As families prepare for fall weather and trick-or-treating, who wants to clean and disinfect their homes? To help make your cleaning and disinfecting go smoothly and quickly, use these three healthy, non-toxic, and green ingredients to make your home shine and keep your family germ-free!
Today, conscious consumers are turning to green cleaning disinfectants that tackle grime and germs while staying friendly to the planet. But with so many options on the shelves, how do you choose the best ones?
This guide dives into the top 3 green cleaning disinfectants, revealing their strengths, weaknesses, and everything in between to help you make an informed choice for your sparkling-clean sanctuary.
1. Apple cider vinegar
Our grandmothers knew it best: vinegar, the humble hero of kitchens and pantries, doubles as a powerful disinfectant. Its acidic nature disrupts bacteria cell walls, rendering them harmless. Plus, it cuts through grease and grime like a hot knife through butter, making it a versatile cleaning champion.
Apple cider vinegar is a non-toxic, odor-absorbing, antibacterial alternative to harsh cleaning chemicals. Apple Cider Vinegar also knocks out cooking smells and musky odors from your home.
Mix one part apple cider vinegar with one part water for a great multi-purpose cleaner. Pour into a spray bottle. Spray and then wipe with a microfiber cloth. Your home will smell like fresh apples from the farm!
To keep your furry friends flea-free:
- Dilute one part apple cider vinegar with one part water.
- Rub the mixture into your pets’ fur and work it into their skin to repel the fleas.
- Always check with your vet FIRST to ensure it is safe for your pet.
2. Hydrogen peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide 3% is one of the best natural disinfectants. Even the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency agrees, stating they have approved hydrogen peroxide as a sanitizer.
Grab an empty spray bottle and add a 50/50 water and hydrogen peroxide solution. Start cleaning from top to bottom, left to right! Hydrogen peroxide mixed with water can be used all around the home. Use it in the bathroom to clean mold from the shower. Use it in the laundry to clean and sanitize your clothes. Use it on floors, countertops, and walls.
3. Essential oils
Essential oils are a great addition to non-scented, green cleaning products and homemade, natural cleaning recipes. Made by cold pressing or steaming raw plant material, essential oils are the biodegradable, liquid essence of the plant.
Essential oils are filled with powerful antiseptic, antifungal, antibacterial, and antiviral properties, all of which can get and keep a home clean. Essential oils can purify, disinfect, and remove stains. Many of them are antibacterial and antimicrobial.
Use essential oils in your homemade cleaning products alone, or mix a few different oils. Some oils complement each other: lavender and rosemary, tea tree and orange, peppermint and tea tree, and grapefruit, lemon, and lavender.
Some of my favorite essential oils for sanitizing and disinfecting:
- Lavender, filled with antiviral, bactericidal, fungicidal, and antiseptic properties, is my “go-to” essential oil for evening cleaning. It’s a great-smelling relaxer to add to your nighttime cleaning solutions.
- Lemon, this citrus mood lifter, has antimicrobial, antiseptic, and bactericidal properties. Lemon brightens colors, removes stains, and also cuts through grease and grime.
- Peppermint essential oil is a revitalizing and stimulating oil. Its minty scent not only wakes you up but is also an antibacterial and a natural pest deterrent.
- Tea tree oil is a powerful cleaning oil with antimicrobial, antifungal, antiseptic, bactericidal, and insecticidal properties. It is the perfect oil for your homemade bathroom and kitchen cleaning solutions. It is the perfect essential oil for the upcoming fall flu season!
- Orange essential oil is a refreshing oil with antiseptic, antibacterial, and antifungal properties. It is a degreaser and helps remove Salmonella and E. Coli from kitchen items like cutting boards and countertops. Add a few drops to a spray bottle filled with water and clean away!
Essential oils are found in health food stores. Be sure to look for pure, undiluted, or organic essential oils.
How do you know if a cleaning product is eco-friendly?
Choosing green cleaning disinfectants isn’t just about ticking environmental boxes; it’s about making informed decisions for your health and well-being.
Here are some key factors to consider:
Effectiveness
While green disinfectants may not be as potent against every germ as their synthetic counterparts, they’re still incredibly effective for everyday cleaning. Remember, prevention is key! Regular cleaning with natural disinfectants reduces the overall germ load in your home, creating a healthier environment.
Ingredients
Scrutinize the label! Look for plant-based ingredients like thymol, citric acid, and vinegar. Avoid harsh chemicals like chlorine bleach, triclosan, and formaldehyde, which can harm humans and the environment.
Certifications
Look for certifications like EPA’s Safer Choice label or Green Seal, ensuring the product meets strict environmental and safety standards.
Gentleness
Green disinfectants are generally gentler on hands and surfaces than their traditional counterparts. This is especially important for people with sensitive skin or allergies.
Cost
While some green disinfectants may be slightly more expensive than traditional cleaners, the long-term benefits for your health and the planet outweigh the initial cost. Consider making your solutions with vinegar or citrus oils as a budget-friendly option.
Versatility
Many green disinfectants are multi-purpose cleaners, eliminating the need for many products. This saves you money, reduces clutter, and minimizes your environmental impact.
Smell
Ditch the chemical fumes! Green disinfectants often have pleasant natural scents like citrus, lavender, or eucalyptus. Choose a scent that suits your preferences and creates a calming atmosphere in your home.
The best green cleaning products are the ones that work for you and your home. Experiment with different options, consider your needs and preferences and choose eco-friendly products that leave your home sparkling clean and your conscience clear.
When disinfecting your home, don’t forget to clean first! Most germs attach to dirt, but dirt can reduce the effectiveness of many disinfectants and sanitizers. Thoroughly clean all countertops and surfaces before sanitizing or disinfecting. If your cleaning regime only calls for one step, use a cleaning solution with sanitizing or disinfecting ingredients. Be sure to follow all cleaning instructions on store-bought cleaners regarding proper dilution, dwell time, application, and rinsing, so your sanitizing and disinfecting works.
Remember, consistency is key. Regular cleaning with green disinfectants and good hygiene practices like handwashing create a healthy and eco-friendly home environment.
By embracing green cleaning, you’re not just giving your home a makeover; you’re making a conscious choice for a healthier planet and a brighter future. So, ditch the harsh chemicals, embrace the power of nature, and let your home sparkle with the glow of green consciousness!
I hope this continuation meets your expectations and provides a comprehensive overview of green cleaning disinfectants. Feel free to ask any further questions, and let’s keep the conversation on sustainable cleaning flowing!
