Natural Home Care Remedies

During the course of taking care of the home, it is possible to create a situation where there is a build up of chemicals in the atmosphere. To consider this, take a look through your cleaning cupboard and check some of the ingredients that are contained in the cleaning substances. I bet you will be hard-pressed to pronounce them, let alone know understand what they are or what they contain.

Though many cleaning products are used in conjunction with water, this does not mean that all traces of the cleaning product will be rinsed away. Not only can the chemicals from the cleaning substances remain on the surface, but they can also linger in the atmosphere and create issues without appearing to be the culprit.

Many people who suffer the symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as sneezing, coughing or itchy eyes, on walking into a room may find that this could be a reaction to chemicals. It will be prudent to check the contents of the cleaning substances to determine whether you are actually allergic to any of them. However, even if not specifically allergic to anything, it is still possible to suffer a reaction.

It is possible to completely avoid the harm that can result from using the harsh chemicals contained in cleaning products, whether minor, such as sneezing and itching, or more severe, like hives, swelling and breathing difficulties.

To this end, it is useful to be aware of what natural products can be used for the purpose of cleaning and taking care of the home, which will ensure that the home can remain clean without the need for any nasty, potentially harmful components. This can be especially necessary when it comes to a house that plays home to children and/or children as it will be a safer environment for them.

Natural products can also be more effective in achieving the desired result so that the result can be better than that which is possible with commercial brands. Further, natural products are also often cheaper than shop brands so will leave more money in your pocket as well as less residue in your home.

General Cleaning

Cleaning is one of the main benefits of the use of natural remedies as cleaning is necessary in every part of the home, which will increase the likelihood of coming into contact with chemicals. Those who suffer skin complaints, such as eczema or dermatitis, may find that dust can be the culprit, as well as the chemicals used to get rid of it.

Dusting with a feather duster or dry cloth often only serves to move the dust from one place to another, which is of no benefit at all. Instead, feather dusters should be avoided altogether and a cloth should be dampened with water and used to wipe the dusty surface. This will help to ensure the debris is gathered and can be disposed of by rinsing the cloth in clean water before being reused.

If possible to take furniture outside to clean, this option should be used to prevent dust from remaining in the home. If not, keep windows open while cleaning to give dust and debris a means of escape which will reduce the risk of particles hanging around the atmosphere and being breathed in.

This will also negate the need for commercial furniture polish, which can leave a build-up on surfaces. In the event that wood furniture requires protection or shine, natural bee’s wax or linseed oil should be used.

Window glass and stainless steel are similar in that they are both at their best when they are sparkling clean. Rather than using products specially formulated to clean windows, the chore of window cleaning can be undertaken by mixing white vinegar with water as the former is very effective in providing a streak-free clean. One part vinegar to three parts warm water will work well.

Kitchen

The above solution that can be used on glass can also be used to clean for stainless steel, such as cutlery and cookware. In the event that the sink and drainage board suffering staining, a combination of bicarbonate of soda and white vinegar can be used to clean away debris. The mixture will fizz up and get working immediately and working it in with a cloth help it to work further. It can then be rinsed away with clean water.

Pots and pans that have become stained will benefit from some rhubarb, which contains a component that works well in removing stains from stainless steel. Cut the rhubarb into chunks and boil it in the pan to be cleaned with a little water and allow it to stew gently. Dispose of the rhubarb before cleaning the cookware as usual.

Pest Control

Discovering pests in your home can be more than just a shocking experience, but it can also be highly aggravating. It can create the desire to get whatever chemical necessary to get rid of the annoying invaders.

Dried lemon peel and cedar wood are effective in getting rid of moths, which are repelled by the scent.

Pepper can be used to get rid of ants as it is not possible for them to walk across a line of it, as it is too hot. Accordingly, pepper should be used in areas where ants are seen before their means of entrance can be dealt with.

In the garden, plants and flowers can be disturbed and destroyed by cats, dogs and foxes. Citrus oil helps repel these animals and stop them messing up your garden, which can be used in the form of a spray or by planting citrus plants.

Mice do not like the smell of mint so add a few drops of mint essential oil to cotton balls and lay them in the corners of the room close to the baseboard.

Maintenance

Rather than using spray air fresheners or joss sticks, which can leave vapour and smoke in the atmosphere respectively, the scent of a room can be created by adding a few drops of your favourite smelling essential oil, such as rose or lavender, to the surface of a warm radiator.

By using natural products, not only will allergy symptoms be a thing of the past, but you will also be able to clean your home without spending lots of money on unnecessary products.