Ten non-toxic alternatives for a sparkly clean home

This week, let’s address a growing concern: How to eliminate as many toxins as possible from your home. 

It’s a big feat. One that comes with a lot of diligence and sacrifice. 

Toxins are all around us—we knowingly and unknowingly come face-to-face with them on a daily basis.  

But that doesn’t mean we’re doomed. Because knowing your enemy is the first step to defending yourself against it. And then, it just takes a few strategic steps from there… 

Tackling the toxic soup 

We’ve discussed the dangers and harms of the chemicals that riddle everything from our personal care products (deodorants, toothpastes, sunscreen) to the products we use to clean our homes (laundry detergents, bleach) to the way we store and prepare our food (plastic, nonstick pans) many times before.  

Suffice it to say that all of these products can contribute to a serious accumulation of toxins—in your body and in the environment.   

When we use them, we breathe in their fumes and absorb them through our skin. And it often takes months to years—if ever—for these harmful products to break down into safer substances. In the meantime, they linger in our homes, water, air, and soil. 

That’s why finding safer alternatives is essential. And believe me when I say that every swap makes a difference.  

Of course, opting for safer alternatives can come with an offsetting price tag. 

So, over the next two days, I’ll offer effective, economical alternatives to the detergents, polishes, and potions that currently pollute your life… 

Safer strategies for a spotless house 

Here’s a list of my simplest tried-and-true tricks for tackling some of the most common household chores—safely and effectively 

  • Drain Cleaner: Dump two handfuls of salt, followed by boiling water, down the drain to help clear the pipes and avoid clogs. I recommend doing this at least weekly. 
  • Clogged Sinks: Pour one or two handfuls of baking soda, followed by 1/2 cup of vinegar (I use white wine vinegar), down the drain. Allow the combination to sit for at least one full hour, and then let hot water run through. 
  • Cleanser: For sinks, I simply use salt. It’s an excellent scouring agent that also has some disinfecting properties. 
  • Burnt Pans: After cleaning the pan as best as you can, fill it with cold water, add a lot of salt, and a slice of onion. Let it sit for at least 12 hours. Then, bring the solution to a boil for five minutes, let it cool, and then clean the pan once more. 
  • Windows/Glass: In one quart of water, add two tablespoons of vinegar. For dirtier surfaces, you can increase the amount of vinegar. 
  • Chrome/Stainless Steel: Dip a dry cloth into flour (the only good use of flour that I can think of) and rub it on the surface to polish and shine.  
  • Laundry: Opt for 1- to 1.5- cups of natural laundry soap, also known as non-detergent soap. (Use even less for high efficiency machines.) To brighten colors, add 1/2- to 1- cup of white vinegar. 
  • Marble Cleaning: Cut a fresh lemon in half. Wrap in a soft cloth and dip the edge into hot water. Rub the marble surface then buff with a soft, dry cloth. (This is one of my favorite tricks!) 
  • Air Freshener: When I can’t get fresh flowers (or when I know someone is allergic), I set vinegar out in an open dish, light a non-toxic candle (made from unscented beeswax) in the bathroom, and sprinkle baking soda on rugs (to be vacuumed up afterward).  
  • Silver Cleaner: Soak the silver in one quart of warm water containing one teaspoon of baking soda, one teaspoon of salt, and a piece of aluminum foil. 

While these tips may make me seem very old fashioned, at least I know my house isn’t being filled with chemicals.  

I hope you find these tips as helpful as I do. And please let me know how they work out for you—or if you have any additional safe, effective tips to add! You can leave me a comment on Facebook or Instagram, or send me an e-mail at [email protected] 

And stay tuned for tomorrow, when I’ll cover affordable alternatives to personal care products, insecticides, and more. 

P.S. This Sunday, July 25 at 3:00 p.m. (EDT), I’ll be hosting an exclusive Ultimate Heart Summit. During this live event, I’ll tell you all about a natural heart protector that researchers say slashes the risk of cardiac death nearly in HALF. Admission to this online event is FREE, but space is limited. Click here to reserve your spot today! 


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