We recently talked about the fact that many women are making the switch to natural beauty products. As these women know, limiting the amount of chemicals you apply to your skin each day is important for your health, as well as the planet.

However, while moving towards non-toxic makeup is certainly a step in the right direction, it’s just as important to pay attention to the products you’re using around the house. There’s not much point avoiding nasty ingredients in your skincare if you’re cleaning your home with harsh chemical cleaners!

In the same way that many beauty products contain confusing amounts of harmful chemicals, regular cleaning products can be just as bad for your health. So how can you avoid using these products around the home?

The Benefits of a Chemical-Free Home

If you’re thinking seriously about making a commitment to a greener lifestyle, switching to organic, natural cleaning products is a smart move. Embracing a chemical-free home will bring a number of benefits to you and your family.

Whether it’s through contact with your skin or inhaled through the air in the home, toxins found in cleaning products can lead to serious health conditions. In contrast, chemical-free sprays and liquids are much safer, with no risk of chemical burns to skin or eyes and less risk of skin irritations, including eczema.

And while it’s hard to escape the amount of toxins encountered outside each day, you can have control over reducing air pollution in your own home. Natural cleaners present a lower risk of respiratory and breathing problems, which is particularly important if anyone in your home suffers from asthma.

Better for You and the Environment

Not surprisingly, chemicals not only cause damage to our bodies, but are bad news for the environment. When you make the move to non-toxic home cleaning products, you’ll have peace of mind that you’re choosing sprays and liquids that are 100% environmentally-friendly.

With smarter shopping choices, you can help reduce the pollution of our air and waterways and minimise your impact on the Earth’s ecosystem. This will have less of a damaging effect on our precious flora and fauna, while contributing less to ozone damage and climate change.

So… ready to make your household a non-toxic home environment, but not quite sure how to start?

Natural, Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products

You can find plenty of natural, organic chemical-free cleaning products in your local supermarket or online. The best way to make sure a product is non-toxic is to look for a complete list of ingredients on its label – even when it’s advertised as organic or eco-friendly. Look for natural, plant-based ingredients, without any chemical numbers or names.

For complete peace of mind, you can also make your own eco-friendly cleaning products. People have been using common pantry items to clean their homes for decades, and you might be surprised by how easy and affordable this option is.

Here are three of my favourite natural, non-toxic cleaners for use around the home. Enjoy your new chemical-free environment and relax knowing that you’re taking good care of your health and the future of the planet.

• White vinegar

The best all-rounder cleaning product, white vinegar is a non-toxic acid that works as a mild disinfectant for kitchen benches, bathrooms, toilets, floors and windows. Add white vinegar to water in a spray bottle for a handy multipurpose cleaner.

• Bicarbonate soda

Also known as baking soda, bicarbonate soda eliminates and neutralises odours, making it perfect for deoderising the pantry, fridge, rugs, rubbish and wheelie bins. Put a tablespoon of bicarb in a cup of white vinegar to easily clear and clean blocked drains.

• Eucalyptus oil

Eucalyptus oil has wonderful antiseptic and disinfectant qualities, as well as a fresh, clean smell, making it the ideal cleaner for toilet and bathroom areas. Like all essential oils, it won’t cause any damage to waterways, keeping your conscience clean and your home smelling beautiful.

Kerrie-Anne Chinn is an Australian freelance writer, working with companies whose products or services are ethical, sustainable and environmentally-conscious. Her writing focuses primarily on issues such as environmental awareness, social justice, cultural diversity, gender equality, and positive mental health.

You can read more of Kerrie-Anne’s articles on her website or contact her by email at kerrieannechinn@gmail.com