabletops or serving pieces. The acid in vinegar can etch stone or cause pitting that you cannot undo.

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Do you love to clean? No, nobody loves to clean, but cleaning is a necessary part of life. Cleaning helps get rid of germs, keeping you and anyone else who lives in your house safe. That said, many people clean with chemical cleaning products that contain toxic ingredients, many of which can damage endocrine function. 

Instead of polluting the home with chemicals while you clean, use a homemade, vinegar-based cleaner that is 100% safe. Vinegar is frequently recommended as a household cleaner and can be very effective on certain surfaces. We are, of course, referring to distilled white vinegar, not apple cider vinegar or wine vinegar. It is important to note that vinegar is a cleaner and not a disinfectant like bleach or commercial cleaners. Because of that, it is not as effective at killing certain germs when compared to disinfectant sprays. 

Why Should You Clean With Vinegar?

Vinegar is about 5% acetic acid, which works to break down the structure of some oils, dirt, films, bacteria, and stains. That same acetic acid can also harm certain surfaces, which is why vinegar cleaners aren’t meant to clean every inch of your home. Do not use vinegar on natural stone, cast iron, aluminum, or waxed wood. The “set time,” or the time a cleaner has to set on a surface in order to work, varies with a vinegar cleaner. Experts suggest that the set time for vinegar can be up to 30 minutes, especially if you use it to clean stained pots and pans. 

How Does Vinegar Work?

The acidity, as mentioned previously, makes vinegar a great cleaning agent. It can help dissolve soap scum, brines left behind by hard water, and even the glue from stickers. If you want to clean your windows or mirrors, mix vinegar with water and wipe with newspaper (not a paper towel) to avoid streaks. You can also use vinegar to get rid of stubborn stains, for example, from sweaty armpits or grass. Most of these types of stains are slightly acidic, meaning they will dissolve away in the presence of another acid, like vinegar. A paste made with vinegar and baking soda can help dissolve red wine stains. You can even use vinegar to get dog or cat urine out of carpets or clothes!

When To Not Use Vinegar

Because vinegar is highly concentrated, it can stain delicate fabrics and harm other surfaces. It will scratch natural stone like marble or granite. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), vinegar is not approved to disinfect surfaces. Unfortunately, there is no supporting evidence that shows that vinegar can get rid of harmful pathogens, like salmonella, that lurk on surfaces. Additionally, using vinegar on hardwood floors can eat away at the finish and make it look dull over time. 

Orange Basil Vinegar Cleaner

Not only does this recipe help clean certain surfaces, but it also leaves your home smelling floral and zesty. Instead of tossing orange peels into the trash, use the peels to provide that citrus scent to your vinegar cleaner. The peels from four oranges and four to five sprigs of basil will do the job!

Ingredients:

• 1 (16-ounce) wide-mouthed mason jar
• Peels from 4 oranges
• 4-5 sprigs of basil
• Distilled white vinegar

Instructions:

• Add the orange peels and sprigs of basil to the wide-mouthed mason jar and fill it to the top with vinegar. Tighten the lid and let it set for a minimum of 10 days. 
• After this infusion time, prepare a spray bottle and fill it halfway with the vinegar mixture (only the liquid, not the peels or sprigs). Add water to the spray bottle to fill it up. Shake well and use when ready. 
• Once you finish this solution, you can use the rest of the vinegar to create more. You shouldn’t keep your vinegar solution longer than one month, as you don’t want it to spoil.

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