Baking soda
Hydrogen peroxide
Essential oils
Natural Cleaning Ingredients
and Why They Work
Distilled white
vinegar
Castile soap
Baking Soda
Its mild alkalinity helps dissolve dirt and grease, and its abrasive nature helps scrub away dirt and grime. Since it absorbs odors from the air, it can also be used as a deodorizer.
Distilled white vinegar
Made of acetic acid and water, its mild acidity helps cut through dirt and grease and dissolve mineral deposits. It may also help kill some germs, but not all.
Castile soap
Made from plant-based oils (usually vegetable oil), its alkaline properties help lift dirt, oil and grime away.
Hydrogen peroxide
Through its oxidative power, it kills germs and eliminates stains — making it a great alternative to bleach. However, like bleach, it can remove color from fabric.
Essential oils
Provide a pleasant aroma to mixtures containing strong- smelling ingredients, like vinegar. Certain oils may also help kill some germs, including lemongrass and peppermint. However, many are toxic or harmful to pets.