Spring is around the corner—really, it is—and it’s a great time to throw open the windows, air out the house and scrub away winter’s residue. You don’t need any special cleaners or germ-killing formulas—and in fact, you don’t want triclosan, triclocarbon and pthalates, which are common in traditional store-bought cleaning formulas. For this simple two-step healthy, green cleaning regimen, all you need is white vinegar, baking soda and hydrogen peroxide. 

1.       Kill germs. 

You don’t have to pollute your home with chlorine bleach and toxic antibacterial agents such as triclosan and triclocarban. Natural Home magazine reports that the American Medical Association advises against using antibacterial products because they promote the proliferation of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. A wipe-down with white vinegar or hydrogen peroxide disinfects kitchen and bathroom surfaces—and don’t forget door handles. The best way to get rid of germs is plain soap and hot water, Natural Home advises. 

2.       Clean the air.  

Because commercial air fresheners contain hormone-disrupting chemicals such as phthalates, the healthiest alternative is fresh air Open the windows. Place an odor-absorbing dish of baking soda or borax on kitchen and bathroom counters out of reach of children and pets.

 

Baking soda is an economical, versatile scouring powder and air freshener. Photo by Povy Kendal Atchison