Your Cheat Sheet For Using Nontoxic Cleaners On Everything

What better way to usher in spring than with a home that’s a blank canvas for all of your warmer-weather intentions? Welcome to Green Clean, a 4-part series with approachable and sustainable tips to help you prepare your space for the new season. We already told you how to declutter your whole home, and now we’re exploring how to deep clean what’s left over using natural products that are easier on the environment—and your health.

Is there anything more satisfying than a good ol' deep clean? Knowing that every single inch of your space has been tended to is a liberating feeling, and knowing exactly what is in your products is even more empowering.

"There are a number of chemicals and hazard concerns associated with conventional all-purpose cleaning products," explains Samara Geller, a database and research analyst at the Environmental Working Group. "All-purpose cleaning wipes and sprays often contain antimicrobial agents designed to kill viruses and bacteria on hard surfaces." However, some of these ingredients that claim to clean and disinfect have been linked to asthma, respiratory infection, allergies, and even certain cancers. The EWG recommends steering clear of the following:

OK, so that's a lot of syllables. Let's break things down into basic steps you can take to lessen your chemical exposure during this year's clean. First off, do your best to avoid the aforementioned multipurpose cleaners altogether, opting for products that have one specific job instead. The EWG also recommends forgoing air fresheners since they come paired with health risks of their own.

Look for products that are certified by Green Seal or EcoLogo. If you come across one that isn't certified but seems innocuous enough, double check by consulting EWG's Guide to Healthy Cleaning database. Or, make this year the one you start making your own cleaning products.

There are plenty of ways to get a little alchemical in your home, and countless benefits of doing so. Experiment with nontoxic options like vinegar diluted with water to clean windows and shine stainless-steel appliances; baking soda mixed with water to form a scrubbing paste for the kitchen or bathroom; and lemon and vinegar for an antiseptic surface cleaner.

Essential oils can add a smell-good, antibacterial punch to your new powerful (not to mention cheap) cleaning arsenal. "Essential oils bring both aroma and benefits to your cleaning," says Charlynn Avery, an aromatherapist and national educator at Aura Cacia. "Assertive oils that evaporate slowly and have a lingering freshening effect are good choices for the bathroom. Other essential oils like eucalyptus and frankincense offer lingering aromas and purifying benefits while citrus essential oils like sweet orange, lemon, and grapefruit are super refreshing."

Here are a few antibacterial oils Avery recommends starting with:

No matter what products you're using, always clean with the windows and doors open. And if you do opt to swap out traditional products with DIY options, make sure you dispose of them properly. Pouring certain cleaners down the drain can harm wildlife and waterways, so always check the label for proper protocol.