Ditch the Chemicals: Vikki Nicolai La Crosse Wi Recommends These 10 DIY Natural Cleaners for a Sparkling Home

Store-bought cleaning products often seem the most convenient option when keeping your home clean. However, environmentalist Vikki Nicolai La Crosse Wi points out that many of these contain harsh chemicals that can irritate skin, damage surfaces, and even impact indoor air quality. Fortunately, you don’t need those chemicals to maintain a sparkling home. There are plenty of DIY natural cleaners you can whip up with ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. Ready to ditch the chemicals? Let’s dive into 10 DIY natural cleaners that leave your home spotless and chemical-free.

1. All-Purpose Vinegar Cleaner

Vinegar is a powerhouse ingredient in natural cleaning. It’s antibacterial, cuts through grease, and dissolves mineral deposits. Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle to make an all-purpose cleaner. Add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to mask the vinegar smell, and you’re all set!

This cleaner is perfect for countertops, sinks, and even mirrors. However, it should be avoided on granite or marble, as the acidity can damage those surfaces.

2. Baking Soda Scrub

Baking soda is your best friend for tougher grime and stains. Victoria Nicolai La Crosse explains that this is a natural deodorizer. It’s a gentle abrasive that can tackle stubborn spots without scratching surfaces.

To create a baking soda scrub, mix baking soda with a bit of water until it forms a paste. Use this paste to scrub sinks, tubs, and even grimy stovetops. For extra power, sprinkle baking soda on the surface first, then spritz with vinegar for a fizzy, stain-busting reaction.

3. Citrus-Infused Vinegar

If you love vinegar as a cleaner but aren’t crazy about the scent, infuse it with citrus! Citrus peels (think orange, lemon, or lime) have natural oils that smell fresh and are excellent for cutting through grease.

To make citrus-infused vinegar, fill a jar with citrus peels and cover them with white vinegar. Let it sit for two weeks, strain the liquid, and pour it into a spray bottle. You now have a powerful, great-smelling cleaner for kitchen counters, cutting boards, and stovetops.

4. Castile Soap Bathroom Cleaner

Bathrooms can be breeding grounds for bacteria and soap scum, but you can tackle both with natural Castile soap. Castile soap is made from vegetable oils, making it an eco-friendly alternative to chemical-laden cleaners.

For a bathroom cleaner, mix 1 cup of castile soap with 3 cups of water and a few drops of tea tree oil (which has antibacterial properties). Use this to clean sinks, toilets, and tiles. Rinse with vinegar afterward for an added shine.

5. Lemon Juice Window Cleaner

Forget about streaky, chemical-heavy glass cleaners—lemon juice works wonders on windows and mirrors. Vikki Nicolai La Crosse Wi says its acidity breaks down grime and leaves a streak-free finish.

Simply mix two tablespoons of lemon juice with one cup of water. Spray onto glass surfaces and wipe clean with a microfiber cloth. Bonus: the fresh lemon scent lingers in the air!

6. Hydrogen Peroxide Disinfectant

Do you need a natural disinfectant? Hydrogen peroxide is a safe, effective way to kill bacteria and viruses on hard surfaces. It’s particularly useful in bathrooms and kitchens, where germs lurk.

Pour 3% hydrogen peroxide into a spray bottle and spritz it on countertops, toilet seats, or cutting boards. Let it sit for 10 minutes, then clean it with a damp cloth. Remember not to mix hydrogen peroxide with vinegar or baking soda, which can create unsafe reactions.

7. Olive Oil Wood Polish

Olive oil is a great natural polisher for wooden furniture or floors needing a little love. It gives the wood a lovely shine and helps protect it from moisture.

Mix 1/4 cup of olive oil with 1/4 cup of vinegar to make a wood polish. Add a few drops of lemon essential oil for a fresh scent. Apply a small amount to a cloth and rub it onto your wooden surfaces—buff with a clean, dry cloth for a gleaming finish.

8. Salt and Lemon Scrub for Cutting Boards

Cutting boards can harbor bacteria and odors, especially after chopping pungent foods like onions or garlic. Victoria Nicolai says a salt and lemon scrub can naturally clean and sanitize your boards.

Sprinkle coarse salt over the surface of your cutting board. Then, cut a lemon in half and use it to scrub the salt into the board. Let it sit for 5 minutes, rinse, and your board will be clean and fresh again.

9. Essential Oil Air Freshener

Store-bought air fresheners often mask odors with chemicals, but you can make a healthier alternative with essential oils. Not only do they smell amazing, but some, like lavender and eucalyptus, also have antibacterial properties.

To make an air freshener, mix 1/2 cup of water, 1/4 cup of rubbing alcohol, and 10-15 drops of your favorite essential oil in a spray bottle. Shake well and spritz around your home for a natural, refreshing scent.

10. Natural Laundry Detergent

If you want to reduce the chemicals in your laundry routine, try making your detergent. Commercial detergents can contain harsh ingredients that irritate sensitive skin, but a natural alternative can be just as effective.

Mix 1 cup of washing soda, 1 cup of borax, and 1 bar of grated castile soap. Use 1-2 tablespoons of this mixture per load of laundry. It’s safe for top—and front-loading machines and will leave your clothes fresh and soft.

Final Thoughts: A Cleaner, Greener Home

Ditching chemical cleaners doesn’t mean sacrificing a clean home. These DIY natural cleaners are simple to make, gentle on your health, and effective at removing dirt and grime. Plus, they’re budget-friendly and better for the environment. So, the next time you reach for store bought cleaner, consider whipping up one of these natural alternatives. Your home (and the planet) will thank you!

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