Green cleaning

What I like about cleaning my home, is the absence of scent. I do not have any allergies to scents, per se, but I certainly dislike the smell of fake lemons or pine trees. I get a headache when I smell a fake flower, especially in a bathroom. A fresh smell can be as subtle as a burst of fresh air in a room. There is not need to coat the air with artificial smells, in order to be clean.

If you are trying to go green, here are 5 eco friendly cleaners, you probably have in your home right now.

1. Baking Soda - I know, you have heard it again and again, but it bears repeating. Baking soda is the powerhouse of cleaning supplies. Use it on a damp sponge, to scrub just about anything. It wont mar any surface, and removes odors. Try it mixed with dried rosemary for extra scrubbing power. If you are looking for a room freshener, look no further, mix 1 cup of baking soda with up to 12 drops of Lavender essential oil. Sprinkle liberally on your carpet, wait an hour and then vacuum.
2. Vinegar - Yes, boring but true. Vinegar is an acid, killing most household bacteria and leaving no scent when dried. Perfect for the areas that you eat off of, no need to rinse this excellent household cleaner off before making that sandwich. Vinegar also cuts grease like a champ.
3. Lemon juice - You don't like the smell of vinegar, you say? Try using lemon juice for anything where vinegar is recommended. Love the scent, but it won't last after it is dried. Just a clean surface.
4. Soap - Wait, I said soap, not detergent. Soap is gentle and effective.  You more than likely won't be able to find it in your grocery store. Castile soap sometimes is available. Look for the word "soap" on the package. You can find plenty of pure, natural, homemade soaps online though. I  make mine with simple lard, for cleaning. It works excellent!
5. Washing Soda - Washing soda is another super effective and natural cleaning product. Washing soda, is actually Sodium Carbonate. It is the best for washing clothes, especially cloth diapers. It can also be used to scrub surfaces and soften water. In the laundry aisle, take a look for it!

Try some of these natural cleaning products in your home. Once you have cleaned with some of these, try opening your windows for a few minutes, let some fresh air in and stale air out. It is the perfect ending for a  healthy cleaning day.