How to Clean Yourself and Your Home More Naturally
These days, many of us are looking for ways to live more sustainably and cut down on harsh chemicals. Natural cleaning is a great way to create a healthy home environment and care for our bodies using simple, readily available ingredients. It’s not only kinder to the planet but also gentler on our skin and respiratory systems.
This post will guide you through easy, effective natural cleaning products you can use at home and in your personal care routine.
Why choose natural cleaning?
Using natural cleaning methods has a lot of advantages. It can reduce your household costs, as natural cleaning products often use readily available, affordable and common ingredients that can do multiple jobs.
There will be fewer unnecessary chemicals as common household items such as vinegar, bicarbonate of soda, lemons, and salt can tackle many cleaning tasks without the need for a cupboard full of specialised products. And with fewer products in your cupboards, you will have less packaging waste and more space.
Natural home cleaning essentials
The power trio
White vinegar: This is a great disinfectant and deodoriser. Its acidity cuts through grease and grime. White vinegar is one of the most versatile natural cleaners available. It can help remove limescale, clean glass, freshen washing machines, and deodorise surfaces.
Bicarbonate of soda/Baking soda: This is a gentle abrasive and a natural deodoriser. You can use it to scrub sinks, tubs, baking trays and ovens. It’s also good for neutralising odours in carpets and refrigerators.
Lemon juice: A natural bleach and degreaser with a refreshing scent. You can use this to brighten your surfaces and remove certain stains. Also, you can clean chopping boards, remove microwave odours, and polish taps and fixtures.
Essential oil boosters
Adding a few drops of essential oils can improve your cleaning power and leave your home smelling wonderful.
- Tea Tree Oil is known for its potent antimicrobial and antifungal properties.
- Lavender Oil offers a calming scent and has some antibacterial qualities.
- Lemon or Orange Oil provides a fresh, uplifting aroma and helps cut through grease.
Simple recipes for a sparkling home
All-purpose cleaner: Mix 1-part white vinegar with 1-part water in a spray bottle. Add 10-15 drops of your favourite essential oil (like lemon or lavender) for fragrance.
Scrubbing paste: Combine baking soda with a little water to form a paste. You can apply this to sinks, tubs, or stovetops, let it sit for a few minutes, then scrub and rinse.
Glass cleaner: Mix 1/4 cup white vinegar, 1/4 cup rubbing alcohol (optional, for streak-free shine), 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, this helps with shine), and 2 cups of water in a spray bottle. Spray on the glass and wipe with a microfiber cloth.
Toilet bowl cleaner: Sprinkle some baking soda into the toilet bowl, then add a cup of vinegar. Let it fizz, then scrub with a toilet brush and flush.
Gentle Body Care From Nature
Just as we want a clean home without harsh chemicals, our bodies deserve the same gentle treatment. Natural ingredients can cleanse, moisturise, and nourish your skin and hair effectively.
For your skin
Oatmeal: A good way to soothe irritated skin is to use oatmeal. You can use it in a bath or as a gentle exfoliating scrub. Simply grind oats into a fine powder and mix with water or honey. Adding finely ground oats to a warm bath may help calm discomfort and moisturise the skin.
Honey: A natural humectant, which means it draws moisture to the skin, and has antibacterial properties. It can be used as a simple face mask to help leave skin feeling soft and hydrated, or use it as a cleanser.
Coconut oil: An excellent moisturiser for dry skin. It can be used as a body lotion, makeup remover, or hair conditioner. However, it may not suit all skin types, so patch testing is recommended before regular use.
Hair care
Apple cider vinegar (ACV): You can dilute ACV and use it as a clarifying hair rinse to remove product buildup and add shine. Mix 1 part ACV with 4 parts water and apply it after you have shampooed.
Bicarbonate of soda/Baking soda: This can be used as a dry shampoo to absorb excess oil. Sprinkle a small amount onto your scalp and brush it through. If your hair is dark, add a teaspoon of cocoa powder to help it look better on your hair.
Essential oils: Add a few drops of rosemary or peppermint oil to your shampoo or conditioner to stimulate the scalp.
Simple DIY body care
Sugar or salt scrub: Mix 1 cup of sugar or salt with 1/2 cup of a carrier oil like coconut, jojoba, or olive oil. Add a few drops of essential oil (like lavender or grapefruit) for scent. Use in the shower to exfoliate and moisturise.
Honey and lemon face mask: Mix 1 tablespoon of raw honey with 1 teaspoon of fresh lemon juice. Apply to your face, leave on for 10-15 minutes, then rinse. (Test on a small area first, as lemon can be photosensitising).
DIY body wash: Mix 1 part Castile soap with at least 4 to 5 parts water, 1 tablespoon of almond oil, and 10-20 drops of your preferred essential oils before applying
Stay safe with natural products
Natural does not always mean it’s completely safe. Some ingredients can cause allergic reactions or skin irritation. Essential oils, for example, should be used carefully and according to the safety guidelines. Always do a patch test with new products before applying them widely to your skin.
For household cleaning, never mix cleaning ingredients without checking that they can be safely mixed, as some combinations can create harmful gases.
Making the switch
Making the switch to natural cleaning and body care doesn’t have to be an overnight change. Start small and give yourself some time. Natural cleaning doesn’t require any expensive products or complicated routines. By using simple ingredients and practical solutions, you can keep a clean home and take care of your body while reducing waste and saving money.
- Start with one area. Choose either to change your cleaning supplies or your body care products.
- Store properly. Natural products may have a shorter shelf life, so store them in a cool, dark place.
Do you have any natural cleaning? Please let me know in the comments section.
