Using natural nontoxic cleaning products is one of the easiest and fun ways to lower your carbon footprint. Accidental environmentalist Julia Grieve has simple alternatives to create your own natural cleaning products that work!

Baking soda

Baking soda is a key player for DIY natural cleaners. It is a pantry staple with proven virus-killing abilities that also effectively cleans, deodorizes, brightens, and cuts through grease and grime.

Castile soap

Castile soap is a style of soap that’s made from 100 percent plant oils (meaning it uses no animal products or chemical detergents). You can use castile soap for anything, including washing your hair, but it does cut through grease and cleans well. It’s not hard to find, it’s now in most stores or online. You can find it at well.ca

Vinegar

Vinegar is nothing short of the ‘super cleaner’ – it effectively and gently eliminates grease, soap scum, and grime.

Citric acid

Citric acid is naturally found in your citrus fruit, and it can be used in cleaners as it can help remove hard water build-up on dishes and glassware. It also can be used to remove coffee and tea stains.

Natural lemon juice

Natural lemon juice annihilates mildew and mold, cuts through grease, and shines hard surfaces – and of course its known for its pleasant scent! 

Essential oils

Although essential oils are not necessarily intended for cleaning purposes they make things smell nice! Essential oils take your homemade cleaning products to the next level.  So, you can use any type of oil that you like. Consider using lemon, lavender and peppermint oils. 

Citrus peels

Another option is to use citrus peels and herbs – like oranges, lemons, basil rosemary to use for scent!