How to Declutter and Detox Your Cleaning Routine

Here’s the dirty secret about popular household cleaning products: many cause more harm than good. Some traditional cleaning products can irritate your eyes and throat, and lead to other health complications down the line. 

Aside from these unfortunate facts, owning too many cleaning products can needlessly clutter up your home. I can barely count the number of kitchen sink cabinets I’ve encountered that are packed with expired cleaning products, some even dating back to the 80s 😳

The truth about house-cleaning is that you only need a handful of ingredients (not a utility closet’s worth!) to get the job done. And the best part is that you probably already have many of these ingredients at home. And best of all, they’re all nontoxic! 

So here’s how to declutter your cleaning routine:

Start by disposing of old cleaning products. Whether you’ve got cleaning products from the 90s or just a few years back, you can still use them up (only caveat is that they will be less effective). However, if you’re raring to get on that nontoxic cleaning train, simply dump these cleaning products right down the drain. Some cleaning products you CANNOT pour down the drain: drain cleaner (ironic); silver polish; chlorine bleach; oven cleaners; and nail polish remover.

You can also give your cleaning products to a local charity, church, or homeless shelter. There’s Freecycle, too, which is a really handy community reuse site. Otherwise, check out your municipal government’s website for hazardous waste drop-off locations near you. 

Once you’ve disposed of your cleaning products, it’s time to give your cleaning arsenal a makeover. 

All-purpose Cleaner:

Give the other popular All-Purpose cleaner that comes in a bright yellow bottle the boot. I make my own All-Purpose cleaner with warm water and a few drops of dish soap (you can use castile soap too!). If you’re less into the whole DIY situation, Seventh Generation’s All Purpose cleaner works fine too. Just note that the best way to clean marble surfaces is with warm soapy water. 

For Windows, Mirrors and Stainless Steel:

If you’ve been using traditional window/glass cleaners forever (rhymes with shindex), consider swapping them for vinegar and water. I use cleaning vinegar because it’s 20% stronger than regular white vinegar, but either works great.

Vinegar pretty much lasts forever, it’s inexpensive, and works wonders on glass, mirrors, and stainless steel. I make a vinegar spray with 1/2 cup cleaning vinegar and 1/2 cup water. If you can’t handle the smell of vinegar, adding 10 drops of essential oil to the mix will always freshen things up. My essential oils of choice: peppermint and lemon. 

For Drains, Ovens and Kitchen Sinks:

Now for baking soda. Baking soda has been used to clean the home since the biblical times so you know it’s good. Swap the oven degreaser for some baking soda and lemon. Trash the drano and pour some baking soda and vinegar down the drain. Clean your sink with a sprinkle of baking soda and a drizzle of dish soap. Easy peasy. Since I use it so frequently, I like to buy large containers. 

For Rust and Grease Removal:

Let’s talk salt and lemon. Who doesn’t have a lemon floating around in their fridge, or a big box of salt in the corner of their pantry? Salt is an amazing abrasive that can be used to scrub grease away from pots and pans in combination with vinegar (a Victorian cleaning hack that still works!). Rub some salt and lemon juice on rust and it will kick it to the curb with enthusiasm. 

For Bathtubs, Tiles and Sinks: 

Finally, it’s nice to have some Bon Ami Cleaning Powder on hand. I use it to clean bathtubs and sinks. The nontoxic equivalent of Barkeeper’s friend, Bon Ami is a keeper because it’s inexpensive and so easy to use. Sprinkle it on a surface, wipe a damp sponge on top, then rinse. 

For Disinfecting (e.g., toilets, doorknobs, sinks, countertops):

As for disinfectants, hydrogen peroxide is a great natural disinfectant. You don’t need gallons of Clorox cleaner or big bulky bottles of Lysol to disinfect your home. Spray high-touch surfaces with hydrogen peroxide, let it sit for five minutes and call it a day. 

Transitioning to a more natural cleaning routine has been one of the highlights of my adult life! I don’t have to wear rubber gloves as much, and I now have more space in my home for other stuff. It’s empowering to know exactly how to clean your home using basic, simple ingredients.

Go at your own pace! Clean your home in whatever way suits you and your lifestyle, but remember that cleaning doesn’t have to be so complicated.