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Stroll through the aisles of your favorite grocery or big-box store and chances are, you’ll discover the home cleaning section before you even reach it: Potent artificial scents meant to mask household odors emanate from home cleaning products in boxes, jars and bags and, for many people, can trigger headaches, sneezing fits or even asthma attacks—not to mention the toxic chemicals in these formulas can do a number on the environment. But cleaning your house doesn’t mean you’re at the mercy of harsh conventional cleaning products. Thanks to a few cupboard staples and natural, high performing products, cleaning your home can not only be an eco-friendly experience, but you may just begin looking forward to cleaning altogether (really!). Read on to discover some of our favorite swaps for effective non-toxic home cleaning.
Swap Your:
Drain De-Clogger for…
Baking Soda & Vinegar
Remember those old-school science experiments where you’d create an “active” volcano with some Play-Doh, baking soda and vinegar? Turns out, our teachers were on to something. Conventional drain cleaners can cause skin and eye irritation or damage. In lieu of using them, try pouring 1/2 cup baking soda down the drain and following with 2 cups boiling water. Follow immediately with 1/2 cup of vinegar and cover the drain with a pot lid to ensure the fizzing stays contained in the pipes. Follow with more boiling water (a gallon or so should do it!) to help de-clog your drain.
Air Freshener for…
Water, Rubbing Alcohol & Essential Oils
Conventional air fresheners are often overly perfumed and smell highly artificial, which can be irritating to sensitive noses, eyes and skin. Freshen any room in your house with a natural air freshener using the essential oils of your choice to match your mood—or the season! Using a glass spray bottle of your choosing, mix 10-20 drops of your chosen essential oils with 2 tablespoons rubbing alcohol (this will help the water & oil mix) with 3/4 cup water. Shake well and spray when needed.
Need a little inspiration? We love the uplifting combination of peppermint essential oil mixed with rosemary; a holiday-inspired mix of clove, orange and ginger; or a transportive mix of lavender and geranium oils mixed with a brightening scent like grapefruit.
Powder Cleanser for…
Baking Soda
Baking soda works wonders for home cleaning, because it serves myriad purposes. We love to use it in lieu of powder cleansers because it’s unscented, gentle, inexpensive and whatever is leftover can be repurposed for other uses (we love to leave a box at the bottom of the closet to help absorb unwanted moisture). Sprinkle baking soda in the sink, tub or on shower tiles and work a damp sponge in circular motions to remove soap scum, oil, makeup…you get the idea. Rinse with warm water and you’re done!
All-Purpose Spray for…
L’AVANT Collective Natural Multipurpose Spray
Conventional all-in-one spray cleaners used on countertops, floors and other household surfaces may irritate the eyes, lungs and skin of your loved ones—including your beloved pets. This realization was a huge part of our founding L’AVANT Collective! To clean non-porous surfaces and wipe away germs, use L’AVANT Collective Natural Multipurpose Cleaner and wipe with a paper towel or reusable cloth of your choice. Use on non-porous counters, tub, tile, stainless steel, glass, wood, ceramic and more! The non-toxic blend of ingredients is high performing like you need, but safer for people, pets and the planet—just what you want for the eco-friendly cleaning of your home!
