If you came to my house and awkwardly asked to look under my kitchen sink, you’d see chemicals. Stainless steel aerosol, almond-scented wood floor oil, and Clorox wipes (which I’ll never give up…I think?), but you’d also spy a few natural cleaners. I have embraced a few granola-type cleaners over the years and they are working really well for us. However, I’ve learned not to feel guilty if I don’t go completely green. I’ve found a balance!
Today, I’m going to share with you 3 products I’ve switched out for a more natural alternative.
1. Easy Off Fume Free Oven Cleaner
It says “fume free.” They masked the smell so my body wouldn’t set off the alert that I’m using something that needs some serious ventilation. Good thing I read the directions! Years later, I saw a video that demonstrated how easy it is to use another simple household item and I took the plunge. Who knows where I’d be if they’d made it smell like freshly baked chocolate chip cookies?
Natural Replacement – Baking Soda
In 1986 the Statue of Liberty was celebrating her 100th year and they used baking soda to clean the iconic statue. As abrasive as our fingernails, baking soda is a safe, simple and affordable alternative. It restored Lady Liberty and it can do the same for your oven.
Mix with water to make a paste, smear onto the surface and leave for 30 min – 3 hours depending on how caked on the grime is, and wipe off with paper towels or a wet hand towel.
2. Bleach
I always use gloves with heavily diluted bleach because of all the warnings and I remember to open a few windows. But, even with all the right precautions, I had a longing to find a product that would work just as well without the overly cautious behavior I’d adopted. So, about 5 years ago, I made the switch.
Natural Replacement – Simple Green
It’s versatile, it’s available at Sam’s or Lowes, and it’s not crazy expensive. You can use Simple Green full strength or dilute it (the levels are right on the side of the bottle). It’s perfect as a spray for tables, counters etc. You can also use it to mop your floors or in the laundry. I’ve even used it on my wood floors without any problems. Did I say it’s versatile?
3. Dish Soap
Last week, I looked up some of the ingredients on a whim and decided to swap this one out primarily because I’m not using gloves when I wash dishes.
Natural Replacement – Help me decide!
I’m excited to meet my next friend in the world of natural cleaners. Do you know of a natural product that you or your friends trust to wash dishes? I’m not quite ready to take the “make-your-own” route, but I’d love some input on pre-made products!
Have you swapped out anything for a more natural option? I’d love to hear what you use and which ones you’ve decided are worth the trade off. Do they stand up to the cleaning power of your tried and true products from before?
And, please give me recommendations for the next season of dish soap in my home. My hands thank you!
Happy cleaning!
Laura says
Hi Lana,
Great read! A few years back, I made the switch and we are almost 100% chemical free in the home. I was purchasing cleaning products from a local family that made them with natural ingredients like vinegar, citrus fruits, spices, water, and essential oils. Within the past 6 months, I invested in some essential oils and have been experimenting with them daily. I LOVE ALL OF THEM for many different remedies. I have a daily all-purpose cleaner that consists of water, vinegar, melaluca oil, and peppermint oil. I also love my lemon oil! It is a natural antioxidant, purifier and cleanser. So many uses for lemon oil to put on here but they range from gum in hair, tarnished silver, protecting leather furniture, “goo-gone”, removing tree sap and the list goes on and on.
I love this article, thank you for sharing!
Lana Wilkens says
Ooh I love that tip on lemon oil to replace that Goo Gone stuff! Sounds like you have recipes that work for you. You’ve made me curious and now I have to go look up what Melaluca oil is! Thanks for the encouragement!
Lana Leigh
Sarah Vogel says
DIsh soap…there are several alternatives to Dawn, etc. First, is the Mrs. Meyers line. The Basil scent is fabulous. Then there is are Honest brand and the Method line. My personal experience is that the Method dish soap’s bubbles last longer, which makes me think the water is still good to go….that may be erroneous, but I use less product with this brand. They are a little more expensive than the “un-natural” brands, but if you are concerned about chemicals, then give them a try!! (Sometimes Walgreen’s has the Method dish soap on sale)
Lana Wilkens says
You are speaking to my “save money” heart language. I love that you told me which brand tend to be on sale and which product lasts the longest! 🙂 I’m excited to go try out the Basil scent and maybe one of the Method products. Thanks for the recommendations!
Cornelia L Short says
I switched over to the seventh generation brand and they have several different scents like the “free & clear” and the “clementine zest & lemongrass” I use both and they clean really well and last a really longtime too!
Thanks for sharing your bleach replacement and I don’t think I will ever be able to give up my Clorox wipes too ?
Lana Leigh says
🙂 yeah I don’t think my bathroom would be very clean without Clorox wipes! Seventh Generation, yes! I have totally seen that brand in lots of stores. Thanks for the idea!