Whether you are making an effort to shield the environment or just your family and pets, finding ways to clean your home or apartment organically and naturally is a must. The truth is that the type of cleaners available in today’s market are packed with harsh chemicals that can harm the environment and can put those closest to you at risk. From air pollutants to skin irritants that harm the upper respiratory system and induce asthma attacks, the cocktails found in these types of products can cause more harm than good. Fortunately, there are a few different options available for those who prefer to clean their house naturally and organically. Here is a look at ten affordable alternatives that you can start using right away.

Floor Cleaner

Most types of floors can be effectively and safely cleaned with the following concoction:

  • ¼ cup liquid castile soap
  • ½ cup white vinegar or lemon juice
  • 2 gallons of luke-warm water

Mix all of these components together in a small plastic container and wash with a soft cloth or a mop. The white vinegar kills germs and bacteria while the lemon juice functions as a non-toxic bleach that is capable of removing stains and break down grease. Liquid castile soap, which is plant-based instead of animal fat-based, is also an outstanding disinfectant and grease-cutter.

Glass Cleaner

An environmentally friendly glass cleaner can be made with just putting club soda in a spray bottle.  Club soda can function as both a stain removal agent and as a polisher. For a little added oomph and a fresh scent, add 1 teaspoon of lemon juice to the mixture.

Wood Polish

You can give your wood furniture a really nice shine with just a few drops of olive oil and an old soft sock. All you need to do is massage it in lightly and enjoy in the beautiful luster.

Carpet Cleaner

Carpet cleaning is easy with this environmentally friendly mix:

  • ½ cup baking soda
  • 1 cup borax
  • 1 cup cornmeal

The baking soda helps to get rid of odors, while the cornmeal helps to clean up spills. Borax, on the other hand, serves as an antifungal ingredient that helps to get rid of odors and removing grime. When using this mixture, just dust it over the carpet floor and let it rest for several hours prior to vacuuming it up.

Carpet Stain Remover

If your carpet has become stained, you can get rid of the stains with a combination of ¼ cup liquid castile soap and 1/3 cup water. Just mix the two ingredients in a mixer until the cocktail becomes foamy. Then, spread the mix over the stained spot and let it sit for a couple minutes before cleaning the area with a soft rag. Club soda is also a useful stain remover for acidic stains, such as wine, coffee or juice.

Bathroom Cleaner

To clean bathroom surfaces that need a soft application, combine ½ cup of baking soda with liquid castile soap until getting a frosting-like uniformity is attained. Add several drops of essential oils for a clean, fresh and pleasant scent. For areas that require a little more scouring power, baking soda or borax will be effective. For plumbing fixtures, all you need is a little club soda to get it to shine.

Toilet Cleaner

You’ve got several options for cleaning your toilet in a safe, eco-friendly way. You can pour a ¼ cup of vinegar into the toilet.  Alternatively you can sprinkle a bit of borax or baking soda inside the bowl. Allow your cleaner of choice to sit in the toilet bowl for at least a few minutes before scouring with a toilet brush.

All-Purpose Cleaner

For the bathroom, kitchen and nearly any other surface in your home, you can put together an all-purpose eco-friendly cleaner by mixing two tablespoons and one teaspoon of borax into a 16 oz. spray bottle. Fill the container with hot water and shake it up until the borax has dissolved completely. Next, add ¼ cup of liquid castile soap. 10-15 drops of the essential oil of your choice will give your home made all-purpose cleaner a crisp fresh scent.

Oven Cleaner

Even your oven can be cleaned with natural ingredients. First, cover the oven floor with a dusting of baking soda. Then, spray the baking soda lightly with water.  Keep spraying the oven until bedtime. Allow the mixture to sit overnight before scrubbing it off.

Mold Remover

Mold can be removed with a mixture of ½ cup white vinegar and 1 cup water or ½ cup hydrogen peroxide and one cup water. Hydrogen peroxide is an outstanding alternative to bleach that is a proven stain remover and disinfectant.