Natural Cleaning Products
During your pregnancy or after the birth of your baby you may decide to switch from chemical cleaners to all natural or purely organic cleaners.
There are three main reasons for the switch. The first reason if for the safety of our children. Many mothers have stated that they have chosen to make the switch in order to protect their newborn baby from chemical exposure.
Some chemicals have been known to cause a breathing reaction or skin rash in some children. The second reason is usually environmental – we now know the harmful effects that chemical cleaners have on our natural environment and most of us don’t want to add to the already overtaxed environment. The third reason is financial. You can save a great deal of money not only by using all natural organic cleaners but by making your own cleaners as well.
Here are some quick guidelines for making your own household cleaning products.
Cleaning Materials You Can Use:
- Spray bottles.
- Cotton cloths or rags
- Scrub Brush
*these items can be purchased from the dollar store.
Cleaning Ingredients You Can Use:
- Water
- Vinegar
- Baking Soda
- Castile Soap
- Essential Oil (optional)
I usually use a mixture of water, vinegar and soap for my every day cleaning activities. I clean the kitchen counters, fridge, table tops, bathrooms and floors with this mixture. If you do not like the smell of vinegar you can to add a drop or two of lavender, lemon or rosemary essential oil.
For mirrors, windows or glass table tops equal mixture of water and vinegar will clean all finger prints, dust and other marks. With a quick spray and wipe Your windows and mirrors are glistening clean.
For the bathtub and sinks I usually sprinkle an ample amount (about 1/3 cup) of baking soda and then add the cleaning mixture of vinegar water and soap and give a good scrub. I find that the baking soda works well to remove dirt and grime from the tub. Not only is it sparkling clean but I can safely put my little girl in the tub afterward without worrying about chemical residues on the tub.
There are many free sites offering simple recipes for home made household cleaners. Here are a few of my favorites! Click on them to go to their sites.
www.childrensenvironment.ca
www.ecocycle.org